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GET READY before an event happens
Planning
Ahead
Q:
Why
do something now?
A: The more you do ahead of time,
the better you'll be prepared if something happens. Determine how much
time you have available. A lot of time, or just a little, decide what's
most important first and then do it. Consider various options and what
works best for you.
You should
do everything possible to assure your safety and that of your family.
And doing something will give you and your family the knowledge that you
have taken action to protect them. Use your time carefully. Even if time
is short, you have time to do something to protect yourself and your family.
That's primary in getting through a crisis.
Q:
What should I do now?
A:
There are three basic steps you should take.
- Get
Ready before an event happens. Take some basic precautions ahead
of time to assure your safety and that of your family.
- Make
a kit of emergency supplies.
- Make
a plan for what you will do in an emergency.
- Be
informed about what might happen.
- Listen
for vital information. Find out where to get reliable information. Your
radio and television are primary sources of information. Learn what
your Emergency Alert System stations are. If something happens, tune
in to your station for information on what to do. Remember much of what
you do depends where you are in relation to the incident.
- Act
to protect yourself and your family. When an incident occurs you will
be ready to take action. Depending on where you are in relation to the
incident, authorities may recommend that you stay where you are or evacuate.
Q:
How can I plan now?
A:
Review available materials on different kinds of disaster. Whether it's
a hurricane, a flood, a tornado or terrorist incident, much of what you
do will be similar. In a specific situation, you will have to be flexible
in how you respond because we can't give you all the specifics.
For now,
we recommend you put together a Personal
Action Plan. We have one on our Web site at www.vaemergency.com.
Answer the questions and fill in the blanks. Then keep the information
posted on your refrigerator or some other prominent spot. You'll have
it ready when you need it. Also, keep a copy with your disaster kit.
Personal
Action Plan
Q:
What goes into a Personal Action Plan?
A:
A Personal Action Plan includes:
- Your
local Emergency Alert System radio or television broadcast station.
The stations will have the latest information to guide you.
- Evacuation
Centers in your area and how to get to them from home and work. Check
with your local emergency management office for details. Typically,
they are located in schools or other public buildings.
- Phone
numbers - out-of-town family or friends, local emergency management
office, non-emergency police, doctor, school, work.
- Where
to leave your pets. Only seeing-eye dogs and service animals are allowed
in most public shelters.
Length
of preparations
Q:
How long should I prepare for?
A:
Prepare to be on your own for several days. In a major disaster, emergency
responders will be working around the clock. It's virtually impossible
for them to reach everyone right away, so families should prepare to be
self-sufficient for at least three days. You may be without power and
water for a prolonged period, isolated due to blocked roads and highways
and unable to communicate by land lines or cell phones.
Q: What steps should I take now?
A:
You should follow practical guidelines that can be used in any disaster,
not just a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) emergency. Use protective
measures endorsed by a reliable source.
Here are
some basic things you need to do:
- Assemble
a disaster supply kit with at least three days' emergency supplies and
keep it in a specified place known to all family members.
- Keep
important papers in a safe place.
- Make
a contact list of out-of-town relatives or friends with telephone numbers
and e-mail addresses. Arrange for someone from outside your area to
be your family's emergency contact.
- Make
a list of the things you need to take, if told to evacuate.
- Choose
a family meeting place away from your home.
Disaster
supply kit
Q:
What goes into a disaster kit?
A:
Gather a disaster kit. It could take several days before authorities can
reach your area. You should round up enough food, water and clothing to
last you three days. You may have many items already on hand. If you have
a disaster kit ready, you're that much ahead of the game.
Include
a copy of your Personal Action Plan. Be sure to have a list of telephone
numbers. You may need to contact friends or family. If you have time,
contact family or friends in another area. Should you need to evacuate,
you will have a better idea of where to go.
Q: What goes into a disaster supply kit?
A:
Having essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable
in the event of a disaster. Put together a three-day supply of the following
items in an easy-to-carry container:
- Food
that does not require preparation like canned meat, vegetables and fruit
- Manual
can opener
- At least
three gallons of bottled water per family member
- Battery-operated
radio
- Flashlights
- Extra
batteries
- First
aid kit
- Prescription
medications or pet supplies
- Duct
tape and plastic sheeting
Emergency
Alert System broadcasts
Q:
What is the Emergency Alert System (EAS)?
A:
The Emergency Alert System enables the president to address the American
people directly in the event of a national emergency. The system gives
the president access to thousands of broadcast stations, cable systems
and participating satellite programmers to transmit a message to the public.
The EAS and its predecessor,
the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS), have never been activated for this
purpose. For the past 40 years, however, state and local emergency announcements
have been transmitted through the system.
Your local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station will be a primary source of information and
instructions. You will receive specific instructions on what to do in
your area. Remember that an emergency may affect each area differently.
Q: How do I find my EAS station?
A:
Tune in to a radio or television station where you normally get your news.
Make a note of your stations on your Personal
Action Plan (available at www.vaemergency.com).
If you have cable television, note which cable channel you should access.
Q:
How will I find out about an emergency situation such as an attack late
at night?
A:
For specific threats to Virginia citizens, the Emergency Alert System
(EAS) and National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio would be used to quickly
transmit these notices to affected areas. NOAA weather radios are especially
effective because they have an automatic alert feature so you don't have
to be tuned in to radio or television stations to receive the notice.
Some models can even be programmed for your specific area. These radios
are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at electronics stores
across the country.
Public
shelter
Q:
Are there any bomb shelters I can go to if there is an emergency?
A:
Since 1970, most of the state's existing civil defense shelters have either
been closed or fallen into disrepair. There may be private shelters in
office buildings, churches, schools or houses, but Virginia has no official
statewide listing of these locations. In
keeping with both Virginia and the nation's strong emphasis on all hazards
preparedness, every locality does have shelters identified for use in
the event of natural or manmade emergencies. Typically these shelters
are in schools or other public buildings rather than underground facilities.
Q:
Where do I find out about building a bomb shelter?
A:
Numerous guidelines and directions are available for building "safe
rooms" traditionally used for protection against tornadoes and hurricanes.
These plans are posted on the FEMA web site at www.fema.gov/mit//saferoom.
FEMA also printed some books on the subject in the 1980's and there are
a number of plans available from private businesses and nonprofit groups.
Q:
Do you recommend building a bomb shelter?
A:
The decision to construct a bomb shelter is a personal choice. Below ground
shelters provide protection against radiation but could be a dangerous
choice if the weapon used is a chemical agent that is heavier than air.
It is also important to remember that where you are in relation to the
impact of a weapon of mass destruction will affect what you should do
to protect yourself and your family.
In a time of heightened alert, you should monitor world and local events,
consider the possible impact on your area and be prepared to respond.
Information on preparing for disasters is available on the VDEM Web site
at www.vaemergency.com. Listen
to local radio and television newscasts for authoritative information
on what you should do in an actual event.
Q:
How do I find out the location of the nearest public shelter?
A:
Localities throughout Virginia have emergency plans that include emergency
shelters for various types of disasters including floods, hurricanes and
terrorist incidents. Usually, large public buildings such as schools or
community centers are picked because they offer the greatest level of
public safety and will provide shelter, food and clothing for those who
need assistance.
Contact
your local emergency management office to be sure of the location. That
number is listed in your local telephone directory. Make sure you know
how to get to the nearest public shelter from home or work. Note the location
and directions in your Personal Action Plan.
Note
that public shelters will not allow you to bring in pets, except for service
animals and Seeing Eye dogs.
Special
needs
Q:
How do I arrange for special assistance for a disabled person?
A:
Make arrangements for special assistance in advance of any emergency situation.
If someone including you has any physical limitations, requires special
assistance or has transportation needs, please register annually with
your local emergency management office. Check your phone book for your
local emergency management office. The information will be kept confidential.
Q:
What should I do about my pets?
A:
Public shelters generally prohibit pets except for Seeing Eye dogs and
service animals. You should make arrangements to board your pets with
someone away from the area or keep your pets inside with a three-day supply
of food and water.
Shelter
in place
Q:
What is "sheltering-in-place?"
A:
In many cases, you may be better off staying where you are than evacuating
to another location. If you are not in imminent danger from the event
or its consequences, you should probably stay in your current location.
However, you will need to listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio station to receive directions and guidance. Pay close attention
for instructions regarding your immediate area.
Authorities
may call for a "phased evacuation," moving those at greatest
risk of injury or loss of life to safety first. In highly-populated areas,
highways are congested under normal conditions. In an emergency, a large
number of people trying to leave an area at once could mean lengthy gridlock.
Being stuck in traffic while danger still threatens may put your safety
at greater risk than staying in your home or in another substantial structure.
Antidotes
Q:
Are antidotes available for bio-chemical attacks?
A:
Drugs are available to counter the effects of many agents, but you would
need to gather the necessary equipment or medications beforehand. There
are things you can do to counter the effects of a bio-chemical attacks
if you have the necessary equipment or medications handy.
Available
antidotes include atropine for nerve agent exposure, potassium iodide
(KI) where radioactive iodine is present and various antibiotics for anthrax
exposure.
It is important
to understand that these medications can do more harm than good if not
taken properly and self-dosing is not recommended. In the event of a biological
attack, individuals should have time to seek medical care.
Q:
How much time do I have in a chemical attack?
A:
Chemical agents often work much faster than biological agents. If you
see signs of a chemical attack, quickly try to define the impacted area
or where the chemical is coming from, if possible. If you are outdoors,
you need to consider whether you can get out of the area or if it would
be better to go inside a building and shelter in place.
If you are
inside a building in which you suspect a chemical release, you will need
to either get out of the building without passing through the contaminated
area or move as far away from the suspected location of the release and
follow your plan to shelter in place.
Gas
Mask Use
Q:
Where can I get a gas mask?
A:
We view the purchase of escape hoods, gas masks and similar equipment
a matter of personal choice. If you wish, you may search the Internet
for gas masks and escape hoods, or check the Yellow Pages under Safety
Equipment and Clothing.
Escape hoods,
gas masks and similar equipment are difficult to use properly and have
numerous limitations. Escape hoods are made of plastic and have a special
filter. They must be put on in a clean environment and taken off promptly
after the wearer has gone through a contaminated area.
Gas masks
must be fitted to each individual and they must contain the proper filter
in order to be effective. With the large number of potential chemical
agents, it is impossible to know in advance which filter should be used.
With some chemicals, gas masks would be totally ineffective.
Depending
on how contaminated the air is, the hood or mask could stop working in
less than 20 minutes. Batteries in powered air units typically expire
in a few hours.
For the
general population, we recommend standard protective actions of sheltering
in place or evacuation. You can find guidance about sheltering in place
or evacuation on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Web site.
(That Web address is www.vaemergency.com.)
Or, call your local emergency management office or the American Red Cross
chapter.
Tune in
to the radio or television station where you normally get your news for
information on what actions to take. Where you are in relation to the
site of an incident will affect how you should respond. Listen carefully.
Q:
What about biological agents?
A:
A common face mask - the N95 dust mask - will provide protection against
such agents as anthrax. These masks are inexpensive and readily available
at hardware stores.
Triage
Q:
What is triage?
A:
In a disaster, triage means separating victims into three basic categories
for treatment:
- Those
who can wait for medical treatment because their injuries are not life
threatening.
- Those
who need immediate medical treatment and have a good chance of survival.
- Those
whose injuries are so severe that they have little chance of survival.
Triage emphasizes
putting resources where they will do the most good. With modern medical
technology and techniques, first responders have a greater chance of saving
lives than in the past.
Volunteerism
Q:
I would like to help the community prepare. What opportunities are there?
A:
There are many ways you can help your community. You can help strengthen
your neighborhood, state and nation through volunteerism and service.
Volunteering
to support your first responders during this busy time is one good way
to help your community. Another way to help is to learn new skills that
can help you and your family be prepared for all types of disasters.
To find
volunteer and preparedness opportunities in your locality visit the Virginia
Corps Web site at www.virginiacorps.org
or call the toll free number 1-866-239-4868. Virginia Corps can help connect
you to the many different preparedness and support efforts close to home.
LISTEN for
vital information
Information sources
Q:
When disaster strikes what's a good source of information?
A:
When disaster strikes, it is important that you tune to your local Emergency Alert System radio or television station for current emergency information.
Current information will carry specific recommendations tailored to the
event that is happening.
Listen carefully. An event can affect you very differently depending on
where you are. In some cases you're better off staying where you are,
or you may have to move. Make particular note of whether authorities recommend
you stay where you are (shelter-in-place) or evacuate.
Threat
codes
Q:
What do Code Yellow, Code Orange and Code Red alerts mean?
A:
Virginia has adopted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's color-coded
Homeland Security Advisory System, which categorizes credible threats
at five levels ranging from green (low) to red (high). The higher the
threat condition, the greater the risk of a terrorist attack. Risk includes
both the probability of an attack occurring and its potential gravity.
Citizens often want to know what they should do at each threat level.
The Office
of Commonwealth Preparedness Web site contains a comprehensive listing
of recommended citizen actions. The address is www.commonwealthpreparedness.virginia.gov.
Q:
What do the codes mean specifically?
A:
Here is a summary of what the codes mean, going from green to blue to
yellow to orange to red.
CODE
GREEN: Low risk of terrorism. Routine security is implemented
to preclude routine criminal threats.
CODE
BLUE: General risk with no credible threats to specific targets.
CODE
YELLOW: Elevated risk of terrorist attack but a specific region of
the USA or target has not been identified.
CODE
ORANGE: Credible intelligence indicates that there is a high risk
of a local terrorist attack but a specific target has not been identified.
CODE RED: A terrorist attack has occurred or credible and corroborated
intelligence indicates that one is imminent. Normally, this threat condition
is declared for a specific location or critical facility.
Shelter in place
Q:
What do I do if I'm told to shelter-in-place?
A:
If you are in a substantial building, stay where you are.
- Focus
on what you need to do to protect yourself and your family.
- Stay
tuned to an Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for additional information.
- Stay
indoors and close all windows, doors, vents and fireplace dampers.
- Turn
off all devices that draw in outside air, such as air conditioners,
heat pumps and fans.
- Do not
use the telephone unless it is absolutely necessary. Phone lines should
be used for emergency communication only.
Duct
tape and plastic
Q:
Should I seal up a room with duct tape and plastic sheeting?
A:
Seal up a room only if you are advised to do so. Authorities may ask you
to tape and seal an interior room with duct tape and plastic during a
chemical attack. Readying a safe room assures your family that you have
taken positive protective measures. Sealing a room is a temporary measure.
Staying in a sealed room too long is dangerous. Be aware that you will
run out of oxygen if you stay too long.
Q:
How do I use duct tape and plastic sheeting?
A:
Duct tape and plastic sheeting should normally be a part of a disaster
supply kit. In a chemical attack, authorities may recommend you go to
a room in the center of your home away from outside doors and windows.
You will need to seal the room completely, including doors and windows.
Seal all the cracks and openings in the walls, floors, and ceilings, light
fixtures, fans, plumbing, electrical outlets, door handles and even locks.
Shut down all air-handling units. Be careful. Seal the room as tightly
as you can to prevent even small quantities of the chemical from seeping
through. Be sure to get out before the oxygen is used up.
Evacuation
Q: What do I do if I'm told to evacuate?
A:
Your first priority is to focus on what you need to do to protect yourself
and your family. Here are some other things to do:
- Plan
to be away from home for at least three days.
- Determine
your evacuation route to your designated evacuation center.
- Stay
tuned to your Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for further instructions.
State
of emergency
Q:
What does a state of emergency mean?
A:
A state of emergency declaration authorizes the governor to speed state
agency assistance and resources to localities following a manmade or natural
disaster. In Virginia, declarations may cover hurricanes, floods, tornadoes,
winter storms or a terrorist incident.
In general,
the governor issues a declaration when the emergency exceeds the ability
of the locality to respond effectively. In turn, when a disaster exceeds
the Commonwealth's resources, it seeks federal assistance through the
Department of Homeland Security.
Q:
When does the governor act?
A:
The governor declares a state of emergency when he believes a disaster
has occurred or may be imminent. The situation has to be severe enough
to require state aid to supplement local resources in preventing or alleviating
damages, loss, hardship or suffering.
Q:
What happens after the governor declares an emergency?
A:
Acting on behalf of the governor, the Virginia Department of Emergency
Management uses the resources and assets of appropriate state agencies
to provide immediate assistance. Typically, Virginia State Police, the
National Guard and the Virginia Department of Transportation are called
in. Other agencies may include the department of Health, Agriculture,
Corrections and Environmental Quality.
Q:
What guides government agencies under a declaration?
A:
After the governor issues the declaration, VDEM puts its Emergency Operations
Plan into effect. It may activate the state Emergency Operations Center
to full 24-hour staffing to coordinate and direct state response and recovery
resources.
The declaration
also streamlines purchasing and procurement requirements to speed aid
and resources to needed areas. Covered may be costs for rescue, evacuation,
shelter, heating fuel, food and clothing. Resources also are available
to quell disturbances.
Q:
Does an employer have to pay employees who cannot get to work during a
state of emergency?
A:
Each place of employment sets policy on work hours and compensation during
an emergency. Under certain circumstances, employees unable to get to
work during a prolonged disaster may be eligible for unemployment assistance.
Q:
Does a declaration of emergency bar the sale of alcoholic beverages?
A:
Localities may impose restrictions on the purchase of alcoholic beverages
under their local emergency declaration.
Q:
What role do private and faith-based organizations play?
A:
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management calls on private agencies
such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disaster network to fulfill critical missions.
Many faith-based organizations participate in the network. Amateur radio
groups can provides backup emergency communications. The Civil Air Patrol
may assist in search and rescue missions.
ACT to protect
yourself and your family
Action choices
Q:
After an incident, what should I do?
A:
One of the most important first steps is to tune in an Emergency Alert
System radio or television station. Listen for information on how the
incident will affect you and what you should do to protect yourself and
your family.
Q:
After an incident occurs what should I do?
A:
Listen, think and act. Use a commonsense approach toward a possible attack.
- Use only
protective measures endorsed by a reliable source.
- Follow
practical guidelines that can be used in any disaster, not just a weapons
of mass destruction (WMD) emergency.
- Locate
your disaster kit - a three-day supply of water, food, clothing, medication
and bedding, tools, emergency supplies and a first aid kit. You may
already have most of these items in your household or workplace.
- Check
your Personal Action Plan for emergency phone numbers and other things
you'll need.
- If you
must leave for a safer area, think out how you'll get there.
Q:
What am I likely to be told to do?
A:
If you are in a disaster area, two basic options will be to shelter-in-place
or evacuate.
- Shelter-in-place
means you should stay where you are inside a substantial building. You
should stay there until it is safe to leave. By staying inside, you
reduce the exposure to radioactive, chemical or biological agents. Going
outside may expose you to danger or you could become a victim yourself.
- Evacuate
to a safer location. Follow the recommended evacuation routes broadcast
on your local radio or television station.
- In either
case, you should be prepared to be on your own for at least three days.
What you do may depend on where you are in relation to the incident.
Q:
What should I do if a stay where I am?
A:
Tune to your Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for recommendations on how best to protect
yourself and your family. Determine the safest point in your house and
move yourself and family there. If the area is contaminated, authorities
may ask you to tape and seal an interior room with duct tape and plastic.
Sealing a room is a temporary measure. Stay no longer than necessary.
Q:
What if I'm outdoors?
A:
Get to the nearest substantial shelter given the amount of time available.
Children
in school
Q:
My children are in school. How can I check to see if they are okay?
A:
In the event of an emergency, officials will advise schools on recommended
actions. Your Emergency Alert System radio or television station will
have information about schools and whether children have been taken to
another location. Students will not be sent home or released without a
parent or guardian. For more information about school evacuation policies,
please contact your local emergency management office.
What to take with you
Q: What should I take with me?
A:
If you have prepared a Personal
Action Plan, use it now for guidance on things you specifically
need to bring with you. In general, here are some things you should have:
- Prescription
medications and any other medication or supplies you require (enough
for at least three days)
- Proper
photo identification such as a driver's license, visa or passport
- Cash,
checkbook, credit cards and important documents
- Baby
supplies (formula, diapers)
- Clothing
- Personal
hygiene items and toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
- Blankets,
pillows
- Portable
radio, flashlight, batteries
Lock
up your home
Q: What should I do as I leave home?
A:
Unless your home is destroyed, you should plan on returning to it after
the emergency is over. Before you leave, close up and lock your home up
as best you can in the time available. Here are some specifics:
- Turn
off or close all devices that draw in outside air, such as air conditioners,
heat pumps, fans and fireplace dampers.
- Turn
off all lights and electrical appliances (except refrigerator/ freezer).
- Take
pets with you only if you have a pre-arranged place to keep them such
as a friend's house or kennel outside the evacuation area. If not, secure
pets indoors with at least a three-day supply of food and water.
- Close
and lock all windows and doors.
- Pay close
attention to broadcast instructions on where you should go.
Travel
to center
Q: What should I do as I travel to the evacuation center?
A:
You may face heavy traffic and lengthy delays on your trip to an evacuation
center. Here are some steps you should take:
- If there
has been a chemical incident, close all windows and air vents in your
vehicle and shut off your vehicle air conditioner or heater.
- Adhere
to the posted speed limits on the roadways.
- Local
law enforcement and traffic control personnel may be stationed to direct
you to the nearest available evacuation center.
- Follow
directions by police officers stationed along the evacuation route.
Contacting
family member in Armed Forces
Q:
How can I send a message to a member of my family serving in the armed
forces?
A:
As troops deploy and enter combat around the world, your local Red Cross
Chapter can assist families in exchanging messages with military personnel
under its Armed Forces Emergency Services program. The program can also
help with emergency financial assistance, confidential counseling, veteran's
services and information and referral services. You can find the number
for your area's Red Cross chapter in the local telephone directory.
Missing
family member
Q:
I have been unable to contact a family member who may be in the impact
area. Is there somebody we can call?
A:
After
a disaster, the American Red Cross operates a Disaster Welfare Inquiry
hotline. This hotline provides information to try to reunite loved ones.
That phone number is (866) 438-4636.
Talking
to children
Q:
What should I tell the children?
A:
Assure your children that you are doing everything possible to make sure
they are safe from danger. Also tell them that their teachers will look
after them while they are in school. Tell them that they should do the
things they normally do.
Additional
Resources
Q:
Where can I get some additional information?
A:
Here are some additional resources:
Check the
Virginia Department of Emergency Management Web site at www.vaemergency.com
for disaster preparedness information. Fill out the Personal
Action Plan with information you will need during an emergency.
Click on Terrorism FAQs for specific information
on preparing for and responding to a terrorist attack.
American Red Cross, www.redcross.org.
Office of Commonwealth Preparedness, www.commonwealthpreparedness.state.va.us
Federal Department of Homeland Security, www.ready.gov
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