Disaster Planning

Here are some basic tips for how to help in a disaster situation. Please note that these tips are not a substitute for your workplace policy.  If disaster strikes while you are on the job, be sure you know your workplace policies!

FIRE:

  • Know the FIRE PLAN for your facility or for each client’s home.
  • Locate FIRE ALARMS and/or FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
  • Know the WAY OUT of the facility and/or home.
  • Be on the look out for FIRE HAZARDS as you complete your daily work.

TORNADO:

  • Know the TORNADO RISK for your area.
  • Learn you community’s WARNING SYSTEM.
  • Participate in TORNADO DRILLS in your facility or client homes.
  • Seek tornado-safe SHELTER during a tornado warning.

HURRICANE:

  • Know the EVACUATION ROUTES for your area.
  • Assemble a DISASTER SUPPLY KIT.
  • If evacuation is mandated, follow the plan and meet in a predetermined place.

WINTER WEATHER:

  • Know the symptoms and basic treatment for HYPOTHERMIA.
  • Dress your clients in LAYERS of loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing.  When necessary, remove layers to avoid sweating which can lead to chills.
  • REPORT clients who use charcoal, kerosene or gas stoves to keep warm.

EARTHQUAKE:

  • Know the RISK of an earthquake in your area.
  • Stay INSIDE during an earthquake.  Move only as far as necessary to take cover.
  • When the shaking stops, SURVEY THE DAMAGE and check to see if any clients or co-workers need immediate care. 
  • Keep in mind, there is a 20 percent chance of an equal or larger AFTERSHOCK in the two hours following an earthquake.

NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS:

  • LISTEN to the warning.  Stay calm and follow official directions.
  • Evacuate, if ordered, according to your community’s EVACUATION ROUTE, with the car windows closed and the radio on.
  • If not evacuating, CLOSE the doors and windows and turn off air conditioning intakes.

BOMB OR TERROR THREATS

  • Know the signs that a package may be SUSPICIOUS.
  • Keep CALM if a threat occurs.
  • Move yourself and others to a SAFE DISTANCE.  Alert 911 and your supervisor.
  • WAIT for directions from the Emergency Response Coordinator.
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