Disaster Preparedness for Aging and Disabled Kansans

• Learn about your community’s emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes and locations of emergency shelters.
• Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the disaster strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water or a fallen power line, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
• Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it.
• Locate and secure your important papers, such as insurance policies and phone numbers, wills, licenses, stocks, etc. Store originals in a safe deposit box in another location and keep copies at home.
• Post emergency phone numbers at every phone and make sure all family members know where.
• Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden individuals or anyone with a disability.
• Make plans to ensure your pets’ safety. Because of food and sanitation requirements, some emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
• Prepare disaster supply kits -Stock your home, car, and workplace with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period.
• Expect that at some time you may need to evacuate, and prepare for it.  Whether it is a severe storm, fire, hazardous spill or train wreck, you may need to grab essentials and leave in a very short time. Keep medicines (or at least a current list of medications) and medical supplies, important papers, your billfold or purse, keys and other important items in an easy to access location.  You don’t want to be running around the house looking for items and putting yourself in harm’s way because you are not prepared.

Other useful tips:

• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank mostly full in times of bad weather.
• Prepare an emergency kit for your car.
• If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
• Keep a supply of non-perishable food as well as water on hand.  Be sure to include a manual can opener.
• Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
• Stay tuned to radio or television for weather updates.
• Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
• Secure any outside items that may damage property in a storm, such as toys, bicycles, grills, propane tanks, patio furniture, etc.
• Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.
• Add flashlights and extra batteries to all kits.
• Keep a small amount of cash on hand for essentials.
• Add infant supplies, pet food, feminine and personal hygiene items to your kits as needed.
• Add blankets and a change of clothes per person in the household.
• Keep your cell phone charged and have extra charging cords in your emergency kit.

A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 60 deaths and more than 1,300 injuries. Tornadoes can occur anywhere, and at any time of the year.

Know What To Listen For

• A Tornado Watch is issued when tornadoes are possible in your area.
• A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Move to your pre-designated place of safety.

Stay informed of weather conditions by tuning in to local radio and television stations or by listening to a NOAA weather radio for the latest tornado watches and warnings.

Remember, tornadoes occasionally develop in areas in which no severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect, so listen for that information as well. Remain alert!

Environmental Clues

• Dark, often greenish sky
• Wall cloud
• Large hail
• Loud roar, similar to a freight train
• Some tornadoes appear as a visible funnel extending only partially to the ground
• Some tornadoes are clearly visible while others are obscured by rain or nearby low-hanging clouds

Tornado Safety

Before the storm:

• Develop a plan for you and your family for home and work, and when outdoors.
• Participate in frequent drills.
• Know the county in which you live, and stay tuned to weather bulletins.
• Keep a highway map nearby to monitor the storm’s movement from weather bulletins.
• Listen to radio and television for information.
• If planning a trip outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary action if threatening weather is possible.
• Know who is most at risk: people in automobiles; the elderly, very young and physically or mentally impaired; people in manufactured (mobile) homes; or people who may not understand the warning due to a language barrier.

If a warning is issued or if threatening weather approaches in a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement. If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture:

• Stay away from windows.
• Get out of automobiles.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.
• If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression.
• Manufactured (mobile) homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.

Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance warning. Some may not hear the warning while others may have received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually impact them. After you have received the warning or observed threatening skies, you must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could be the most important decision you will ever make.

Tornadoes Measured by the Fujita Scale

The Fujita scale (F-scale) uses observed damage to determine a tornado’s wind speed.

• F0 – Gale Tornado 65-85 mph - Some damage to chimneys. Tree branches broken off. Shallow rooted trees uprooted.
• F1 – Moderate Tornado 86-110 mph - Peels surface off roofs. Mobile homes overturned. Moving autos pushed off roads.
• F2 – Significant Tornado 111-135 mph - Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame houses. Large trees snapped or uprooted. Light-object missiles generated.
• F3 – Severe Tornado 136-165 mph - Severe damage. Roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed homes. Trains overturned. Most trees in forests uprooted. Heavy cars lifted off ground and thrown.
• F4 – Devastating Tornado 166-200 mph - Well-constructed houses leveled. Structures with weak foundations blown off some distance. Cars thrown and large missiles generated.
• F5 – Incredible Tornado 200 + mph - Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and disintegrated.Automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 mph. Trees debarked.

NOAA Weather Radio Broadcasts

National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information are available 24 hours a day for all types of hazards – both natural and man-made.

Weather radios equipped with a special alarm tone feature can sound an alert and give you immediate information about a life-threatening situation, enabling you to take action. The hearing and visually impaired can also get these warnings by connecting weather radios with alarm tones to other kinds of attention-getting devices like strobe lights, pages, bed shakers, personal computers and text printers.

A NOAA radio, with both electric power and battery backup, should be standard equipment in every home. NOAA radios can be purchased at stores that sell electronics. NOAA weather radios still work even though the nation changed to digital television signals. Additional information is available at www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr.

Hail can cause significant damage to your vehicle, break windows, and damage roofs of homes and businesses. Hail can cause significant bodily injuries such as broken bones and even blindness if it is wind-blown. Hailstones the size of softballs can fall at speeds faster than 100 mph.

Thunderstorms are our most common experience of severe weather. They arrive suddenly, with little warning except the darkening sky as the thundercloud approaches. If you see tall, puffy, cumulus clouds growing and daylight rapidly dimming, observe these safety measures.

Before the Storm:

• Check weather forecasts before leaving for extended periods outdoors.
• Watch for signs of approaching storms.
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.

If You Are Near a House or Other Building:

• Make sure that all children are accounted for.
• Secure outdoor furniture.
• Go indoors. If the storm is severe, with frequent and close lightning bursts, head for a room in the middle of a house or other building.
• Keep away from objects that might conduct electricity (such as radiators, pipes, and metal door frames).
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not take a bath or shower during a storm. Water helps to conduct electricity, and walls don’t always protect from the high energy of a lightning bolt.
• Do not get close to electrical appliances such as plug-in radios and TVs. Use battery-operated radios.
• Restrict all calls to cell phones.

If Caught Outdoors and No Shelter Is Nearby:

• Find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles – especially metal fences and poles.
• Get to higher ground if flooding is possible. Abandon cars and climb to higher ground. Note: Most flash flood deaths occur in automobiles.
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• Move to a sturdy building or car. DO NOT take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• If you feel your hair start to stand on end or your skin tingle, or if you hear crackling sounds, lightning may be about to strike you. Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie flat.
• Get out of boats and stay away from water.
• If swimming, get out of the pool, lake, or ocean at the first sign of lightning or thunder. Find indoor shelter or get into a car.
• Stay out of the water for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last thunderclap.

Floods are very common in all regions of Kansas, with most communities experiencing some kind of flooding after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms or winter snow thaws.  However, some areas are more susceptible. Communities particularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a dam.

Flood waters can be extremely dangerous. The force of just six inches of swiftly moving water can knock people off their feet. Cars (including SUVs and pick-ups) can be swept away in just two feet of moving water. Stay away from flood waters, storm drains and sewers - you can be sucked down a drainage tube. Flash flood waters move at a very high rate of speed and can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and wash out bridges. Walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet and generally are accompanied by a deadly cargo of debris. The best protection during a flood is to leave the area or your car and shelter on higher ground.

Know Your Terms:

• Flood: Any high flow, overflow, or inundation by water which causes or threatens damage.
• Flash Flood: A rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area, or a rapid water level rise in a stream or creek above a predetermined flood level, beginning within six (6) hours of the causative event(i.e. intense rainfall, dam failure, ice jam).  However, the actual time threshold may vary in different parts of the country.  Ongoing flooding can intensify to flash flooding in cases where intense rainfall results in a rapid surge of rising flood waters.
• Flash Flood Watch: Issued to indicate current or developing hydrologic conditions that are favorable for flash flooding in and close to the watch area, but the occurrence is neither certain or imminent.
• Flash Flood Warning: Issued to inform the public, emergency management and other cooperating agencies that flash flooding is in progress, imminent, or highly likely.
• Flood Watch: Issued to inform the public and cooperating agencies that current and developing hydrometeorological conditions are such that there is a threat of flooding, but the occurrence in neither certain or imminent.
• Flood Warning: In hydrological terms, a release by the NWS to inform the public of flooding along larger streams in which there is a serious threat to life or property.  A flood warning will usually contain river stage (level) forecasts.

Flood Severity Categories:

• Minor: Minimal or no property damage, but possibly some public threat or inconvenience;
• Moderate: Some inundation of structures and roads near streams.  Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations;
• Major: Extensive inundation of structures and roads.  Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations.

Prepare for a Flood:

• Know your risk. Check the frequency of flooding in your area by contacting your local floodplain administrator.
• Reduce potential flood damage by raising your furnace, hot water heater, and electrical panel.
• Prepare a family disaster kit.
•  Check your insurance policy to see if you have a policy that covers flooding.
• Keep insurance policies, important documents, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and other valuables either in a safe deposit box or a waterproof safe.
• Listen to local radio and/or TV stations or NOAA weather for information and advice.
• Be alert for signs of flash flooding.
• Make sure your car has a full tank of gas.
• Check on neighbors that are elderly and/or disabled.

Recovery from a Flood:

• Do NOT return to your home until approval has been given by local officials.
• Check for structural damage before entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
• If your home sustained damage from the flood, you will need to do the following: File a claim with your homeowners insurance; keep power off until an electrician has inspected and granted clearance; take photos of the flood damage; make a list of any damaged or lost items.
• Wear gloves, protective clothing and boots to clean and disinfect after a flood.
• Check local announcements on safety of the water supply in your home.
• Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood waters.
• Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
• If your homeowners insurance policy does not cover losses from floods or you did not have flood insurance, you may be eligible for assistance from the National Flood Insurance Program. This program is a federally backed flood insurance program that is available to residents and business owners. For more information, call 888-379-9531 or TDD 800-427-5593 or visit www.floodsmart.gov.
• Open windows and doors to aid in the drying-out process.
• Have your home heating and cooling systems checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional.

Because older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that upset normal body responses to heat and are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, many older adults are not able to adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness anyone can face. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature and is marked by the following symptoms:

• The individual loses the ability to sweat and, therefore, is unable to cool down; and
• Body temperature rises to 106 degrees F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.

 Warning signs for heat stroke may include:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103 °F)
• Throbbing headache
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Dizziness
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Nausea

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion may include:

• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Paleness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Moist, cool skin
• Weakness
• Fast, weak pulse
• Dizziness
• Fast, shallow breaths

Recovery:

• Drink cool, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting.an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.
• Avoid strenuous activities.

If you have older or disabled, at-risk relatives or neighbors, you can help them protect themselves from heat stroke and heat exhaustion by:

• Visiting them at least twice a day and watching them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Taking them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.
• Making sure older adults have access to an electric fan whenever possible.

If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person. Do the following:

• Get the person to a shady area.
• Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool water, place the person in a cool shower, spray the person with cool water from a garden hose, sponge the person with cool water or, if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet, and fan him or her vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101 degrees F.
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
• Do not give the person alcohol to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Winter storms can affect different parts of the country in many different ways. Here in Kansas, we are all too familiar with the snow and extreme cold that winter weather can bring. The best advice is that if you do not need to be out in the weather, then stay home and be warm. Below is some information on how you can stay safe when 'Old Man Winter' comes calling.

Know your terms:

• Winter weather advisories: Accumulation of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet are expected and will cause significant inconveniences;
• Winter Storm Watch: A blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is possible in the listening area;
• Winter Storm Warning: Hazardous winter weather - heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or is occurring in the listening area;
• Wind Chill Advisory: Wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure;
• Wind Chill Warning: Wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure;
• Snow Flurries: Light snow falling for short durations.  No accumulations or a light dusting is expected;
• Snow Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time.  Some accumulations is possible;
• Blowing Snow: Wind-driven snow (either falling snow or loose snow from the ground) that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting;
• Blizzard Warning: Winter storm with sustained or gusting winds of 35mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below 1/4 of a mile, lasting for at least 3 hours;
• Sleet: Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground;
• Freezing Rain: Rain that falls onto a hard surface with a temperature below freezing.

Before the Storm:

• Be familiar with the above winter storm watch / warning messages;
• Have rock salt / ice melt on hand for use on walkways and kitty litter in your car for temporary traction;
• Service snow removal equipment (if you have it);
• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel as regular supplies could become unavailable;
• Winterize your home:
  •  Insulate walls and attic;
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows;
  • Install storm windows or cover with plastic from the inside;
• Have safe emergency heating equipment available:
• Install / check smoke detectors;
• Have your disaster kit ready to go, in case you lose power;
• Develop an emergency communication plan:
  • In case of separation, have a plan for getting back together;
  • Ask an out-of-state relative to the family point-of-contact (as long as they are not also affected);
  • Make sure every family member knows how to get ahold of the family contact;
  • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

During the storm:

• If indoors:
  • Stay indoors and dress warmly;
  • Conserve fuel;
  • Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night (if possible);
  • Close off any unused rooms;
  • Listen to the radio or television for the latest information;
• If outdoors:
  • Dress warmly;
  • Wear loose-fitting, layered clothing underneath a water-repellant coat (layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill);
  • Wear mittens rather than gloves as your fingers generate more warmth when they touch each other;
  • Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth;
  • Avoid overexertion;
  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia;
  • Keep as dry as possible;
  • Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - the elderly, families with young children, those with disabilities.

After the Storm:

• Listen to local radio and / or TV stations or a NOAA weather radio for updated information and instructions;
• Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary - roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles;
• Help neighbors that may require special assistance - the elderly, families with young children, those with disabilities;
• Avoid overexertion.  Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.

There are thousands of substances defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as “chemicals” that represent a physical or health hazard. Approximately 360 of these substances are classified as “extremely hazardous.” Extremely hazardous substances can be in liquid, gas, or solid form. Exposure to these chemicals can cause serious illness or death.

What to Do During a Hazardous Materials Accident

State and local governments have established safety guidelines for your protection in the event of a hazardous materials accident. Emergency officials will provide timely, accurate information and instructions.

If You Are Told to Protect Your Breathing

Cover your nose and mouth with a large, wet bath towel or cloth. For a higher degree of protection, go into the bathroom, close the door, and turn on the shower in a strong spray to “wash” the air. Seal any openings to the outside of the bathroom as best you can. Don’t worry about running out of air to breathe. That is highly unlikely in standard homes and buildings.

If You Are Told to Stay Indoors

• Quickly bring everyone inside, including your pets.
• Remain indoors until further notice.
• Close all doors to the outside and close and lock all windows. Windows sometimes seal better when locked.
• Set all ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation so that no outside air is drawn into the structure. When this is not possible, ventilation systems should be turned off.
• Turn off all heating systems.
• Turn off all air conditioners and switch inlets to the “closed” positions. Seal any gaps around window type air conditioners with tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper or aluminum wrap.
• Turn off all exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces.
• Do not use fireplaces, and close the dampers.
• Close as many internal doors as possible in your home or other building.
• Use tape and plastic food wrapping, wax paper, or aluminum wrap to cover and seal bathroom exhaust fan grills, range vents, dryer vents and other openings to the outside to the extent possible (including any obvious gaps around external windows and doors).
• Cover or refrigerate any uncovered food.
• If an explosion is possible outdoors, close drapes, curtains and shades over windows. Stay away from external windows to prevent potential injury from flying glass.
• Minimize the use of elevators in buildings. These tend to “pump” outdoor air in and out of a building as they travel up and down.
• Stay tuned to a local radio or television station for official information.

If You Are Told to Evacuate

• Lock all doors and windows.
• Turn off appliances – except for the refrigerator – and faucets.
• Bring your pets with you. Be sure to include your pet disaster supplies.
• Keep your car vents and windows closed. Do not use the heater or air conditioner.
• Drive carefully!
• Take your disaster supply kit with you. You may not know how long you will be away from your home.
• Listen to a local radio or television station. Emergency officials will tell you what to do.
• Follow all evacuation directions.
• Remain calm.

If You Have a Family Member in a Nursing Home or Hospital

• Check with these facilities in advance to determine their evacuation procedures.
• Local radio and television stations will announce where patients are being moved.

If Your Children or Grandchildren Are in School

• If your children or grandchildren are in school during an accident, do not try to pick them up. They will be transported to pick-up areas outside any affected area, if necessary. Local radio and television stations will announce when and where children can be picked up. School personnel will supervise and care for the children until they are picked up.

If You Have Livestock

•  Place the animals in an enclosed shelter, if possible.
• Leave plenty of water and food for several days.
• Use stored feed if possible.
• Tune to a local radio or television station for further instructions.

If You Grow Food Products

Flood, fire, national disaster or the loss of power from high winds, snow or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food. Knowing what to do before and after an emergency can help you reduce your risk of illness and minimize the amount of food that may be lost due to spoilage.

Power outages can occur at any time of the year and it may take from a few hours to several days for electricity to be restored to residential areas. Without electricity or a cold source, food stored in refrigerators and freezers can become unsafe. Bacteria in food grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140 °F, and if these foods are consumed, people can become very sick.

Do:

• Keep food in covered containers.
• Keep cooking and eating utensils clean.
• Keep garbage in closed containers and dispose outside, burying garbage if necessary.
• Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.
• Discard any food that has come into contact with contaminated floodwater.
• Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more.
• Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
• Use ready-to-feed formula, if possible, for formula-fed infants. If using ready-to-feed formula is not possible, it is best to use bottled water to prepare powdered or concentrated formula. If bottled water is not available, use boiled water. Use treated water to prepare formula only if you do not have bottled or boiled water. Breastfed infants should continue breastfeeding.

Don’t:

• Eat foods from cans that are swollen, dented or corroded, even though the product may look safe to eat.
• Eat any food that looks or smells abnormal, even if the can looks normal.
• Let garbage accumulate inside, both for fire and sanitation reasons.

Note: Thawed food usually can be eaten if it is still “refrigerator cold.” It can be re-frozen if it still contains ice crystals. To be safe, remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

For more information about food safety during an emergency, visit FoodSafety.gov.

After a major disaster, the usual services we take for granted - such as running water, electricity, and telephones - may be unavailable. Experts recommend that you should prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location. Put contents in a large, watertight container (e.g., a large plastic garbage can with a tightly fitting lid and wheels) that you can move easily.

Building a Basic Disaster Kit:

1. Water. You should plan on having 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day.  Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition and climate; children, nursing mothers and ill people need more;
2. Food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little to no water. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty - choose salt-free crackers, whole-grain cereals, and canned foods with high water content. Include foods for infants, the elderly and those with special dietary needs. Make sure to include a manual can opener, disposable plates and utensils. Peanut butter and crackers, soups, juices, cereal, protein/energy bars, nuts, canned vegetables and fruit are good choices. 
3.  Maps of your local area (disasters can wipe out landmarks, making getting around very difficult for even those that have been in the area a long time);
4. First aid kit with instructions;
5. Medicines / prescription medications;
6. Toiletries, hygiene items and wet wipes;
7. Seasonal clothing (including shoes), blankets and pillows;
8. Flashlight and batteries;
9. Matches in a waterproof container;
10. Whistle to summon for help if needed;
11. Battery powered or hand crank radio;
12. Battery powered clock;
13. Emergency numbers - keep a list of emergency telephone numbers including the utility company;
14. Cash and/or credit cards;
15. Extra keys;
16. Pens / pencils;
17. Entertainment - games, books, cards, etc.;
18. Important family documents - keep them in a waterproof, portable container;
19. Tools such as a Swiss army knife, crowbar, hammer and nails, adjustable wrench and bungee cords;
20. Full tank of gas in each vehicle;
21. Pet care items: food and water for at least three days for each pet, proper identification, immunization records, a carrier or cage, muzzle, and leash;
22. Any special needs items for children, the elderly or those with disabilities.

Disaster Kit for Your Workplace:

A disaster kit for your workplace should be in one container, such as a duffel bag or backpack, and be ready to grab and go in case of evacuation. Make sure your have food and water in this kit. Also, include comfortable shoes in case the evacuation includes walking long distances.

Disaster Kit for Vehicles:

A disaster kit for your vehicle should have many of the same items as above, but include flares, jumper cables, tire changing / fixing equipment, and seasonal supplies such as extra blankets or hats and gloves.

Maintenance of Your Kit:

Maintenance of your disaster kit is just as important as putting it together. Here are some tips to help keep your supplies ready and in good condition:

• Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers;
• Store boxed foods in an air-tight container to keep out pests and to extend its shelf life;
• Use foods before the expiration dat, and replace them with fresh supplies;
• Place new items in the back and the older items in the front;
• Throw out and canned goods that become swollen, dente, or corroded;
• Check any battery operated item and replace the batteries if they do not work or are corroded, be sure to check your smoke detector;
• Rethink your family's needs every year and update your kit as they change.

A disaster kit is useful in many situations, from flooding to tornados and earthquakes.  They are especially critical if supply lines of essentials such as food have been disrupted in your area, and in some cases having a kit may save your life. While some items included will differ from one person or family to the next, the basics such as food and water are vital and should be the bare essentials included in any disaster kit. By properly maintaining your disaster kit, you can be prepared to care for yourself and your loved ones, no matter when a natural disaster strikes.

Since your family cannot be together 24 hours a day, you need to consider how you would find each other in a disaster. Have a plan ready before the emergency occurs, outlining for yourself, your friends and your family where you will stay in case a disaster strikes.

Escape Routes: Determine primary and alternate routes to take to get out of your house.

Where to Meet: Establish a place to meet family members in the event an emergency happens and you are separated. Include in your plans both a location near your home (e.g., a neighbor’s house or yard) and one that is outside the immediate area (e.g., the parking lot of a specific grocery store).

Family Communications: Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations. Create a contact card for each family member. Think about having an out-of-town or out-of-state contact that would not be involved in your emergency if it is widespread. 

Family Contacts: Plan who will be notified that you are safe and can communicate your location to other family members. FEMA and the American Red Cross have created websites to help displaced individuals find family and friends after a disaster:

National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System: www.fema.gov, or American Red Cross Safe and Well List: https://safeandwellcommunityos.org/cms/

Safe and Well Website – American Red Cross

Disasters often make it difficult to stay in touch with loved ones. The American Red Cross Safe and Well website is a central location for people in disaster areas in the United States to register their current status, and for their loved ones to access that information. It helps provide displaced families with relief and comfort during a stressful time.

The Safe and Well web site is easy to use:

• If you are currently being affected by a disaster somewhere in the U.S., click List Myself as Safe and Well, enter your pre-disaster address and phone number, and select any of the standard message options.
• If you are concerned about a loved one in the U.S., click Search Registrants and enter the person’s name and pre-disaster phone number OR address. If they have registered, you will be able to view the messages they have posted.

Safe and Well is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is accessible in both English and Spanish.

There is one important rule to remember regarding pets and disasters. If you are told to evacuate, please do so, and take your pets with you. It is not safe to leave pets behind. Animals left behind can be injured, lost or killed, and pets left inside your home can escape through storm-damaged areas, such as broken windows. Animals turned loose are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food and water or accidents. Leaving dogs tied or chained outside in a disaster is a death sentence for them. Most importantly, make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag with your phone number and/or contact information. Keep all animals on a leash or in a carrier. They are nervous, too, and may react differently.

Plan ahead – contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions, size and species. Ask if “no pet” policies are waived during emergencies. Keep your list of pet friendly places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information. You can ask friends and relatives or others outside the affected disaster area whether they could shelter your animals. Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter the animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.

Shelters – Service animals for the blind, hearing impaired, handicapped or others with special needs will be allowed to stay in emergency shelters with their owners. Check with your county emergency management office for more information. Other pets may not be allowed to stay with you, but must be placed in other locations separate from people.

After a disaster and relocation, pets will need time to readjust. Leash them when you go outside as the scents and landmarks may be different. Your pet may become confused and lost. Wild animals and downed power lines may be hazards due to the disaster. The behavior may change as well. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch them closely and if their behavior doesn’t improve, consult your veterinarian for persistent problems.

All of the above information is important for older Kansans and Kansans with disabilities. However, you may need to look at your particular situation and evaluate your own special needs. You may need special medical supplies, extra batteries for a wheelchair or other medical equipment, extra cleaning supplies for personal needs or special food.  Decide what you will be able to do for yourself and what assistance may be needed before, during and after a disaster. This will be based on the environment after the disaster, your capabilities and your limitations. Your plan should be based on your lowest anticipated level of functioning. 

Think of Things Like:

• Your personal care needs
• Water needs
• Personal care equipment
• Electricity dependency
• Disaster debris
• Transportation needs
• Evacuation needs
• Communication needs

Only you can determine what these extra needs are and only you can prepare your specialized disaster kit and plan.

You may want to consider making two kits – one for sheltering in place and another, more mobile kit, for moving to a better location. Having special medical needs may necessitate a quicker response and recover.

Below are some special considerations:

Medications and Medical Supplies – Always wear your medical alert bracelet or pendant. Be sure you have what you need on hand and don’t let your supply get low.  You should always have three days to a week supply on hand. You should also keep a detailed list of all your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information. Keep a list of the make, style, and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers, pumps, monitors, and accommodation devices. You should also have a list of any allergies and your blood type. If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, talk with your provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers in your area as well as a discussion on evacuation plans.  Also consider and find options if you need back-up power in case of electrical outages. Be sure to alert your power company if you have medical equipment that requires electricity.

Emergency Documents – In a waterproof container, keep a description of your medical condition, copies of insurance information, emergency contact numbers and doctors contact information. If you have life-saving devices you rely on, include instructions for them.  If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information includes the best way to communicate with you. These documents can be made more portable by storing them on a thumb drive or small notebook. Be sure to store them in a waterproof bag or container.

People with hearing Loss – If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you need to develop an emergency communication plan. Identify someone out of the area that can serve as your communicator if necessary. Utilize TTY or pager/text systems or have a hearing person make the initial contact. Having a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio with text alerts and visual/tactile alerts and program it to pick up weather alerts for your county. Keep it turned on.  If you use special hearing aids or other equipment, make sure you have a supply of batteries in your emergency kit.

Personal Support Network – If you need special assistance during a disaster, make a list of family, friends and neighbors that can be a part of your plan and be available to help you. Neighbors and those that live close to you may be the first to reach you in an emergency. Consider how they can help you and who they may need to contact immediately. If you use a wheelchair, oxygen, or other medical equipment, show friends and neighbors how to use these devices so they can move you if necessary or help you evacuate. Practice your plan with those who have agreed to help you. You should also have these discussions with co-workers and employers in case a disaster happens at work.  Do not depend on only one person. Include a minimum of three people in your network for each location where you regularly spend a lot of time. People take vacations, call in sick or are affected by the same disaster and may not be available to help you. 

Fire Safety – Plan two ways out of every room in case of fire. Check for items like bookcases, handing pictures, or lights that could fall and block your routes.  Secure or remove hazards that may keep you from safely leaving a building during an emergency.

Be Aware – Having a weather radio tuned for your area can help you monitor incoming storms and weather events. Listening to local radio or TV stations on a periodical basis, can alert you to possible hazards in your area.  Also consider having family members and friends call you if they hear of potential disasters so that you can be more alert and monitor the situation for yourself.

You are your best advocate. Planning ahead and informing those around you of your specialized needs will be extremely beneficial in case of a disaster.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a brochure “Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs” that is available on their web site at www.fema.gov or you can call them at 800-480-2520. The American Red Cross also has publications for emergency preparedness at www.redcross.org.

After a disaster, there a many things that you need to remember about safety.  Listed below are some of the most common occurrences following a disaster.

Food Safety – throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened or damaged. Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color or texture. Throw away perishable food that have been above 40 degrees F for two hours or more. Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees or below can be refrozen or cooked. If cans have come in contact with flood waters or storm waters, remove the labels, wash the cans and dip them in a solution of one cup bleach in five gallons of water. Use a marker to re-label the cans.

While the power is out, avoid opening refrigerator and freezer doors. Add block ice or dry ice if the electricity is expected to be off longer than four hours. Wear heavy gloves when handling ice.

Water Safety – Local authorities will tell you if tap water is safe to drink or to use for cooking or bathing. If the water is not safe to use, follow local instructions to use bottled water or to boil or disinfect water.  If a boil water advisory is in effect, bring water to a rolling boil for one minute. You should begin timing it when the water starts to bubble. Cool the water, then place it in clean containers for use or refrigerate.  If you can’t boil water, add 1/8 teaspoon of newly purchased, unscented household bleach per gallon of water. Stir the water well and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it.  You can use water-purifying tables instead of boiling water or using bleach. Laundry and showering water does not need to be treated unless specifically listed.

Carbon Monoxide Safety – During a power outage, running a generator or other devices can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that kills more than 400 Americans each year. Never use a generator, grill, gas camp stove, or other gasoline, charcoal, or propane burning devices inside your house, basement, garage or near open windows.

Electrical Safety – During storms, power outages and flooding often cause electrical hazards. Never touch a downed power line or anything in contact with a downed power line. Contact the utility company immediately.  If a power line falls on your vehicle while you are in it, stay in your car unless the vehicle catches fire or authorities tell you it is safe to leave.  Do not touch a person who appears to have been electrocuted until you are sure they are no longer in contact with the electrical source.

Building Safety – Buildings may no longer be safe following a flood, tornado, or severe wind storm. In general return to buildings during the daytime so you can see possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards.

Mold – Rain and/or flood waters that get into buildings can create conditions that enable mold to grow; however, you can take steps to prevent mold growth. The most important step is to ensure that water is no longer entering the house by making all necessary repairs. WEAR RUBBER BOOTS, RUBBER GLOVES AND GOGGLES when cleaning with bleach. Clean and dry all wet items within 48-72 hours, keep wet areas well ventilated and discard materials that retain water and can’t be repaired. If you see or smell mold, clean it with a solution of one cup household liquid bleach per one gallon of water.  Use fans and dehumidifiers and open doors and windows to remove moisture.  Scrub rough surfaces with a stiff brush and the bleach solution above, rinse the item with clean water, then leave it to dry.  Clean all counter tops, walls, floors and other hard surfaces with the bleach solution.  Wash all clothes and linens in hot water. Steam carpets.  Be sure to have all heating and cooling units checked and cleaned by a professional before operating.