[Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness]{.smallcaps}

In this unit you will learn about:

-   **Disasters and Disaster Workers:** What defines a disaster, what
    defines an disaster, and who makes up the response workforce.

-   **The Impact on the Infrastructure:** The potential effect of
    extreme emergencies and disasters on transportation; electrical
    service; telephone communication; fuel; food, water, and shelter;
    and emergency services.

-   **Structural and Nonstructural Hazards:** Potentially hazardous
    conditions in various types of structures and their contents during
    a disaster.

-   **Hazard Mitigation:** What to do to reduce the risk of damage from
    hazards that threaten your area.

-   **Home and Workplace Preparedness:** How you can prepare in advance
    to reduce structural and nonstructural hazards and survive the
    initial period after a disaster.

-   **Community Preparedness:** How a community can prepare in advance
    to respond.

-   **Protection for Disaster Workers:** Laws that protect disaster
    workers from liability.

# Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Welcome and Introductions                                           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The introduction section in your Participant Manuals contains         |
| excellent information on:                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   When an disaster strikes.                                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   Community preparedness.                                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   How CERT teams operate.                                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   The CERT training program.                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Activity: Building a Tower                                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **[Instructions]{.underline}:** Follow the steps below to complete    |
| this exercise:                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| 1.  You will work in groups of five.                                  |
|                                                                       |
| 2.  You will spend the next 10 minutes planning and designing a       |
|     free-standing tower that stands at least five feet tall from the  |
|     bottom of the structure to the top. You will be told when to      |
|     begin and will have 5 minutes from that point to construct the    |
|     tower.                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| > The skills and abilities that you used during this exercise are the |
| > same skills that you will use as CERT members.                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Introduction and Unit Overview                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Unit Objectives                                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| At the end of this unit, you should be able to:                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Describe the types of hazards most likely to affect your home and |
|     community.                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Describe the functions of CERTs and their role in immediate       |
|     response.                                                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   Identify steps to prepare for emergencies.                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Recent Disasters and Emergencies                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Emergency response personnel cooperate at many levels to provide      |
| immediate response capabilities.                                      |
|                                                                       |
| Emergency service capability can be greatly enhanced by               |
| well-organized, well-trained, and well-managed CERTs that are able    |
| to:                                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Prepare [in advance]{.underline} of a disaster event.             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Respond in their communities to address [immediate]{.underline}   |
|     needs brought about by the disaster.                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| As CERT members, your role is to prepare for a disaster by:           |
|                                                                       |
| -   Identifying potential structural and nonstructural hazards in     |
|     your home and workplace.                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Reducing the hazards to the degree possible before a disaster     |
|     strikes.                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Developing a disaster supply kit.                                 |
|                                                                       |
| CERTs respond after a disaster by:                                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   Locating and turning off utilities, if safe to do so.             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Extinguishing small fires.                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Treating life-threatening injuries until professional assistance  |
|     can be obtained.                                                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Conducting light search and rescue operations.                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   Helping disaster survivors cope with their emotional stressors.   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The key CERT functions include:                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Fire safety.                                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Medical operations.                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Light search and rescue.                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Disaster psychology.                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Recent Disasters and Emergencies (Continued)                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## CERTs in Disaster Roles                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| There are many instances of CERT members' participation in disaster   |
| response.                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| During the Northridge Earthquake, the following use of CERTs were     |
| recorded:                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Search: 203                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Rescue: 17                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Medical treatment: 57                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Patient transport: 4                                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   Fire suppression: 5                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Utility control: 156                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| In Alachua County, FL, during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and during      |
| Tropical Storm Gordon in 2000, CERTs were called by the EOC to        |
| contact special-needs residents to ensure that they were aware of the |
| approaching storms and to ascertain whether they would use the        |
| county's special needs shelters and transportation. The CERTs         |
| arranged transportation, as necessary.                                |
|                                                                       |
| About a dozen CERTs were used during the Hidden Lake and Lake Louise  |
| fires in 2000 to provide food for the firefighters, move supplies,    |
| and assist with preparation in the area.                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The CERT concept has extended from its original purpose as a response |
| operation following catastrophic disasters. CERTs are now activated   |
| for a wide range of emergencies. For example, in Whatcom County, WA,  |
| CERT members were used in the following situations:                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Whatcom Creek gasoline pipeline explosion (Olympic Pipeline)      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Explosion at the Georgia-Pacific Pulp & Paper Mill                |
|                                                                       |
| -   Y2K Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Sandy Point wind and flood event                                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Nisqually earthquake                                              |
|                                                                       |
| The CERT members who responded to the Whatcom Creek incident received |
| The American Red Cross Real Heroes award for their contributions.     |
| CERT members in the county have received Federal, State, and local    |
| recognition for their response efforts.                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Recent Disasters and Emergencies (Continued)                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## CERTs in Nondisaster Roles                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| CERT members also are a potential volunteer pool for the community.   |
| They can help with projects such as:                                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Distributing preparedness materials.                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   Staffing medical booths during special events.                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Assisting with the installation of smoke alarms for seniors and   |
|     special-needs households.                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Additionally, in his January 29, 2002, State of the Union address,    |
| the President asked that Americans volunteer their services to        |
| improve and safeguard our country. The three areas of emphasis for    |
| these volunteer efforts are crime, natural disasters, and terrorism.  |
| The Citizen Corps Program was created to help Americans meet this     |
| call to service. One of the volunteer opportunities offered to the    |
| American public under the Citizen Corps umbrella is the CERT program. |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| After completing initial CERT training, many CERT members seek to     |
| expand and improve their skills---through continuing CERT modules     |
| offered locally, courses offered through The American Red Cross, or   |
| programs from other sources. Some CERT members have sought additional |
| training opportunities in:                                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   Shelter management.                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Community relations.                                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   Donations management.                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Special needs concerns.                                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   Debris removal.                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Utilities control.                                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Advanced first aid.                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Automated External Defibrillator use.                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   CPR skills.                                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Course Preview                                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| This unit will provide an overview of the course by establishing a    |
| context for CERTs within the specific hazards faced by the community. |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Later units will cover:                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Fire safety.                                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Disaster medical operations.                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Light search and rescue.                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   CERT organization.                                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   Disaster psychology.                                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   CERTs and terrorism.                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Disasters and Disaster Workers                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Disasters can be:                                                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   Natural.                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Manmade.                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Technological.                                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Regardless of the event, disasters have several key elements in       |
| common:                                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   They are [relatively unexpected]{.underline}, with little or no   |
|     warning or opportunity to prepare.                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   Available personnel and emergency services may be [overwhelmed    |
|     initially]{.underline} by demands for their services.             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Lives, health, and the environment are [endangered]{.underline}.  |
|                                                                       |
| In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, needs will be greater than  |
| professional emergency services personnel can provide. In these       |
| instances, CERTs become a vital link in the emergency service chain.  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| # Impact               |                                             |
|  on the Infrastructure |                                             |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| **Possible Effects of  |                                             |
| Damage on Emergency    |                                             |
| Service Providers**    |                                             |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| **Damage to . . .**    | **Possible Effects**                        |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Transportation         | -   Inability to assess damage accurately   |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Ambulances prevented from reaching      |
|                        |     victims                                 |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Police prevented from reaching areas of |
|                        |     civil unrest                            |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Fire departments prevented from getting |
|                        |     to fires                                |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Flow of needed supplies is interrupted  |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Structures             | -   Damaged hospitals unable to function    |
|                        |     normally                                |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Increased risk of damage from falling   |
|                        |     debris                                  |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Communication Systems  | -   Victims unable to call for help         |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Coordination of services is hampered    |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Utilities              | -   Loss of utilities                       |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Increased risk of fire or electrical    |
|                        |     shock                                   |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Loss of contact between victims and     |
|                        |     service providers                       |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Inadequate water supply                 |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Increased risk to public health         |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Water Service          | -   Firefighting capabilities restricted    |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Medical facilities hampered             |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Fuel Supplies          | -   Increased risk of fire or explosion     |
|                        |     from fuel line rupture                  |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | -   Risk of asphyxiation                    |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Because emergency services personnel are likely to have inadequate    |
| resources to meet the public's needs, those resources must be applied |
| according to the highest-priority need.                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Police will address incidences of [grave]{.underline} public      |
|     safety.                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   Firefighters will suppress [major]{.underline} fires.             |
|                                                                       |
| -   EMS personnel will handle [life-threatening]{.underline}          |
|     injuries. (However, CERTs will also handle life-threatening       |
|     injuries until EMS units become available.)                       |
|                                                                       |
| Lower-priority needs will have to be met in other ways.               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Structural and Nonstructural Hazards                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Shutting off or raising utilities is one way to reduce---or           |
| [mitigate]{.underline}---a hazard before a disaster occurs. Shutting  |
| off utilities is one way to mitigate a hazard immediately after a     |
| disaster.                                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The mitigation steps that one should take before and immediately      |
| after a disaster depend on the hazard and type of structure. This     |
| topic will deal with types of structures and the hazards related to   |
| each. Safety precautions, including hazard mitigation for structural  |
| and nonstructural hazards, will be covered next.                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Hazards Related to Structure Type                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| You might not have an opportunity to select the type of structure     |
| that you are in when a disaster occurs. It is important to know what  |
| type of damage to expect from the main types of structures in the     |
| community.                                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Engineered buildings, such as most high-rise buildings, have          |
| performed well in most types of disasters. During earthquakes and     |
| high-wind events (e.g., tornadoes, hurricanes), older high-rise       |
| buildings, however, are more susceptible to damage from:              |
|                                                                       |
| -   Broken glass.                                                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   Falling panels.                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Collapsing walkways and stairways.                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Age, type of construction, and type of disaster are major factors in  |
| potential damage to detached homes and garages.                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Homes built before 1940 generally were not bolted to the          |
|     foundation, making them subject to being shaken, blown, or        |
|     floated off their foundations.                                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   Older homes constructed of unreinforced brick are less stable     |
|     than newer construction.                                          |
|                                                                       |
| Remember that:                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Tornado and hurricane damage to single homes can range from       |
|     little damage to total destruction.                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Following an event in which a structure has been damaged, there   |
|     is a threat of additional damage, such as fire from ruptured gas  |
|     lines.                                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Structural and Nonstructural Hazards (Continued)                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Mobile homes are most susceptible to damage because they are easily   |
| displaced. When displacement occurs, structural integrity becomes     |
| questionable, and utility connections are easily damaged, increasing  |
| the risk of fire and electric shock.                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Malls, sports arenas, airports, places of worship, and other places   |
| with long roof spans also may pose hazards in some types of           |
| disasters. For example:                                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Strip shopping centers pose a threat from collapse and broken     |
|     glass.                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   Warehouse-type structures may also collapse.                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| There is also risk in all types of structures from nonstructural      |
| hazards.                                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Nonstructural Hazards                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Everyone has hazards in their homes or workplaces. Fixtures and items |
| within a home, garage, or workplace can pose a hazard during or after |
| a disaster. Some of the hazards include:                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   Gas line ruptures from water heaters or ranges displaced by       |
|     shaking, water, or wind.                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Damage from falling books, dishes, or other cabinet contents.     |
|                                                                       |
| -   Risk of injury or electric shock from displaced appliances and    |
|     office equipment.                                                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   Fire from faulty wiring, overloaded plugs, frayed electrical      |
|     cords.                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| There are relatively simple measures that individuals can take to     |
| alleviate many home and workplace hazards.                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Hazard Mitigation                                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| It is important to become informed on the probable impacts of likely  |
| events, including the potential for terrorist activity. The more      |
| information you have, the better you will be able to plan adequately  |
| and respond reasonably.                                               |
|                                                                       |
| Regardless of the event or the amount of warning offered, there are   |
| safety precautions that you can take to reduce or prevent injury.     |
| This section will deal with measures to ensure personal safety.       |
|                                                                       |
| The next section will address:                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Home and worksite preparedness.                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Community preparedness.                                           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Hazard Mitigation (Continued)                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Personal Safety                                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The appropriate personal safety measures are determined by:           |
|                                                                       |
| -   The type of event.                                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   The amount of warning that you have.                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   Whether you are inside, outside, or driving.                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Protecting yourself during a disaster requires planning. There are    |
| measures you should take to prevent or minimize the damage caused by  |
| most hazards. These measures can be taken long before a disaster      |
| occurs, during the time of the disaster, and after the disaster has   |
| occurred.                                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Home and Workplace Preparedness                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Preparedness is the key to survival in a disaster. Individuals,       |
| families, and building managers can take steps that will help         |
| minimize structural and nonstructural hazards, facilitate escape, and |
| promote survival during the period immediately following the event.   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Home and Workplace Preparedness                                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Home and worksite preparedness includes:                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   Structural and nonstructural hazard mitigation.                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Individual preparations, such as:                                 |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Assembling a disaster supply kit.                                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   Developing a disaster plan.                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Developing a safe room in a secure area of the home (in case      |
|     authorities ask you to stay indoors).                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| # H                   |                                              |
| ome and Workplace Pre |                                              |
| paredness (Continued) |                                              |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| ## Structural and No  |                                              |
| nstructural mitgation |                                              |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| **Precautions Against |                                              |
| Structural and        |                                              |
| Nonstructural         |                                              |
| Hazards**             |                                              |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| ##                    | **Sample Precautions**                       |
| ###### Type Of Hazard |                                              |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Structural            | -   Bolt older houses to the foundation.     |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | -   Strap propane tanks.                     |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | -   Raise utilities (above the level of      |
|                       |     flood risk).                             |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | -   Strap mobile homes to their concrete     |
|                       |     pads.                                    |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | -   Ask a professional to check the          |
|                       |     foundation, roof connectors, chimney,    |
|                       |     etc.                                     |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Nonstructural         | -   Anchor such furniture as bookshelves,    |
|                       |     hutches, and grandfather clocks to the   |
|                       |     wall.                                    |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | -   Secure appliances and office equipment   |
|                       |     in place with industrial-strength        |
|                       |     Velcro^®^.                               |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | -   Secure cabinet doors with childproof     |
|                       |     fasteners.                               |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | -   Locate and label shutoffs for gas,       |
|                       |     electricity, and water before disasters  |
|                       |     occur. After a disaster, shut off the    |
|                       |     utilities as needed to prevent fires and |
|                       |     other risks. Store a shutoff wrench      |
|                       |     where it will be immediately available.  |
|                       |                                              |
|                       | -   Secure water heaters to the wall to      |
|                       |     safeguard against a ruptured gas line or |
|                       |     loose electrical wires.                  |
+-----------------------+----------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Home and Workplace Preparedness (Continued)                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image1.wmf){width="5.2756944444444445in"
height="3.2680555555555557in"}

**Utility Shutoffs**

**Utility Shutoffs: Electrical, Water, Gas. The electrical shutoff
procedure shows both a circuit box and a fuse box and shows two steps.
Step 1 is to turn off all individual breakers (or unscrew fuses). Step 2
is to shut off the main circuit (or main fuse switch). The water
shut-off indicates a clockwise turn of the valve to shut off and a
counter-clockwise turn to turn on. The gas meter shut-off diagram
indicates the shut-off valve location on the pipe that comes out of the
ground. To turn off the valve, use a wrench to turn the valve clockwise
one-quarter turn.**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Home and Workplace Preparedness (Continued)                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Different nonstructural hazards pose different threats, depending on  |
| the disaster. Provide a few examples of preventive measures, and      |
| refer the participants to FEMA's *Talking About Disasters* website    |
| for more in-depth discussion:                                         |
| [www.fema.gov/rrr/talkdiz/](http://www.fema.gov/rrr/talkdiz/).        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Home Fires: Make sure that burglar bars and locks on outside      |
|     window entries are easy to open.                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Landslides/Mudslides: Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas |
|     or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage. |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Wildfires:                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Avoid using wooden shakes and shingles for roofing.               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Clear all flammable vegetation at least 30 feet from the home.    |
|     Remove vines from the walls of the home.                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Place propane tanks at least 30 feet from the home or other       |
|     structures.                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Stack firewood at least 30 feet away and uphill from the home.    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Developing a Disaster Plan                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| A disaster plan can mean the difference between life and death. For   |
| example:                                                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   How will you escape your home?                                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   Where will you meet family members?                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   What route will you take out of your neighborhood if evacuation   |
|     becomes necessary? Do you have an alternate route in case your    |
|     route is blocked or otherwise impassable?                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   What will you take with you?                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Where will you go?                                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   What will you need to shelter in place? Do you have those items   |
|     (or enough of those items)?                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| You should play the "What if?" game (What will I do if this happens?) |
| for every hazard that presents a high risk to the community. Then     |
| begin within the home and work outward to answer each of the          |
| questions above.                                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Home and Workplace Preparedness (Continued)                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The answers to these questions may be different depending on the      |
| hazard, and you probably will not be able to plan for every event     |
| that could happen. By playing "What if?" with high-risk hazards, you  |
| will be better prepared for any hazard that might strike.             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Creating A Family Disaster Plan                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| To get started . . .                                                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Contact your local emergency management office and your local     |
|     chapter of The American Red Cross.                                |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Find out which disasters are most likely to happen in your        |
|     community.                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Ask how you would be warned.                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Find out how to prepare for each type of disaster.                |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Meet with your family.                                            |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Discuss the types of disasters that could occur.                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Explain how to prepare and respond.                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Discuss what to do if advised to evacuate.                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Practice what you have discussed.                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by         |
|     disaster.                                                         |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Pick two meeting places:                                          |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   A location a safe distance from your home in case of fire.        |
|                                                                       |
| -   A place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.  |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for         |
|     everyone to call.                                                 |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Complete the following steps.                                     |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone.                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water,   |
|     gas, and electricity at main switches.                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially near |
|     bedrooms; test them monthly and change the batteries two times    |
|     each year. (Change batteries when you change your clocks in the   |
|     spring and fall.)                                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Home and Workplace Preparedness (Continued)                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire       |
|     hazards.                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local chapter of The        |
|     American Red Cross for information and training.                  |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Meet with your neighbors.                                         |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster.   |
|     Know your neighbors' skills (medical, technical).                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs,     |
|     such as elderly or disabled persons.                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   Make plans for child care in case parents can't get home.         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ### Escape Planning                                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Develop an escape plan that provides for escape from every room. As   |
| part of your escape plan:                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Consider the needs of children and physically challenged          |
|     individuals.                                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Inform all family members or office coworkers of the plan.        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Run practice escape drills.                                       |
|                                                                       |
| An example of an escape plan is shown in the figure that follows.     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image2.wmf){width="5.490277777777778in"
height="3.1020833333333333in"}

**Escape Plan**

Sample family escape plan with arrows showing an escape route from every
room in the home and a family meeting place outside the home.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Home and Workplace Preparedness (Continued)                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The disaster supplies included on this list is fairly complete, and   |
| you should determine the supplies that you will need for evacuation,  |
| those that you will need to shelter in place, and those that you will |
| need for both.                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Evacuation-only supplies]{.underline} and supplies (e.g.,        |
|     prescription medications) that are required for evacuation and    |
|     shelter in place should be stored where they can be accessed      |
|     quickly in an evacuation situation.                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Shelter-in-place-only supplies]{.underline} (e.g., 3 days of     |
|     water for each family member) should be stored in an accessible   |
|     location within the home or workplace.                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Assembling and Storing an Disaster Supply Kit**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+----------------+
| You can cope   |                 |                 |                |
| best by        |                 |                 |                |
| preparing for  |                 |                 |                |
| disaster       |                 |                 |                |
| [befor         |                 |                 |                |
| e]{.underline} |                 |                 |                |
| it strikes.    |                 |                 |                |
| One way to     |                 |                 |                |
| prepare is by  |                 |                 |                |
| assembling a   |                 |                 |                |
| Disaster       |                 |                 |                |
| Supply Kit.    |                 |                 |                |
| After disaster |                 |                 |                |
| strikes, you   |                 |                 |                |
| won't have     |                 |                 |                |
| time to shop   |                 |                 |                |
| or search for  |                 |                 |                |
| supplies. But  |                 |                 |                |
| if you've      |                 |                 |                |
| gathered       |                 |                 |                |
| supplies in    |                 |                 |                |
| advance, you   |                 |                 |                |
| and your       |                 |                 |                |
| family can     |                 |                 |                |
| endure an      |                 |                 |                |
| evacuation or  |                 |                 |                |
| home           |                 |                 |                |
| confinement.   |                 |                 |                |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+----------------+
| ## To Pr       |                 |                 |                |
| epare Your Kit |                 |                 |                |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 1.  Review the |                 |                 |                |
|     checklist  |                 |                 |                |
|     on the     |                 |                 |                |
|     next few   |                 |                 |                |
|     pages      |                 |                 |                |
|     (from FEMA |                 |                 |                |
|     L-189, ARC |                 |                 |                |
|     4463,      |                 |                 |                |
|     [Your      |                 |                 |                |
|     Family     |                 |                 |                |
|     Disaster   |                 |                 |                |
|     Supplies   |                 |                 |                |
|     Kit]       |                 |                 |                |
| {.underline}). |                 |                 |                |
|                |                 |                 |                |
| 2.  Gather the |                 |                 |                |
|     supplies   |                 |                 |                |
|     from the   |                 |                 |                |
|     list.      |                 |                 |                |
|                |                 |                 |                |
| 3.  Place the  |                 |                 |                |
|     supplies   |                 |                 |                |
|     you're apt |                 |                 |                |
|     to need    |                 |                 |                |
|     for an     |                 |                 |                |
|     evacuation |                 |                 |                |
|     in an      |                 |                 |                |
|                |                 |                 |                |
|  easy-to-carry |                 |                 |                |
|     container. |                 |                 |                |
|     These      |                 |                 |                |
|     supplies   |                 |                 |                |
|     are listed |                 |                 |                |
|     with an    |                 |                 |                |
|     asterisk   |                 |                 |                |
|     (\*).      |                 |                 |                |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+----------------+
| ## [Wate       |                 |                 |                |
| r]{.underline} |                 |                 |                |
|                |                 |                 |                |
| Store water in |                 |                 |                |
| plastic        |                 |                 |                |
| containers     |                 |                 |                |
| such as soft   |                 |                 |                |
| drink bottles. |                 |                 |                |
| Avoid using    |                 |                 |                |
| containers     |                 |                 |                |
| that will      |                 |                 |                |
| decompose or   |                 |                 |                |
| break, such as |                 |                 |                |
| milk cartons   |                 |                 |                |
| or glass       |                 |                 |                |
| bottles. A     |                 |                 |                |
| normally       |                 |                 |                |
| active person  |                 |                 |                |
| needs to drink |                 |                 |                |
| at least two   |                 |                 |                |
| quarts of      |                 |                 |                |
| water each     |                 |                 |                |
| day. Hot       |                 |                 |                |
| environments   |                 |                 |                |
| and intense    |                 |                 |                |
| physical       |                 |                 |                |
| activity can   |                 |                 |                |
| double that    |                 |                 |                |
| requirement.   |                 |                 |                |
| Children,      |                 |                 |                |
| nursing        |                 |                 |                |
| mothers, and   |                 |                 |                |
| ill people     |                 |                 |                |
| will need      |                 |                 |                |
| more.          |                 |                 |                |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+----------------+
| -   Store 1    |                 | -   Keep at     |                |
|     gallon of  |                 |     least a     |                |
|     water per  |                 |     3-day       |                |
|     person per |                 |     supply of   |                |
|     day (2     |                 |     water for   |                |
|     quarts for |                 |     each person |                |
|     drinking,  |                 |     in your     |                |
|     2 quarts   |                 |     household.  |                |
|     for food   |                 |                 |                |
|                |                 |                 |                |
|   preparation/ |                 |                 |                |
| sanitation.)\* |                 |                 |                |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+----------------+
| If you have    |                 |                 |                |
| questions      |                 |                 |                |
| about the      |                 |                 |                |
| quality of the |                 |                 |                |
| water, purify  |                 |                 |                |
| it before      |                 |                 |                |
| drinking. You  |                 |                 |                |
| can heat water |                 |                 |                |
| to a rolling   |                 |                 |                |
| boil for 1     |                 |                 |                |
| minute or use  |                 |                 |                |
| commercial     |                 |                 |                |
| purification   |                 |                 |                |
| tablets to     |                 |                 |                |
| purify the     |                 |                 |                |
| water. You can |                 |                 |                |
| also use       |                 |                 |                |
| household      |                 |                 |                |
| liquid         |                 |                 |                |
| chlorine       |                 |                 |                |
| bleach if it   |                 |                 |                |
| is pure,       |                 |                 |                |
| unscented,     |                 |                 |                |
| 5.25% sodium   |                 |                 |                |
| hypochlorite.  |                 |                 |                |
| To purify      |                 |                 |                |
| water, use the |                 |                 |                |
| table below as |                 |                 |                |
| a guide:       |                 |                 |                |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+----------------+
| **Ratios for   |                 |                 |                |
| Purifying      |                 |                 |                |
| Water with     |                 |                 |                |
| Bleach**       |                 |                 |                |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+----------------+
|                | ########        | **Bleach        |                |
|                |  Water Quantity | Added**         |                |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+----------------+
|                | 1 Quart         | 4 Drops         |                |
|                |                 |                 |                |
|                | 1 Gallon        | 16 Drops        |                |
|                |                 |                 |                |
|                | 5 Gallons       | 1 Teaspoon      |                |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+----------------+

**Ratios for purifying water with bleach: Water quantity and bleach
added**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  After adding bleach, shake or stir the water container and let it stand
  30 minutes before drinking.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Assembling and Storing an Disaster Supply Kit**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **[Food]{.underline}**            |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Store at least a 3-day supply of  |                                   |
| nonperishable food. Select foods  |                                   |
| that require no refrigeration,    |                                   |
| preparation, or cooking and       |                                   |
| little or no water. If you must   |                                   |
| heat food, pack a can of          |                                   |
| Sterno^®^. Select food items that |                                   |
| are compact and lightweight.      |                                   |
| Include a selection of the        |                                   |
| following foods in your disaster  |                                   |
| supply kit:                       |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| -   Ready-to-eat canned meats,    | -   Foods for infants, elderly    |
|     fruits, and vegetables        |     persons, or persons on        |
|                                   |     special diets                 |
| -   Canned juices, milk, soup (if |                                   |
|     powdered, store extra water)  | -   Comfort/stress foodscookies, |
|                                   |     hard candy, sweetened         |
| -   Staplessugar, salt, pepper   |     cereals, lollipops, instant   |
|                                   |     coffee, tea bags              |
| -   High-energy foodspeanut      |                                   |
|     butter, jelly, crackers,      |                                   |
|     granola bars, trail mix       |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **[Kitchen Items]{.underline}**   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| -   Manual can opener             | -   Sugar, salt, pepper           |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Mess kits or paper cups,      | -   Aluminum foil and plastic     |
|     plates, and plastic utensils  |     wrap                          |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   All-purpose knife             | -   Re-sealing plastic bags       |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Household liquid bleach to    | -   If food must be cooked, small |
|     treat drinking water          |     cooking stove and a can of    |
|                                   |     cooking fuel                  |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Assembling and Storing an Disaster Supply Kit**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **[First Aid Kit]{.underline}\*** |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Assemble a first aid kit for your |                                   |
| home and one for each car. A      |                                   |
| first aid kit should include:     |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| -   First aid manual              | -   Sunscreen                     |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Sterile adhesive bandages in  | -   2-inch sterile roller         |
|     assorted sizes                |     bandages (3 rolls)            |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   2-inch sterile gauze pads     | ```{=html}                        |
|     (4-6)                         | <!-- -->                          |
|                                   | ```                               |
| -   4-inch sterile gauze pads     | -   3-inch sterile roller         |
|     (4-6)                         |     bandages (3 rolls)            |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Hypoallergenic adhesive tape  | -   Scissors                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Triangular bandages (3)       | -   Tweezers                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| ```{=html}                        | ##### Nonprescription Drugs       |
| <!-- -->                          |                                   |
| ```                               | -   Aspirin or nonaspirin pain    |
| -   Needle                        |     reliever                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| ```{=html}                        | -   Antidiarrhea medication       |
| <!-- -->                          |                                   |
| ```                               | -   Antacid (for stomach upset)   |
| -   Moistened towelettes          |                                   |
|                                   | -   Syrup of Ipecac (used to      |
| -   Antibacterial ointment        |     induce vomiting if advised by |
|                                   |     the Poison Control Center)    |
| -   Thermometer                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   Laxative                      |
| ```{=html}                        |                                   |
| <!-- -->                          | -   Vitamins                      |
| ```                               |                                   |
| -   Tongue blades (2)             | -   Activated charcoal (used if   |
|                                   |     advised by the Poison Control |
| -   Tube of petroleum jelly or    |     Center)                       |
|     other lubricant               |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Assorted sizes of safety pins |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Cleaning agent/soap           |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Latex gloves (2 pairs)        |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Petroleum jelly               |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Cotton balls                  |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **[Tools and                      |                                   |
| Supplies]{.underline}**           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| -   Mess kits, or paper cups,     | -   Medicine dropper              |
|     plates and plastic utensils\* |                                   |
|                                   | -   Shutoff wrench, to turn off   |
| -   Emergency preparedness        |     household gas and water       |
|     manual\*                      |                                   |
|                                   | -   Whistle                       |
| -   Battery-operated radio and    |                                   |
|     extra batteries\*             | -   Plastic sheeting              |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Flashlight and extra          | **Sanitation**                    |
|     batteries\*                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   Toilet paper, towelettes\*    |
| -   Fire extinguisher: small      |                                   |
|     canister, ABC type            | -   Soap, liquid detergent\*      |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Tube tent                     | -   Feminine supplies\*           |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Pliers                        | -   Personal hygiene items\*      |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Duct tape                     | -   Plastic garbage bags, ties    |
|                                   |     (for personal sanitation      |
| -   Compass                       |     uses)                         |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Matches in a waterproof       | -   Plastic bucket with tight lid |
|     container                     |                                   |
|                                   | -   Disinfectant                  |
| -   Aluminum foil                 |                                   |
|                                   | -   Household chlorine bleach     |
| -   Plastic storage containers    |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Signal flare(s)               |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Paper, pencil                 |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Needles, thread               |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Work gloves                   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Assembling and Storing an Disaster Supply Kit**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **[Clothing and                   |                                   |
| Bedding]{.underline}**            |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Include at least one complete     |                                   |
| change of clothing and footwear   |                                   |
| per person.                       |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| -   Sturdy shoes or work boots\*  | -   Hat and gloves\*              |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Rain gear\*                   | -   Thermal underwear\*           |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Blankets or sleeping bags\*   | -   Sunglasses\*                  |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **[Household Documents and        |                                   |
| Contact Numbers]{.underline}**    |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| -   Personal identification, cash | -   Emergency contact list and    |
|     (including change) or         |     phone numbers                 |
|     traveler's checks, and a      |                                   |
|     credit card                   | -   Map of the area and phone     |
|                                   |     numbers of places you could   |
| -   Copies of important           |     go                            |
|     documents: birth              |                                   |
|     certificates, marriage        | -   An extra set of car keys and  |
|     certificate, driver's         |     house keys                    |
|     license, social security      |                                   |
|     cards, passport, wills,       |                                   |
|     deeds, inventory of household |                                   |
|     goods, insurance papers,      |                                   |
|     immunizations records, bank   |                                   |
|     and credit card account       |                                   |
|     numbers, stocks and bonds. Be |                                   |
|     sure to store these in a      |                                   |
|     watertight container.         |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **[Special Items]{.underline}**   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Remember family members with      |                                   |
| special needs, such as infants    |                                   |
| and elderly or disabled persons.  |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ##### For Baby\*                  | -   Entertainmentgames and books |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Formula                       | -   Important Family Documents    |
|                                   |     keep these records in a      |
| -   Diapers                       |     waterproof, portable          |
|                                   |     container                     |
| -   Bottles                       |                                   |
|                                   | -   Will, insurance policies,     |
| -   Powdered milk                 |     contracts, deeds, stocks and  |
|                                   |     bonds                         |
| -   Medications                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   Passports, social security    |
| ##### For Adults\*                |     cards, immunization records   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Heart and high blood pressure | -   Bank account numbers          |
|     medication                    |                                   |
|                                   | -   Credit card account numbers   |
| -   Insulin                       |     and companies                 |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Prescription drugs            | -   Inventory of valuable         |
|                                   |     household goods               |
| -   Denture needs                 |                                   |
|                                   | -   Important telephone numbers   |
| -   Contact lenses and supplies   |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Extra eye glasses             |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

\*Items marked with an asterisk are recommended for evacuation.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Home and Workplace Preparedness (Continued)                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ### Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place?                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Depending on the hazard and situation, the decision of whether to     |
| evacuate or shelter-in-place is not always easy. If time and location |
| allow, you should listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for      |
| instructions from emergency management professionals who are          |
| evaluating the situation.                                             |
|                                                                       |
| Learn the evacuation and sheltering in place procedures for the       |
| hazards in your area.                                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Community Preparedness                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Citizen preparedness will be less effective if the community isn't    |
| prepared. Representatives of all agencies that have a role in         |
| response work together to organize their agencies' activities before  |
| an emergency or disaster. The product of their efforts is called an   |
| Emergency Operations Plan, or EOP.                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The EOP is a document that:                                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Assigns responsibility]{.underline} to organizations and         |
|     individuals for carrying out specific actions at projected times  |
|     and places in an emergency that exceeds the capability or routine |
|     responsibility of any one agency (e.g., the fire department).     |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Sets forth lines of authority]{.underline} and organizational    |
|     relationships, and shows how all actions will be coordinated.     |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Describes how people and property will be protected]{.underline} |
|     in emergencies and disasters.                                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Identifies personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies, and other |
|     resources]{.underline} available---within the jurisdiction or by  |
|     agreement with other jurisdictions---for use during response and  |
|     recovery operations.                                              |
|                                                                       |
| In short, the EOP describes how the community will do business in an  |
| emergency.                                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Community Preparedness (Continued)                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Community Preparedness and CERTs                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Communities also prepare for disasters when they establish Community  |
| Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) to respond in their area immediately |
| after a disaster when response resources are overwhelmed or delayed.  |
| CERTs based on their standard operating procedures develop by the     |
| sponsoring agency:                                                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   Assist first responders.                                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Assume many of the same functions as response personnel:          |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Fire safety                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Light search and rescue                                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   Medical operations                                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image3.wmf){width="5.997222222222222in"
height="3.1493055555555554in"}

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **CERT Organization**                                                 |
|                                                                       |
| **Showing the Fire Department Liaison at the top. Underneath is the   |
| CERT Team Leader who directs the activities of four sections:         |
| Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Administration. Underneath the   |
| Operations Section are three response teams: Fire Suppression Search  |
| and Rescue, and Medical. Underneath the Planning Section are two      |
| sections: Documentation and Incident Status.**                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  No matter which function CERT members are assigned to, effective CERTs
  require [teamwork]{.underline}.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # Protection for Disaster Workers |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| As volunteers, CERT members       |                                   |
| functioning in emergency services |                                   |
| are generally protected by "Good  |                                   |
| Samaritan" laws that protect      |                                   |
| people who provide emergency care |                                   |
| [in a prudent and reasonable      |                                   |
| manner]{.underline}.              |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| In a disaster, CERT members are   |                                   |
| also protected by the Volunteer   |                                   |
| Protection Act of 1997, a Federal |                                   |
| law that protects volunteers from |                                   |
| liability as long as they are     |                                   |
| acting in accordance with the     |                                   |
| training that they have received. |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| People who volunteer their        |                                   |
| services during a disaster are    |                                   |
| generally protected by Federal,   |                                   |
| State, and/or local laws. Most    |                                   |
| states have "Good Samaritan" laws |                                   |
| that protect people who provide   |                                   |
| emergency care *in a prudent and  |                                   |
| reasonable manner* to ill or      |                                   |
| injured persons. Other city,      |                                   |
| county, or State laws may also    |                                   |
| apply. Your instructor will       |                                   |
| provide information about laws    |                                   |
| that apply in your area. Record   |                                   |
| the key points below for future   |                                   |
| reference.                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **Applicable Laws**               | **Key Points**                    |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
|                                   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
|                                   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Unit Summary                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| CERTs are among a variety of agencies and personnel who cooperate to  |
| provide assistance in the aftermath of a disaster. The keys to CERT   |
| effectiveness are in:                                                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   Familiarity with the types of events that are high risk for the   |
|     area and the types of damage that can occur as a result.          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Adequate preparation for each event and its aftermath.            |
|                                                                       |
| -   Training in the functional areas to which CERTs are assigned.     |
|                                                                       |
| -   Practice through refreshers and simulations.                      |
|                                                                       |
| CERTs have proven themselves invaluable in the areas in which they    |
| were tested. They can be invaluable in this community as well.        |
|                                                                       |
| CERTs have become a key component of President Bush's Citizen Corps.  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Homework Assignment                                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The next unit will cover fire safety. Before the next session, you    |
| should:                                                               |
|                                                                       |
| 1.  Read and familiarize yourself with Unit 2: Fire Safety in the     |
|     Participant Manual.                                               |
|                                                                       |
| 2.  Bring a pair of leather gloves and safety goggles to use in the   |
|     fire suppression unit, and to serve as a starting point for your  |
|     disaster supply kits.                                             |
|                                                                       |
| 3.  Begin food and water storage for at least 3 days for yourself and |
|     your families.                                                    |
|                                                                       |
| 4.  Establish an out-of-state contact.                                |
|                                                                       |
| 5.  Locate the utility shutoffs in your home.                         |
|                                                                       |
| Wear appropriate clothes to the next session (no shorts or open-toed  |
| shoes), because you will practice putting out a small fire with an    |
| extinguisher.                                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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