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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - LESSONS FROM HURRICANE KATRINA
<br /> No place or no one is immune from disaster. • Do not count on your cellular telephone. Cellular
<br /> Denial can cost you everything. networks will be down or overloaded during an emer-
<br /> During a large-scale emergency, you probably will gency and you should have alternative plans for meet-
<br /> not receive immediate aid or rescue. In the beginning, ing with or contacting family members.
<br /> you will be on your own and you will have to be pre- •Talk with your neighbors about preparedness and
<br /> pared to take care of yourself. The support and generos- how you will help one another.
<br /> ity of neighbors, friends, family, and even strangers can • Be prepared to leave your home on short notice by
<br /> do more than a governmental agency. Be prepared and having a list of what you will need. Plan to take food,
<br /> willing to help each other. water, medicines, warm clothing, toilet paper, soap,
<br /> Potential Regional Disasters That Could towel, bucket, blankets, sleeping bag, radio, flashlight,
<br /> Impact Louisville batteries, and other essentials. Have a bag already
<br /> • Severe winter storms packed with as much as possible. Be prepared and keep
<br /> • Long-term power outages it simple.
<br /> •Tornados Other Considerations
<br /> • Hazardous chemicals accidents Place the following items in a portable container, pack, or
<br /> (stationary or during transport) duffle bag and keep it accessible:
<br /> • Earthquakes •Waterproof matches, plastic garbage bags, duct tape,
<br /> •Terrorist attacks and paper towels;
<br /> • Major disruptions of the fresh water supply • Disposable plates, glasses, utensils, can-opener, and
<br /> General Emergency Preparedness Considerations bottle opener;
<br /> •Television and radio broadcasts are the most reliable •Water- at least 1 gallon per person per day;
<br /> sources of warnings and current information. • Nonperishable canned and dried foods, peanut but-
<br /> • Stay in your home unless ordered to evacuate. There ter, nuts, and energy bars;
<br /> are no mass evacuation or civil defense shelters. • Flashlight and spare batteries and a crank or battery-
<br /> • Have enough food and water to take care of your- operated radio;
<br /> self and your family for at least seven days. The hot • Candles and matches or lighter;
<br /> water tank is a good source of water. If there is time, •Whistle;
<br /> fill the bathtub with water for use later. •Toiletries, personal medical needs, and first aid kit;
<br /> • Do not go outside until it is safe. • Remember your prescription drugs;
<br /> • If there is a hazardous materials incident, keep win- • Extra set of keys and money;
<br /> dows and doors closed. Seal fresh air intakes when • Copies of important documents, identification, and
<br /> possible.Your furnace requires fresh air so do not personal papers;
<br /> block that intake vent. Keep the following items in your vehicle:
<br /> • Do not use kerosene or propane heaters or bar- • Flashlight, whistle, roadmaps, shovel, snow brush,
<br /> beque grills in a sealed house. They will consume all candles, and matches in a metal container, blankets,
<br /> of the oxygen. Never burn charcoal indoors. gloves, tow rope,jumper cables, first aid kit, fire ex-
<br /> • Do not store gasoline indoors or in unapproved tinguisher, water, and emergency food (such as energy
<br /> containers. bars)
<br /> • Have a battery-powered or rechargeable radio, The Louisville Police Department is available to help you
<br /> flashlight, batteries, and candles. with making your emergency preparedness plans, and
<br /> • If you cannot take care of yourself, plan to stay with there is additional information on the Internet:
<br /> someone, or plan to have someone come to you. • www.dola.state.co.us/oem/Publications/family.pdf
<br /> • Plan for the care for your pets. • www.fema.gov/areyouready
<br /> • Be in the habit of keeping your car's gas tank at • www.redcross.org
<br /> least half full. • www.ci.boulder.co.us/oem/index.htm
<br /> October/November 2005 9
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