A Pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily from person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in a very short time.
It is difficult to predict when the next pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. Wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone around the world will be at risk of catching the virus.
The Avian (bird) influenza virus is being monitored very closely by public health officials. Currently, most of the individuals who have contracted Avian influenza caught it from a bird. There has been no sustained human-to-human transmission of the virus at this time. However, public health officials are very concerned that the Avian influenza virus will evolve into a virus capable of human to human transmission.
For more information on preparing for Pandemic Flu visit:
www.pandemicflu.gov
www.adph.org/pandemicflu
SUGGESTED SUPPLIES
Store food and drink that does not need to be kept in the
refrigerator. Buy an extra item each time you shop to build a
supply. Check each item to see that it has an expiration date
on it or else mark it with the date you bought it.
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans,
and soups - Dry Beans and Rice
- Dry cereal or granola
- Peanut butter or nuts
- Dried fruit
- Crackers
- Juices, electrolyte drinks (also called sports drinks)
- Bottled water – An adult needs one gallon a day.
- Jar or canned baby food, formula, and diapers
- Pet food
- Other nonperishable foods such as cereal bars, snack packs
- Food preparation and storage items – manual can opener, plastic utensils, cups and paper plates, paper towels, plastic bags, trash bags
- Medical, health, and emergency supplies
- Prescription medicines and equipment – keep your prescriptions and labels from the drugstore
- Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60% minimum) hand sanitizer
- Medicines for fever, pain, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, arthritis, coughs, sneezes, etc.
- Thermometer; ice bag or plastic bags to hold ice to help relieve fever
- Vitamins
- Household cleaners – pure, unscented bleach; dish and laundry detergents; counter, sink, and toilet cleaners; mold and mildew removers
- Flashlights, portable radios and TVs, and batteries – There are also flashlights and radios you can crank to give them power without batteries.
- Tissues, paper towels, baby wipes, rubber gloves, face masks (N95), toilet paper, disposable diapers, and garbage bags
TO GET READY FOR IT
- Store at least a two-week supply of water and food. Stores may run out of items or be closed because so many people may be sick, or you may be too sick to leave your home.
- Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company if you can get an extra supply of your regular prescription drugs. Find out from your pharmacist what procedures are provided for after hours and/or emergency access to your prescription medications. In case your pharmacy is closed, you should keep either the drug container with the label or your copies of the receipts and papers that come with your medicines. Another doctor or pharmacy may be able to look at this information and know what to give you when you need to have your prescription refilled.
- Make sure you have some extra drugstore supplies that you can buy without a prescription. These include medicines for reducing fever, pain, stomach upsets, diarrhea, cold, and coughs. Other supplies include vitamins, fluids with electrolytes such as sports drinks, sprays and ointments for cuts, thermometers, and ice bags or plastic bags to hold ice.
- Talk with family members and loved ones about who would care for them if they got sick, and what would be needed to care for them at home.
- Ask what your workplace, church, schools, and other community groups are doing to prepare for pandemic flu. You can offer to become a volunteer with them. You can also volunteer with the Alabama Department of Public Health. Go to adph.org/volunteer or call toll-free 1-866-264-4073 to find out more information.
TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF VIRUSES AND GERMS AND PREVENT INFECTION
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues. No tissue? Cough and sneeze into upper arm or sleeve.
- Don’t touch your eyes or inside your nose or mouth if your hands aren’t
clean. Germs that you pick up on places like door handles and telephones can come into your body through eyes, nose, and mouth. - Stand at least 3 feet away from someone who is coughing or sneezing. Flu can be spread by droplets coughed or sneezed in the air.
- Stay at home if you are sick, and keep your family at home if they are sick.
- Teach children and others in your family to make the above actions a daily routine.
For more information, visit the Alabama Department of Public Health Web site: adph.org/pandemicflu
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes located in the counties of Barbour, Chambers, Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Lee, Randolph, and Russell in the State of Alabama as result of drought conditions which began on January 1, 2008 and continuing.
For more information, click here (Word document).
To apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance, click here
RedCross Disaster Relief Services, click here
United-Way Disaster Recover, click here or dial 211
Report False Damage Claims
If you suspect someone is filing false damage claims, please report it. Help FEMA make sure that disaster aid goes only to those who deserve it. It is a violation of federal law to file a false claim.
Report a false damage claim:
Call 1 (800) 323-8603
Disaster Fraud Hotline
Monitor NOAA All Hazards Radio or your favorite news source for vital weather information.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground, away from areas subject to flooding.
- Avoid areas already flooded and do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
- Do not drive around barriers that warn you the road is flooded.
Some cities and counties will issue a fine to motorists who ignore barriers!
- Never drive through flooded roadways as road beds may be washed out under flood waters.
- If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, if there is a threat of flooding. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Flood Watch: A flood or flash flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding or flash flooding to develop.
Flash Flood Warning: A warning is issued when rapid flooding is imminent. Flash floods quickly develop within six hours of a heavy rainfall event.
Urban/Small Stream Flood Advisory (issued as a Flood Statement): These statements are issued when minor flooding problems are expected, mostly in flood prone urban areas or near small streams that may rise quickly out of their banks. Even minor flooding can cause huge problems if proper precautions are not taken.
Flood Warning: These warnings are issued for river floods. River flooding mostly occurs with longer periods of rain which result in slower rises in flood waters and a prolonged flood event.
A comprehensive school safety plan must address the issues that are relevant to the educational environment and the community as a whole. Any hazard that is present in the community is also present in the schools themselves.
Severe weather, hazardous materials, terrorism, criminal acts, fire, medical emergencies, disease outbreaks, earthquake and technological emergencies are all events that are addressed in the local Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and should be addressed by schools at a district and individual level. The OHSEM has placed radio receivers in each school which can receive emergency broadcasts from public safety.
City and County Law Enforcement and Fire officials interact and train with our community schools on an individual basis. School Resource Officers provide a security resource for the Phenix City and Russell County Boards of Education.
Both Superintendents interact with the OHSEM any time a specific threat exists for our local community and work with local law enforcement and fire to provide a safer school environment for our communities most valuable resource, our children.
For more information on school security, contact your local Board of Education, Law Enforcement Agency or Fire Department.
http://www.nea.org/schoolsafety/index.html
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/default.asp?item=106
http://www.killology.com/schoolattack.htm
In the event of a release of hazardous materials, you may be asked to shelter-in-place. This type of sheltering is different from the shelter you take in a storm or tornado. You should select a small, interior room, with no windows if possible. Make sure to take a small television or radio with you and a cordless phone if possible. If a shelter-in-place situation occurs, the recommended areas will be released to the media. The Russell County Outdoor Warning Sirens may be activated also.
A chemical emergency may occur anywhere hazardous materials are manufactured, stored or transported. Chemical plants are obvious sources of potential accidents. Less obvious are highways, railways and storage containers at places such as swimming pools (chlorine).
- Study your surroundings for fixed and mobile sources of hazardous materials.
- Learn about any warning sirens where you live and work. Your local emergency planning committee or office of emergency services can give you information about the sirens, such as when they are tested and for how long.
- Prepare a shelter-in-place kit appropriate for the type(s) of emergencies that could occur near you. The kit should contain duct tape for sealing cracks around doors and windows; plastic (preferably, precut to size) to cover windows; a battery-operated AM/FM radio; flashlight with fresh batteries; bottled water; towels; toys for young children; candles; matches; first-aid kit; medicine and other items essential for your family’s survival. Check the kit every six months to make sure all the supplies are still there and that they are fresh. The room should have a telephone, although you should use it only for emergency calls. If you use it otherwise, you may be taking up a line needed by emergency response officials.
- Find out which radio, television and cable systems in your area broadcast emergency information.
- Learn CPR and first-aid.
- For a place to shelter, select a room in your house that has few or no windows.
- Make sure all family members know what to do in a chemical emergency, whether they are at home, school, work or outdoors.
- Review your plan periodically and conduct drills.
You are most likely to hear about a chemical emergency by radio, television or warning sirens. When you learn of the emergency:
- Immediately take your family and pets to the room you’ve chosen as a shelter. If your children are at school, do not leave your house to go get them. Going outside could expose yourself to hazardous chemicals. Also, schools have emergency plans of their own.
- Shut off heating, cooling and fans that draw in air from the outside. If you have a fireplace, close the damper.
- Shut and lock doors and windows. Locking makes a better seal. Cover any windows with plastic sheeting. Seal cracks around the door and windows with duct tape.
- Turn on a radio or television to a local station that broadcasts emergency information. Stay tuned until the “all clear” message is broadcast.
- Stay off the phone. It should be used for emergency calls only.
- Be prepared to evacuate if ordered to do so by public safety officials. Evacuation instructions will be announced over the emergency broadcast system.
When you hear the “all clear” message over the emergency broadcast system, you should:
- Open doors and windows.
- Turn on your heating/cooling system to ventilate the house.
- Go outside.
For more information, visit www.redcross.org and www.nicsinfo.org/SIP%20Center.htm.
Terrorism
Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to:
- Create fear among the public.
- Try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism.
- Get immediate publicity for their causes
Acts of terrorism include threats of terrorism; assassinations; kidnappings; hijackings; bomb scares and bombings; cyber attacks (computer-based); and the use of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons.
Click here for a checklist on what to do if a bomb threat is made.
High-risk targets for acts of terrorism include military and civilian government facilities, international airports, large cities, and high-profile landmarks. Terrorists might also target large public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities, and corporate centers. Further, terrorists are capable of spreading fear by sending explosives or chemical and biological agents through the mail.
Within the immediate area of a terrorist event, you would need to rely on police, fire, and other officials for instructions. However, you can prepare in much the same way you would prepare for other crisis events.
The following are general guidelines:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.
- Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. You should promptly report unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages, and strange devices to the police or security personnel.
- Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Plan how to get out in the event of an emergency.
- Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on—electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, ATMs, and Internet transactions.
- Work with building owners to ensure the following items are located on each floor of the building:
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
- Several flashlights and extra batteries.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Hard hats and dust masks.
- Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
SEVERE WEATHER TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Warning: A particular weather hazard is either imminent or has been reported. A warning indicates the need to take immediate action to protect life and property. The type of hazard is reflected in the type of warning (e.g., tornado warning, blizzard warning).
Watch: A particular hazard is possible, or when conditions support its occurrence. A watch is a recommendation for planning, preparation, and increased awareness (i.e., to be alert for changing weather, listen for further information, and think about what to do if the danger materializes).
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from the base of a thunderstorm.
Severe Thunderstorm: A thunderstorm that produces tornadoes, hail 0.75 inches or more in diameter, or winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or more.
Straight-line Winds: Generally, any wind that is not associated with rotation, used mainly to differentiate them from tornadic winds.
Flood: The condition that occurs when water overflows the natural or artificial confines of a stream or other body of water, or accumulates by drainage over low-lying areas.
Flash Flood: A flood that rises and falls quite rapidly, usually as the result of intense rainfall over a relatively small area. Usually it occurs within 6 hours of a rain event.
Supercell: A thunderstorm with a persistent rotating updraft. Supercells are rare, but are responsible for a remarkably high percentage of severe weather events – especially tornadoes, extremely large hail and damaging straight-line winds.
Squall Line: A solid or nearly solid line or band of active thunderstorms.
Downburst: A strong downdraft resulting in an outward burst of damaging winds on or near the ground. Downburst winds can produce damage similar to a strong tornado. Although usually associated with thunderstorms, downbursts can occur with showers too weak to produce thunder.
Funnel Cloud: A condensation funnel extending from the base of a towering cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud, associated with a rotating column of air that is not in contact with the ground (and hence different from a tornado). A condensation funnel is a tornado, not a funnel cloud, if either a) it is in contact with the ground or b) a debris cloud or dust whirl is visible beneath it.
TORNADO SAFETY
In homes or small buildings: Go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.
In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping centers: Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head.
In high-rise buildings: Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.
In cars or mobile homes: ABANDON THEM IMMEDIATELY! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter.
If no suitable structure is nearby: Lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head.
LIGHTNING SAFETY
All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes. Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of the storm because people try and wait to the last minute before seeking shelter. You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough that it could strike your location at any moment. Get inside!
Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or death. On average, 10% of strike victims die; 70% of survivors suffer serious long term effects.
Blue Skies and Lightning: Lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles. Even when the sky looks blue and clear, be cautious. If you hear thunder, take cover. At least 10% of lightning occurs without visible clouds overhead in the sky.
- Be the lowest point. Lightning hits the tallest object. Crouch down if you are in an exposed area.
- If you can’t get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.
- Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get off bicycles and motorcycles. Avoid metal! Don’t hold on to metal items such golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets or tools.
- Get out of the water. It’s a great conductor of electricity. Don’t stand in puddles of water, even if wearing rubber boots.
- Move away from a group of people. Stay several yards away from other people. Don’t share a bleacher bench or huddle in a group.
HEAT SAFETY
How can you be prepared and stay safe?
- Wear light clothes, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Drink plenty of water at all times, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Do not overexert yourself.
- Eat light meals.
- Stay out of the sun when possible.
See also https://rcema.us/heat-wave/
WEATHER RADIOS
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These radios may be purchased at any major department store and many other locations.
MAKE A FAMILY PLAN
Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the event, the first important decision is whether you shelter in place or evacuate.
CREATE A PLAN TO SHELTER-IN-PLACE
There are situations when staying in put and creating a barrier between you and potential contamination is the best idea, maybe even a matter of survival. Choose an interior room or one with as few windows and doors as possible and if directed seal doors, windows, and air vent with plastic sheeting.
ESTABLISH AN EVACUATION PLAN
Plan in advance how you will reunite with your family. Know destinations in more than one direction and be familiar with alternate routes and transportation. If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. Remember your 3-day kit and lock the door behind you.
HAVE A FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Have a plan that each person contacts the same friend or relative in an emergency situation so that there is a common point of contact and information can be shared more easily.Remember:
- It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
- Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
- You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether, so be patient.
Click here to download a family communications plan (PDF)
CREATE A KIT
Having a 3-Day Kit ready and packed will help prepare your family in the case of an emergency or evacuation. Keep the following items in a sturdy and easy-to-carry container and make sure it’s ready to go at all times during the year:
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof container (Photo IDs, proof of residence, insurance, birth certificates, deeds, Social Security Card, etc.)
- Hygiene kit of toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, deodorant, feminine products, shaving supplies, etc.
- Non-expired medication, medical contact information, prescriptions, and first aid kit
- Extra car and house keys
- Bottled water (1 gallon per person/day) and non-perishable food (i.e. granola or energy bars)
- Battery operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
- Contact and meeting place information for your household and a small regional map
- Small denomination cash and ATM card
- Comfortable shoes, raingear, and blanket
- Any special care items
PLAN FOR YOUR PETS
The single most important thing that you can do to protect your pets if you evacuate is to take your pets with you! If it’s not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it’s not safe for your pets.
- Evacuate early. If you are evacuated by emergency officials at the last minute then you may be forced to leave your pets behind for various reasons.
- No matter how long you think you will be gone, take your pets with you. Disasters can easily take a turn for the worst and you may end up away from home longer than expected.
- Pets do not do well on their own in times of disaster as they are dependant on humans for everything. They can easily become lost, injured or even killed if they are left to fend for themselves. Chaining pets up outdoors or letting them loose is not a safe option for the pet or the surrounding community.
KNOW YOUR PET’S NEEDS
Each pet is unique and only you as the owner knows what they do and do not need in times of great distress. Below is a guideline for a disaster kit for your pet. Add and eliminate as needed for each pet.
- Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also good to include. For information about the Humane Society of the United States’ (HSUS) book, Pet First Aid: Cat and Dogs, call (202) 454-1100.
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets cannot escape. (Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time.)
- Current photos of your pet for identification in case your pet gets lost.
- Food, water, bowls, cat litter and litter box, and a manually-operated can opener.
- Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
- Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them.
- Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
Before a disaster research the different shelters that are available in your community where you can place your pets during a disaster. Learn any rules or restrictions that they may have and adjust your Disaster Kit accordingly. Always remember that most shelters do not allow animals, so you must plan ahead.
Here are some preferred options for providing for your pets in a disaster outside of an emergency shelter: Hotels/motels, friends, kennels, local animal shelter, veterinarian clinic and family outside of the impacted community.
DON’T FORGET ID
Your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. It’s a good idea to include a number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area. If possible, have your pets micro-chipped as it is the most effective form of identification for lost pets. For more information on micro-chipping, click here.
REMEMBER!
Keep physical control of your pet at all times. Pets can become very confused and hard to handle during times of disaster and may not respond to voice commands no matter how well they are trained! For a complete brochure on pets in disaster, click here.
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