MODULE EIGHT:

1
MODULE EIGHT
Emergency Preparedness
Info from www.osha.gov
2
Objectives

• Students will
• Understand the importance of community
  preparedness.
• Understand how to work together as part of a team
  when responding to emergencies.
• Understand how to develop an emergency plan for
  their family and home.

3
What is emergency preparedness?

• Emergency preparedness is planning and actions
  undertaken in advance of a possible or probable
  natural or man-made disaster.
• Plans for reconstruction, food storage,
  sanitation equipment storage, and conducting
  drills are usually part of an emergency
  preparedness plan.

4
What is a disaster?
An unforeseen natural or man-made event that
often comes on suddenly and that causes great
damage, destruction and human suffering.
5
Disasters that occur in the United States

• Earthquake
• Home fires and wildfires
• Flooding
• Hurricane/tropical storm
• Severe storm ice/hail storms windstorms
• Tornado
• Winter storm
• Extreme heat
• Hazardous spills
• Nuclear power plant emergencies
• Terrorism
• Biological and chemical threats
• Volcano
• Epidemic/Pandemic Illness

6
Who responds?

• First responders are usually
• Citizens bystanders
• Firefighters, police officers, and EMS (Emergency
  Medical Services)
• First receivers are usually
• Healthcare workers, hospital employees
• HAZMAT, Safety officers and skilled volunteers

7
Aftermath

• Buildings may have been damaged or weakened by
  the disaster, and may collapse without warning.
• There may also be gas leaks or electrical short
  circuits.

8
Aftermath

• After a disaster, its important that people who
  live in the affected area
• Stay away from fallen or damaged electric wires.
• Check food and water supplies before using them.
  Foods that require refrigeration may be spoiled
  if electric power has been off for some time.
• Stay away from disaster areas. You could
  interfere with first aid or rescue work, and it
  may be dangerous, as well.
• Dont drive unless necessary.
• Report hazards to local authorities.
• Do not spread rumors.
• Obtain food, clothing, medical care, or shelter
  at Red Cross stations or from local government
  authorities.

9
What can you do?

• Be informed about hazards that can affect you and
  your family.
• Have a home emergency plan in place.
• Collect and assemble a disaster supply kit.
• Know the location of your local shelters.
• Learn the warning systems in your community. For
  example, on TV or the radio or community website.

10
Emergency drills

• Help people practice and prepare for real
  emergencies.
• Should be treated as if they were real.

11
Summary

• Emergency preparedness involves planning and
  actions undertaken in advance of a possible or
  probable disaster.
• Be informed about hazards that can affect you and
  your family.
• Have a home emergency plan in place.
• Preparedness begins at home