Disaster Preparedness - Holbrook Emergency Management Agency

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Holbrook Emergency

Management Agency

Hol= brook Town Hall 50 North Franklin Street &= nbsp; Holbrook, MA 02343

Eme= rgency 9-1-1 Business 781-630-2201=

Sta= tewide 2-1-1 for routine inquiries is active Monday – Friday 8am-8pm<= /o:p>

cONTACT THE Director OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

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Disaster Preparedness<= o:p>

A	Disaster Preparedness begins at home
	Download a copy of FEMA’s publication “Are You Ready?”
B	Create a Family Disaster Plan
C	Awareness Information
D	Sources of Information
E	Four Steps to Safety
	1. Find out what could happen to you.
	2. Create a Family Disaster Plan.<= /b>
	3. Complete your checklists.
	4. Practice and maintain your plan.
F	What to Tell Children
G	Remember Your Pets
H	Media and Community Education Ideas
I	Evacuation
J	After a Disaster
K	For People with Disabilities
	Register with the Holbrook Emergency Management Agency
L	If you have a severe speech, language, or hearing disability
M	If you are blind or visually impaired
N	Assemble a Disaster Kit for Home and Auto

A	Disaster Preparedness begins at home

Disaster Preparedn= ess begins at home.

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Disaster preparedn= ess begins at home. The town ha= s few resources at its disposal to shelter, feed, and transport all of the residents, employees of local businesses, commuters and travelers. These resources have to cover a lot people with varying needs, and be able to a= ble to respond to many different hazards.&nb= sp;

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In order for the t= own to properly respond to a disaster, everyone needs to make preparations to protect themselves. That means educating yourself, creating a plan for dealing with a disaster, and making a reasonable effort to prepare= your property and stockpile of supplies in your home and auto.

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Download a copy of “Are = You Ready?”

Getting a copy of the FEMA publication “Are You Ready?” is a major part of yo= ur education effort. This bo= ok is free to every home and can be obtained online.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF "ARE YOU READY?"=

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You should study t= he information in the following sections to help you prepare for emergencies regardless of size or cause.

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B	Create a Family Disaster Plan

Create a Family Disaster Plan

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Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you = to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do= if basic services, such as water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut o= ff? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster,= but they cannot reach everyone right away.

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Families can and do cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility. Learn more about Family Disaster Plans by contacting your local emergency management office or your local American Red Cross chapter.

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C	Awareness Information

Awareness Information

A National Weather Service (NWS) WATCH is a message indicating that conditions favor the occurrence of a certain type of hazardous weather. For example, a severe thunderstorm watch means that a severe thunderstorm is expected in the next six hours or so within an area approximately 120 to 150 miles wide and 300 to 400 miles long (36,000 to 60,000 square miles). The NWS Storm Prediction Center issues such watches. Local NWS forecast offices issue other watches (flash flood, winter weath= er, etc.) 12 to 36 hours in advance of a possible hazardous-weather or floodi= ng event. Each local forecast office usually covers a state or a portion of a state.

An NWS WARNING indicates that a hazardous event is occurring or is imminent in about 30 minutes to an hour. Local NWS forecast offices issue warnings on a county-by-county basis.

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D	Sources of Information

Sources of Information:

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You can obtain information about current events and threats from numerous sources includ= ing:

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= · &nbs= p; Local media, inclu= ding radio and TV

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= · &nbs= p; Internet news sour= ces, including the HOLBROOK SUN newspaper

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= · &nbs= p; The Holbrook Emerg= ency Management Agency Website

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= · &nbs= p; Emails from the Holbrook Emergency Management Agency. You can subscribe HERE, you can send an email to holbrooke= mergency-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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= · &nbs= p; NOAA Weather Radio= can be used to ALERT you emergencies, and many non-weather related emergencies will also be sent out = via NOAA radio.

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E	Four Steps to Safety

Four Steps to Safety

Complete four steps to safety. There are four basic steps to developing a family disaster plan:

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1. Find out what could happen to you.

1. Find out what could happen to you.=

By learning what your risks may be, you can prepare f= or the disaster most likely to occur in your area.

Questions that you should ask your local Emergency Management Director include:

Q. What= type of disasters are most likely to happen in your community? Identify which human-caused or technological disaste= rs can affect your region, too. Remember to consider major chemical emergenc= ies that can occur anywhere chemical substances are stored, manufactured, or transported.

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A. For Holbrook, natural threats in= cludes flooding; damage from hurricanes; winter storms; and brush fires. Technological emergencies include utility failures and hazardous material accidents, including gas leaks. There are others, but these are the most common.

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Q. How = should you prepare for each?

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A. Take an all-hazard approach and = create a disaster plan, a disaster kit, and stay informed about current events. = The information presented further down on this page will help you create a pl= an and build a disaster kit.

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Questions that you need to ask of yourself include:

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Q. What about animal care after dis= aster? Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted in places where food = is served, according to many local health department regulations. Plan where= you would take your pets if you had to go to a public shelter where they are = not permitted.

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Q. If you care for elderly or disab= led persons, how can you help them? What might be some special needs to consi= der?

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Q. What are the disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s school or day care center, and other places where members of your family spend time? You sho= uld be prepared wherever you may be when disaster strikes and learn steps you= can take to prevent or avoid disasters.

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You can get some recommendations for some of these questions in the following sections

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2. Create a Family Disaster Plan.

2. Crea= te a Family Disaster Plan. Once you know what disasters are possible in your ar= ea, talk about how to prepare and how to respond if one occurs. Make checklis= ts of steps you can take as you discuss this information with your family. <= o:p>

Here is how to create your Family Disaster Plan:

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to pre= pare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and ear= thquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. = Keep it simple enough so people can remember the important details. A disaster= is an extremely stressful situation that can create confusion. The best emergency plans are those with very few details.

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case. Everyone should know what to do= in case all family members are not together. Discussing disasters ahead of t= ime will help reduce fear and anxiety and will help everyone know how to resp= ond.

Pick two places to meet:

1. Right outside of your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.

2. Outside of your neighborhood in case you can’t return home or are asked to leave = your neighborhood. Everyone must know the address and phone number of the meeting locations.

Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during floods or other disasters, = have a plan for getting back together. Separation is a real possibility during= the day when adults are at work and children are at school.

Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to be your "family contact." Your contact should live outside of your area. After= a disaster, it is often easier to make a long distance call than a local ca= ll. Family members should call the contact and tell him or her where they are. Everyone must know the contact’s name, address, and phone number. <= o:p>

Discuss what to do if authorities ask you to evacuate= . Make arrangements= for a place to stay with a friend or relative who lives out of town and/or le= arn about shelter locations.

Be familiar with escape routes. Depending on the = type of disaster, it may be necessary to evacuate your home. Plan several esca= pe routes in case certain roads are blocked or closed. Remember to follow the advic= e of local officials during evacuation situations. They will direct you to the safest route; some roads may be blocked or put you in further danger.

Plan how to take care of your pets. Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted to be in places where food is served, according to many local health department regulations. Plan where you wou= ld take your pets if you had to go to a public shelter where they are not permitted.

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3. Complete your checklists.

3. Complete your checklists. Take the steps outlined in the checklists you made when you created your Family Disaster Plan. Remember to include the following items on your checklists.

Post by phones emergency telephone numbers (fire, pol= ice, ambulance, etc.). You may not have time in an emergency to look up critical numbers.

Teach all responsible family members how and when to = turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches or valves. Keep necessary to= ols near gas and water shut-off valves. Turn off utilities only if you suspec= t a leak or damaged lines, or if you are instructed to do so by authorities. = If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on. Pa= int shut-off valves with white or fluorescent paint to increase visibility. Attach a shut-off valve wrench or other special tool in a conspicuous pla= ce close to the gas and water shut-off valves.

Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.= Ask your insurance agent to review your current policies to ensure that they will cover your home and belongings adequately. Homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood losses. If you are a renter, your landlord’s insurance does n= ot protect your personal property; it only protects the building. Renters= 217; insurance pays if a renter’s property is damaged or stolen. Renters’ insurance costs less than $15 a month in most areas of the country. Contact your insurance agent for more information.

Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Smoke alarms cut nearly in half your chances of dyin= g in a home fire. Smoke alarms sense abnormal amounts of smoke or invisible combustion gases in the air. They can detect both smoldering and flaming = fires. Many areas are now requiring hard-wired smoke alarms in new homes. <= /o:p>

Get training from the fire department on how to use y= our fire extinguisher (A-B-C type), and show family members where extinguishe= rs are kept. Different extinguishers operate in different ways. Unless responsible fam= ily members know how to use your particular model, they may not be able to us= e it effectively. There is no time to read directions during an emergency. Only adults should handle and use extinguishers.

Conduct a home hazard hunt. During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. Anything that c= an move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a home hazard. For example, during = an earthquake or a tornado, a hot water heater or a bookshelf could turn ove= r or pictures hanging over a couch could fall and hurt someone. Look for electrical, chemical, and fire hazards. Contact your local fire departmen= t to learn about home fire hazards. Inspect your home at least once a year and= fix potential hazards.

Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supp= lies Kit. (See the "Disaster Supplies Kit" section at the end of the page= .) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three d= ays . Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, clearly labeled, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffel bags.

Keep a smaller Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of = your car. (See the "Disaster Supplies Kit" section at the end of the page= .) If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having these items will help you to be more comfortable.

Keep a portable, battery-operated radio or television= and extra batteries. Maintaining a communications link with the outside i= s a step that can mean the difference between life and death. Make sure that = all family members know where the portable, battery-operated radio or televis= ion is located, and always keep a supply of extra batteries.

Consider using a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature. NOAA Weather Radi= o is the best means to receive warnings from the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings= and forecasts that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios, which are sold in = many stores. NOAA Weather Radio now broadcasts warning and post-event informat= ion for all types of hazards both natural (such as weather and flooding, as w= ell as earthquakes and volcanic activity) and technological (such as chemical releases or oil spills). Working with other federal agencies and the Fede= ral Communications Commission’s new Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio is an "all hazards" radio network, making it the single source for the most comprehensive weather and emergency information avail= able to the public. Your National Weather Service recommends purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio that has both a battery backup and a Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME) feature, which automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued for your county, giving you immediate information about= a life-threatening situation. The average range is 40 miles, depending on topography. The NOAA Weather Radio signal is a line-of-sight signal, which does not bore through hills or mountains.

Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.<= span style=3D'font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times = New Roman"; color:#0F243E;mso-themecolor:text2;mso-themeshade:128'> Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid. These are critical skills, and learning can be a fun activity for older children.

Plan home escape routes. Determine the best escape routes from your home in preparation for a fire or other emergency that would require you to leave the house quickly. Find two ways out of e= ach room.

Find the safe places in your home for each type of di= saster. Different disaste= rs often require different types of safe places. While basements are appropr= iate for tornadoes, they could be deadly in a major chemical emergency. <= /o:p>

Make two photocopies of vital documents and keep the originals in a safe deposit box. Keep one copy in a safe place in the hou= se, and give the second copy to an out-of-town friend or relative.= Vital documents s= uch as birth and marriage certificates, tax records, credit card numbers, financial records, and wills and trusts can be lost during disasters.

Make a complete inventory of your home, garage, and surrounding property. The inventory can be either written or videotaped. Include information such as serial numbers, make and model numbers, physi= cal descriptions, and price of purchases (receipts, if possible). This list c= ould help you prove the value of what you owned if your possessions are damage= d or destroyed and can help you to claim deductions on taxes. Be sure to inclu= de expensive items such as sofas, chairs, tables, beds, chests, wall units, = and any other furniture too heavy to move. Do this for all items in your home= , on all levels. Then store a copy of the record somewhere away from home, suc= h as in a safe deposit box.

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4. = Practice and maintain = your plan.

4. Practice and maintain your plan. Practicing your p= lan will help you instinctively make the appropriate response during an actual emergency. You will need to review your plan periodically and you may nee= d to change some parts.

Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what= to do, meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules.

Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills at least twice a year. Actually drive evacuation routes so each driver will know the way. Select alternate routes in case the main evacuation route is blocked during an actual disaster. Mark your evacuation routes on a map; = keep the map in your Disaster Supplies Kit. Remember to follow the advice of l= ocal officials during evacuation situations. They will direct you to the safest route, away from roads that may be blocked or put you in further danger. =

Replace stored food and water every six months. Replacing your fo= od and water supplies will help ensure freshness.

Use the test button to test your smoke alarms once a month.= The test feature tests all electronic functions and is safer than testing wit= h a controlled fire (matches, lighters, or cigarettes). If necessary, replace batteries immediately. Make sure children know what your smoke alarm soun= ds like.

If you have battery-powered smoke alarms, replace batteries at least once a year. Some agencies recommend you replace batteries when t= he time changes from standard daylight savings each spring and again in the fall. "Change your clock, change your batteries," is a positive theme and has become a common phrase. While replacing batteries this often certainly will not hurt, available data show that batteries will last at least a year, so more frequent replacement is not necessary, and time doe= s not change in Arizona, Hawaii, the eastern portion of Indiana, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and Guam.

Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.<= span style=3D'font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times = New Roman"; color:#0F243E;mso-themecolor:text2;mso-themeshade:128'> Smoke alarms beco= me less sensitive over time. Replacing them every 10 years is a joint recommendation by the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Look at your fire extinguisher to ensure it is proper= ly charged. Fire extinguishers will not work properly if they are not properly charge= d. Use the gauge or test button to check proper pressure. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for replacement or recharging fire extinguishers. If the unit is low on pressure, damaged, or corroded, repl= ace it or have it professionally serviced.

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F	What to Tell Children=

What to Tell Children

Tell children that a disaster is something that happe= ns that could hurt people, cause damage, or cut off utilities such as water, telephones, or electricity. Explain to them that nature sometimes provides "= ;too much of a good thing"--fire, rain, wind, snow. Talk about typical effects that children can relate to, such as loss of electricity, water, = and telephone service.

Give examples of several disasters that could happen = in your community. Help children recognize the warning signs for the disaste= rs that could happen in your community. Discussing disaster ahead of time reduces fear and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond.

Teach children how and when to call for help.<= /b> Check the telepho= ne directory for local emergency telephone numbers. If you live in a 9-1-1 service are= a, teach children to call 9-1-1. At home, post emergency telephone numbers by all phones and explain when to call each number. Even very young children= can be taught how and when to call for emergency assistance. If a child can’t read, make an emergency telephone number chart with pictures = that may help the child identify the correct number to call.

Explain that when people know what to do and practice= in advance, everyone is better able to handle emergencies. That’s why = you need to create a Family Disaster Plan.

Have older children take a first aid and CPR course.<= /span> These are critical skills, and learning can be a fun activity.

Tell children that in a disaster there are many people who can help them. Talk about ways that an emergency manager, Red Cross volunteer, police officer, firefighter, teacher, neighbor, doctor, or uti= lity worker might help following a disaster.

Teach children to call your family contact in case th= ey are separated from the family in an emergency. Help them memorize the telephone number, or write it down on a card that they can keep with them.

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G	Remember Your Pets

Remember Your Pets

Plan how to take care of your pets. If you must evacu= ate, it is best to take your pets with you. Shelter plans are beginning to add= ress the needs of pets. However, you may be required to bring a cage, and food= for the pet.

Contact hotels and motels outside of your immediate a= rea to check their policies on accepting pets and restrictions on the number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived i= n an emergency.

Ask friends, relatives, or others outside of the affe= cted area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more = than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.

Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinaria= ns who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.= Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened, so this should be your last resort.

Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, inclu= ding their phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies.= If you have notic= e of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.

Carry pets in a sturdy carrier. Animals may feel threatened by some disasters and become frightened or try to run.

Have identification, collar, leash, and proof of vaccinations for all pets. Veterinarian records may be required by some locatio= ns before they will allow you to board your pets. If your pet is lost, identification will help officials return it to you.

Assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit.= Keep food, water,= and any special pet needs in an easy-to-carry container.

Have a current photo of your pets in case they get lo= st.

As a last resort, if you absolutely must leave your p= ets behind, prepare an emergency pen in the home that includes a three-day su= pply of dry food and a large container of fresh water.

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H	Media and Community Education Ideas

Media and Community Education Ideas=

Work with the Holbrook Emergency Management Agency. Y= our input can be very important!

Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives. Wor= king with neighbors can save lives and property. If you’re a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a homeowner’s association or cri= me watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity.

Know your neighbors’ special skills<= span style=3D'font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times = New Roman"; color:#0F243E;mso-themecolor:text2;mso-themeshade:128'> (for example, medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons.

Identify elderly and disabled people in the neighborh= ood. Ask them how you = can help if a disaster threatens (transportation, securing the home, getting medications, etc.).

Make plans for child care in case parents can’t get home.

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I	Evacuation

Evacuation

Evacuate immediately if told to do so. Authorities do not ask people to leave unless they truly feel lives may be in danger. Follow their advice.

Listen to local radio or television and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. Local officials will provide you with the most appropriate advice for your particular situation.

Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.= Disaster areas and debris contain many hazards. The most common injury following disasters is cut feet.

Lock your home. Others may evacuate after you or before you return. Secure your house as you normally would when leaving for extended periods= .

Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Don’t use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.

If you have only moments before leaving, <= span style=3D'font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times = New Roman"; color:#0F243E;mso-themecolor:text2;mso-themeshade:128'>grab the following items and go:

First aid kit, including prescription medications, dentures, extra eyeglasses, and hearing aid batteries. =

Disaster Supplies Kit basics and Evacuation Supplies = Kit. (See " Disaster Supplies Kit" section for detailed information.= )

A change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member.

Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend’s or relative’s home).

If you’re sure you have time and if local officials haven’t advised an immediate evacuation, but there’= s a chance the weather may get worse or flooding may happen, take steps to protect your home and belongings:

Bring all pets into the house and confine them to one room, if you can. If necessary, make arrangements for your pets. Pets may try to r= un if they feel threatened. Keeping them inside and in one room will allow y= ou to find them quickly if you need to leave.

Put your Disaster Supplies Kit basics and Evacuation Supplies Kit in your vehicle, or by the door if you may be leaving on foo= t. In some disaster situations, such as tsunami, it is better to leave by foot.

Notify your family contact where you are going and wh= en you expect to get there. Relatives and friends will be concerned about your safety. Letting someone know your travel plans will help relieve the fear= and anxiety of those who care.

Bring things indoors. Lawn furniture, trash cans, children’s toys, garden equipment, clotheslines, hanging plants, and any other objects that may be blown around or swept away should be brought indoors.

Look for potential hazards. Look for coconuts, unripened fruit, and other objects in trees around your property that cou= ld blow or break off and fly around in strong winds. Cut them off and store = them indoors until the storm is over. If you have not already cut away dead or diseased branches or limbs from trees and shrubs, leave them alone. Local rubbish collection services will not have time before the storm to pick anything up.

Turn off electricity at the main fuse or breaker, and turn off water at the main valve. Unless local officials advise otherwise, leave natur= al gas on because you will need it for heating and cooking when you return h= ome. If you turn gas off, a licensed professional is required to turn it back = on, and it may take weeks for a professional to respond.

Turn off propane gas service. Propane tanks oft= en become damaged or dislodged in disasters.

If strong winds are expected, cover the outside of all the windows of your home. Use shutters that are rated to provide significant protection from windblown debris, or pre-fit plywood coverings over all windows.

If flooding is expected, consider using sand bags to = keep water away from your home. It takes two people about one hour to fill and place= 100 sandbags, giving you a wall one foot high and 20 feet long. Make sure you have enough sand, burlap, or plastic bags, shovels, strong helpers, and t= ime to place them properly.

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J	After a Disaster

After a Disaster

Remain calm and patient. Staying calm and rational will help you move safely and avoid delays or accidents caused by irrational behavior. Many people will be trying to accomplish the same th= ings you are for their family’s safety. Patience will help everyone get through a difficult situation more easily.

Put your plan into action. Having specific s= teps to take will keep you working toward your family’s safety.

Listen to local radio or television for news and instructions. Local authorities will provide the most appropriate advice for your particular situation.

Check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people. Taking care of yourself first will allow you to help= others safely until emergency responders arrive.

Help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities<= /b>--and the people w= ho care for them or for large families who may need additional help in an em= ergency situation.

Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.= Disaster areas and debris contain many hazards. The most common injury following disasters is cut feet.

Check for damage in your home. Disasters can cau= se extensive damage, sometimes in places you least expect. Look carefully for any potential hazards.

Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. Battery-powered lighting is the safest and easiest a= nd does not present a fire hazard for the user, occupants, or building.

Avoid using candles. Candles can easily cause fires. They are quiet and easily forgotten. They can tip over during earthquake aftershocks or in a gust of wind. Candles invite fire play by children. M= ore than three times as many people have died in residential fires caused by using candles after a disaster than from the direct impact of the disaster itself.

Look for fire hazards. There may be broken or leaking = gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces or electrical appliances. Fire is the most frequent hazard following floods.

Check for gas leaks. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, open a window and g= et everyone outside quickly. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if y= ou can and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks= or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step = in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.

Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect se= wage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water p= ipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or by melting ice cubes.

Clean up spills immediately. This includes medicines, bleach, gasoline, and other flammable liquids.

Watch for loose plaster and ceilings that could fall.=

Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and= its contents, for insurance claims.

Confine or secure your pets. They may be frightened and try to run.

Let your family contact know you have returned home a= nd then do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disast= er situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.

Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off. Water is often contaminated after major disasters. An undamaged water heater may be your best source of drinking water.

Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately. Getting damaged utilities turned off will prevent further injury or damage. If possible, set out a flare and stay on the sc= ene to warn others until authorities arrive.

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K	For People with Disabilities

For People with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities, or those who may have mobi= lity problems (such as elderly persons), should prepare as anyone else. In add= ition, they may want to consider some of the following steps: =

Create a network of relatives, friends, or co-workers= to assist in an emergency. If you think you may need assistance in a disaster, discuss your disability with relatives, friends, or co-workers and ask for their help. For example, if you need help moving or require special arrangements to receive emergency messages, make a plan with friends. Make sure they know where you keep your disaster supplies. Give a key to a neighbor or friend who may be able to assist you in a disaster.

Maintain a list of important items and store it with = your emergency supplies. Give a copy to another family member and a friend or neighbor. Important items might include:

= · &nbs= p; Special equipment and supplies, for example, hearing = aid batteries.

= · &nbs= p; Current prescription names and dosages.

= · &nbs= p; Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors and pharmacists.

= · &nbs= p; Detailed information about the specifications of your medication regime.

<= span style=3D'font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Time= s New Roman"; color:#0F243E;mso-themecolor:text2;mso-themeshade:128'>Register with th= e Holbrook Emergency Management Agency

Contact the Holbrook Emergency Management Age= ncy now. holbrook_ema@yahoo.com<= /a> for a registration form.

Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability in case of an emergency. These may save your life if you are in need of medic= al attention and unable to communicate.

Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustain= ing equipment or treatment. There may be several people requiring equipment, or facilities may have been affected by the disaster.

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L	If you have a severe speech, language, or h= earing disability

If you have a severe speech, language, or hearing disability:

When you dial 9-1-1, tap the space bar to indicate a = TDD call.=

Store a writing pad and pencils to communicate with others.=

Keep a flashlight handy to signal your whereabouts to other people and for illumination to aid in communication.

Remind friends that you cannot completely hear warnin= gs or emergency instructions. Ask them to be your source of emergency information as it comes over the radio. Another option is to use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature connected to lights. When a watch= or warning is issued for your area, the light would alert you to potential danger.

If you have a hearing ear dog, be aware that the dog = may become confused or disoriented in an emergency.

If you have a hearing ear dog, store extra food, wate= r, and supplies for your dog. Trained hearing ear dogs will be allowed to stay in emergency shelters with their owners. Check with local emergency manageme= nt officials for more information.

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M	If you are blind or visually impaired<= /o:p>

If you are blind or visually impaired:

Keep extra canes well placed around the home and offi= ce, even if you use a guide dog.

If you have a guide dog, be aware that the dog may be= come confused or disoriented in an emergency.

If you have a guide dog, store extra food, water, and supplies for your dog. Trained guide dogs will be allowed to stay in emerge= ncy shelters with their owners. Check with local emergency management officia= ls for more information.

If you need a wheelchair, show friends how to operate your wheelchair so they can move you if necessary. Make sure friends know the size of your wheelchair in case it has to be transported, and wh= ere to get a battery if needed.

Listen to the advice of local officials. People with disabilities have the same choices as other community residents about whe= ther to evacuate their homes and where to go when an emergency threatens. Deci= de whether it is better to leave the area, stay with a friend, or go to a pu= blic shelter. Each of these decisions requires planning and preparation. =

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N	Assemble a Disaster Kit for Home and Auto

Assemble a Disaster Kit for home and Auto:

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It is extremely important that you create a disaster kit for your home and auto. It is al= so important to create a small kit that you can take with you if you need to evacuate. Part of your disaster planning is to look around your home for items that= you may need in an emergency. When you locate and complete your inventory of = what you have in your home, you may find that you do not need to purchase many items.

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The FEMA publicati= on “Are You Ready?” will have some information on building a disaster kit. The following documents, some of which were created by the Holbrook Emergency Management Agency, will help you create a disaster kit which could make your life much easier during an emergency.

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Downloads

Disaster Supply Calendar: click HERE

Alphabetical sup= ply list based on the Disaster Supply Calendar: click HERE

Family Disaster Plan from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Hum= an Services: Family Disaster Plan

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Much of the material= seen here has been produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition: Amer= ican Red Cross, FEMA, IAEM, IBHS, NFPA, NWS, USDA/CSREES, and USGS. Additional material has been created and added by the Holbrook Emergency Management Agency.

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