An annual supplement to
Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
2
The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Inside: What’s in your 21st-century survival kit? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Discover the ways to fireproof a home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Must-have items for automotive emergenciest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Recognizing safety hazards around the house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Hurricane Sandy highlights importance of storm preparedness. . . . . .5 Concrete withstand winds and fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 How to disinfect water in the case of an emergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Driving safely around trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Power generators may be a good investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 What to do if someone is choking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Establish a home fire safety plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Strap pets in for safety — theirs and yours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 How to floodproof your home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Heat exhaustion and heat stroke a significant threat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Practice medication safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 How to change a flat tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
3
What’s in your 21st-century survival kit? O
f the 1,272 federal disaster declarations issued in the last decade, more than half were classified as major disasters. These include calamities such as floods, hurricanes and tropical storms, winter storms, and others. In the last 10 years, every state has had a least two events designated as a major federal disaster. “Most major disasters displaced hundreds or thousands of people from home and work, and nearly all involved a temporary or prolonged loss of major services and necessities, including power, communications, and running water,” said Jonathan Bacon, director of marketing at Wilson Electronics, a maker of communications equipment in St. George, Utah. “We began thinking about what has changed in technology and society, and how that would affect what we would want to have in an emergency ‘go-pack’,” Bacon said. “A lot of what we would take with us hasn’t changed, but some of what we’d desire today had not been invented 10 years ago. We came
up with 6 items that were either invented or radically improved in the last 10 years. We call it the 21st Century Survival Kit.” 1. Cell phone signal booster: “We’re all extremely dependent on smartphones for voice and data communications. Already widely used by first responders and news crews when initially entering disaster zones, the Sleek 4G, a portable cell phone signal booster from Wilson Electronics, helps to transmit and receive calls and data via cell towers unaffected by a disaster. In a severe situation like Hurricane Sandy where all communications were compromised for several days, having a cell booster could save precious hours of driving time to find a strong cell signal.” 2. Batteries: Two portable lithium-ion batteries, each with a minimum capacity of 10,000mAh, is enough for one battery to fully charge at least three smartphones or to power a tablet, netbook, or cell booster for several hours. 3. Portable solar panel: “These solar panels weigh only about a pound and are
very practical for charging portable batteries and devices,” said Bacon. He recommended a panel capable of producing at least 10 Watts of power and one amp of current. 4. LED headlamp: Also powered by rechargeable batteries, the latest generation of these types of lamps have adjustable brightness to maximize battery life and can be made bright enough to cast light more than 100 feet. 5. Two-way FRS/GMRS radios: “When even a Wilson booster can’t find a cell signal, these radios provide a communications range up to 30 miles,” said Bacon. 6. Microbial filter straw: This is used for drinking water that may be contaminated with bacteria, organic and waterborne chemicals, and other harmful elements. One filter straw can filter 30 gallons of water. “A lot has happened just in the last 10 years to make keeping in contact and avoiding health risks easier under adverse conditions,” said Bacon. All of these products are readily A cell phone signal booster can prove available, weigh less than five pounds total invaluable in the event of an emergency. and take up little room in a backpack.
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The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Must-have items for automotive emergencies
Taking the time to gather a few items can make a big difference when faced with an automotive emergency.
F
ew drivers want to think about their vehicles breaking down. But cars are not foolproof, and even the most well-maintained vehicle can be sidelined by a flat tire or a dead battery. In certain times of the year, a breakdown may be an inconvenience that takes up a few hours of a person’s time. In extreme weather situations, a broken down car could be dangerous. Preparing for emergency situations can help drivers get moving faster. There are certain items that should be kept in the trunk or cargo area regardless of the season, and some of these items should be modified as the seasons change. • First aid kit: If someone is hurt in an accident, medical supplies in the trunk allow drivers and/or passengers to treat injured persons until paramedics can arrive. Go over what is in the kit and learn how to use each
item correctly. • Flares: If your car breaks down at night or in situations where visibility is poor, flares can keep other drivers away from your vehicle when it is parked on the side of the road. Flares also will illuminate the area so that you can work on fixing a problem or alert emergency personnel as to where you are located. • Jumper cables: Jumper cables enable you to recharge a dead battery, a common problem in cold weather. Automotive retailers also sell portable car battery chargers that can provide the boost needed to the battery in the event you cannot find another car around to offer assistance. • Spare tire and tools: Tire blowouts or holes in tires are unpredictable. Having the necessary items at the ready can get you back on the road faster. Learn how to
change a tire. In a pinch, tire sealant can be used to get you to the next service station and away from the side of the road. • Flashlight and batteries: A flashlight makes it possible for drivers to see under their vehicles and under the hood more effectively. It also can be used to grab the attention of fellow motorists who might be able to help. Keep extra batteries for the flashlight on hand as well. • Blankets: A blanket can keep passengers warm if a car breaks down in chilly weather. Blankets also can be placed on the ground so that you can lay on the road and be cushioned from debris when looking under the car. • Extra clothing: An extra set of clothing can be handy should your clothing become
soggy or soiled. • Nonperishable foods: A few snacks and bottles of water stashed in the car can help quell hunger while waiting for a tow truck. • Sand and kitty litter: Sand can weigh down the back of a rear-wheel drive vehicle to provide better traction on slippery roads. Sand and kitty litter also can be sprinkled underneath tires to help them grip the road better when you are trying to get the car out of an icy or muddy patch. • Charged mobile phone: Keep your cell phone charged so that you can make emergency phone calls or contact a tow company in the event of a breakdown. • Shovel: A shovel makes it easier to dig a vehicle out of mud or snow.
The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
5
Hurricane Sandy highlights importance of storm preparedness H
urricane Sandy, which blew through the northeastern United States in late October of 2012, left a path of destruction in its wake thanks to a record-breaking low pressure system and a tidal surge that caused many coastal areas to be submerged in water. The storm crippled transportation systems, caused epic flooding, even in areas that never had water breach storm walls before, knocked out power for millions of people and was responsible for scores of fatalities. Although many people heeded the evacuation warnings in areas expected to be hit the hardest, others took precautions by stocking up on food, water and battery-powered items. But no one could fathom the scope of damage Sandy would bring. In the wake of Sandy’s destruction, many people have resolved to go to greater lengths to prepare for future disasters. Those making plans for change in the new year may want to move disaster preparedness to the top of their to-do lists.
Record-breaking storms have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years. Hurricanes Katrina, Irene and Sandy are each glaring examples of just how devastating such storms can be, and how important it is to be prepared for such disasters. The following are a few preparation suggestions from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. • Pack an emergency “go bag.” Individuals may be urged to evacuate their homes when certain storms are on the horizon. Doing so quickly and effectively means having packed items at the ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Pack several changes of clothes, some cash, medications, identification, snacks and water, a first-aid kit and a list of important phone numbers. • Have an emergency preparedness kit. People who are not in the immediate danger zones and will be staying put can have a kit at home that includes the following items: • one gallon of water for each person for three days
• nonperishable foods that your family has enjoyed before and will last at least three days • baby wipes and garbage bags for personal sanitation • plastic sheeting • duct tape • wrench or pliers • whistle • batteries and battery-operated flashlights and radios • can opener • cell phone with charger • infant formula and diapers, if necessary • matches in a waterproof container • household bleach for sanitation • paper and pencils • pet food • Develop a communication plan. Establish a communication plan so that family can be contacted and notified of your situation should you be separated from your home or if family members become separated from one another. • Don’t forget entertainment. If power
is lost for an extended period of time, many of the electronics that keep children and adults amused will be rendered useless. Have books, puzzles and manual toys available for entertainment. • Pack your prescription medications. Individuals who are on maintenance medications should be sure to refill or have doctors call in a refill to a pharmacy prior to the arrival of a storm. • Stock up on fuel. In the event of a power failure, fuel pumps do not work and gas shortages may occur. Fill your gas tank and have several gallons of gasoline available to run a generator if you have one. • Carry some cash. It is important to withdraw cash before a storm arrives. The ATM at your local bank may not operate, and the bank may be closed. Stores may not be able to accept credit or debit cards. A disaster is something no one anticipates. But everyone can and should take measures to prepare for a disaster should one such as Hurricane Sandy occur.
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The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
How to disinfect water in the case of an emergency W hen a weather emergency occurs, the effects can prove devastating. Natural disasters like hurricanes have turned cities upside down, floods have caused the deaths of thousands and snowstorms have shut communities down for days. A weather emergency, be it a natural disaster or a heavy storm, can contaminate the local supply of drinking water and disrupt the wastewater disposal system. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, such a disruption or contamination can directly threaten a person’s health. As a result, it’s important for men and women to know how to disinfect their drinking water should an emergency occur and the supply be at risk. The easiest way to avoid health issues that arise from a contaminated water supply is to keep plenty of bottled water on hand and use as drinking water and when cooking. So long as the bottled water has not been exposed to flood waters, it will be safe to drink. If an emergency strikes and you don’t have any bottled water at home, don’t panic.
Boiling water can help make the water safe, killing most types of disease-causing organisms that might be present. Boil water for one minute before allowing it cool and then store in containers for later use. In an emergency situation, the water could very well be cloudy. This is also not a cause for panic. Instead, filter the water through clean cloths or just allow it to settle. When allowed to settle, chances are the cloudy water will clear up within minutes. Once it does, use the clear water when boiling. If there’s no means to boiling the water, you can use household bleach as a disinfectant. Bleach is effective at killing some, but not all, disease-causing organisms that might be in the water. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle before attempting to disinfect it. Once the water is clear, use this clear water for disinfection. When ready to disinfect the water, the EPA recommends adding 1/8 teaspoon (or roughly eight drops) of regular, unscented liquid household bleach for each gallon of water. Do not use non-chlorine
bleach to disinfect water. Once added, stir the bleach and water mixture well, then let it stand for 30 minutes before use. Once disinfected, store the water in clean containers with covers. The treated water should have a slight odor of chlorine. If it does not, repeat the process and allow the water to stand for an additional 15 minutes. After this step, if the treated water exhibits a strong odor of chlorine or tastes strongly of chlorine, allow the water to stand exposed to the air for a few hours or pour the water from one clean container to another several times. For those who rely on well water, in the case of a flood have the water tested and disinfected once the flood waters have receded. Should a weather emergency occur and the water supply be disrupted or contaminated, heed the advice of local health departments or public water systems. More information about disinfecting water and surviving a weather emergency is available at epa.gov.
A disruption or contamination of the water supply can threaten a person’s health.
The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Power generators may be a good investment G enerators are not something people think about on a daily basis. However, in the wake of the powerful storms that have battered the country in recent years, more and more people have realized just how valuable generators can be. Portable generators as well as stationary standby generators have become must-have items for many homeowners. Â
Portable Generators
Many portable generators provide temporary power by using a fossil-based fuel, typically unleaded gasoline, and tend to range in power from 500 watts to 17.5 kW. The more expensive and larger the unit, the more amperage it will be able to supply. In a portable generator, the motor is typically housed on a metal frame with wheels to move the generator where it is needed. Once fired up, the generator converts the power produced by the motor into electrical current that can supply many of the devices in a home by way of extension cords plugged into the generator. A portable generator will only run
as long as it has fuel. Homeowners need to frequently fill up the fuel tank if they plan to run the generator around the clock. Gassing up generators can be difficult should a power outage also knock out power to the fuel pumps at gas stations. Propane and natural gas generators are also available, although they may be more expensive than gasolinepowered units. Â
Standby System Generators
Standby generators can be expensive, but many people find the cost of a standby generator is well worth it to maintain power in the event of an outage or emergency. Hospitals and retail businesses often have standby generators installed on their buildings to automatically switch over to this power source should the electrical grid go down. Homeowners are looking to these devices to offer standby power as well. While a portable generator may cost a few hundred dollars, standby generators can cost from a few thousand dollars to as much as
Sunday, September 22, 2013
7
$15,000 for larger units that can power much of a household. Standby generators also require installation by a professional electrician, adding to their overall cost. A standby generator is like a heavy-duty car engine, complete with a radiator, gas tank and an Portable generators like this one, can provide electricity to most alternator that necessary appliances during an outage. Portable generators like generates power. this one, can provide electricity to most necessary appliances The entire setup during an outage. is contained in a weather-proof box, power station to prevent a feedback of power. which is connected to the main fuse box of the The standby generator is only hooked up home by a cable. When power is lost from the to specific fuses in the fuse box to run certain electric wires outside of a home, the generator outlets or appliances in the home. A standby senses it and starts up, all he while blocking generator will not supply power to all of the any power from the electric lines from the outlets in a home.
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The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Establish a home fire safety plan P
eople rely on fire and smoke detectors to help keep them safe in their homes. Though fire and smoke alarms are effective, a firm fire safety plan that will keep everyone calm should a fire occur could make the difference between life and death. The U.S. Fire Administration says that more than 3,500 Americans die each year in fires, while roughly 18,300 more men, women and children are injured each year. Cooking accounts for the greatest percentage of residential fires, followed by arson. Dryer vent fires are also a big concern. FEMA says that smoke, rather than the fire’s flames, is responsible for 75 percent of all deaths by fire. In addition to physical injury and material damage, fires can cause a host of problems. Psychological distress, monetary damages and loss of pets may come with fires. Loss of irreplaceable personal items is also a concern. Although fires can be devastating, they’re also highly preventable, and smoke alarms and a home fire safety plan are two precautionary
measures everyone should take. Creating an evacuation plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Such a plan can be established in a few minutes and then reinforced through practice every so often to keep everyone fresh on what to do. • Begin by assessing the layout of the home. Figure out the two best exits from the home. • If your home doesn’t have two doors, invest in a fire ladder so that one of the windows can be a point of exit. • Know how to gain access to the exits, including the best path to take to avoid injury. It’s a good idea to consider a few different scenarios. A kitchen adjacent to the upstairs staircase may become engulfed in flames and make exit by way of staircase impossible. Just because you have doors to the outside doesn’t mean they’ll present the best type of exit. • Sketch out the layout of the home and the escape plan. Smoke can make it difficult to know up from down. Be sure everyone can reach the exits even if vision is obstructed. Try
it with your eyes closed. • Check fire alarms routinely, and change batteries at least every year. • Make sure windows can be easily opened if they are an exit point. • Make note of who will be helping children or the elderly out of the home. • Establish a place where the family will meet outdoors. This area should be far enough away from the home so that everyone will be safe from smoke, flames and falling debris. Fires may ignite fuel explosions, so be sure the meeting spot is a good deal away. • Children should be instructed to run to the meeting spot immediately without waiting behind for anyone to catch up. No one should reenter the home after arriving at the meeting spot. • Do a few practice runs so that everyone will be accustomed to getting out quickly. • While in most cases it is better to escape and let the fire department extinguish a fire, in the event of a small fire, occupants may be able
Keeping family members safe from fire involves establishing a fire safety plan. to stanch it with a personal fire extinguisher. Follow the acronym PASS to properly put out the fire. - Pull the pin in the extinguisher. - Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the flames. - Squeeze the trigger. - Sweep the foam across the fire base; do not just aim in one place. Fire safety is very important. In conjunction with smoke alarms, a fire safety plan can help everyone get out alive.
The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
9
How to floodproof your home H
omeowners know no home is perfect. While the notion of a dream house is nice, every home eventually experiences a problem or two. Many problems are bound to occur sooner or later, but there are a few that diligent homeowners can prevent. One of those preventable problems is flooding. Any home with floor drains or plumbing fixtures below street level can flood, and this can be due to inclement weather, such as heavy rainstorms, local sewer system backup, or groundwater swelling. Flooding can even occur in the spring when melting occurs as the air temperature increases. While homeowners won’t be able to control the weather, they can take steps to floodproof their home. • Do some preventive landscaping. If the ground around the home’s foundation slopes toward the house, make some grading changes so that the ground slopes away from the home. • Insulate the heating ducts. Some home
heating ducts are under the basement floor. In such homes, homeowners should make sure these ducts are properly insulated and watertight. • Make sure the vents all lead outside the home. The weather can cause moisture issues, but some moisture problems can come from inside the home as well. Clothes dryers and bathrooms are both internal moisture sources, and these sources should always be vented outside the home. • Clean gutters and downspouts. Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned to ensure water is effectively being diverted away from the home. Clean gutters and downspouts in the spring after a long winter, and do so again in the fall to keep fallen leaves from blocking the flow of water. Downspouts should extend four feet from the outside wall of the house. • Inspect the home at least once a year. Before buying a home, buyers often hire a professional inspector to ensure the home is safe and sound. But the inspections should
not stop once buyers sign on the dotted line. To prevent flooding, homeowners should inspect their home’s foundation for cracks once a year. If the home has a chimney and fireplace, check for cracks there as well. If any cracks are discovered, consult a professional immediately. • Clean out basement drains. Basement drains should be cleaned annually from the house to the street. If the drains are still slow after cleaning, then clean them more than once a year. • When leaving the home for an extended period of time, turn the water valve off. Homeowners worried about flooding can calm those fears when going on vacation or another long trip by turn the water valve off at the source. This ensures that, should a line break while no one is home, water will not pump into the house. Floodproofing a home can save homeowners from potentially costly repairs and unsightly damage to a home’s interior.
Cleaning gutters and downspouts is one way to prevent homes from flooding.
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The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Practice medication safety A
cancer diagnosis is seldom easy for the person receiving the news or his or her loved ones. Cancer treatment often involves weeks of intensive medical therapy that can include radiation, chemotherapy and oral medications. Though such medications can be a key component of successful treatment, extra pills in the home can pose additional hazards to children and even elderly residents who may inadvertently get into unsecured pills. Cancer patients may be prescribed a number of prescription medications during the course of their treatments. Antidepressants, opioids, steroids, anti-convulsants, and radiopharmaceuticals may be prescribed to treat pain and other side effects of cancer. When taken in the right doses, these medicines can help patients withstand and ultimately overcome their disease. In the wrong hands, the same drugs can prove poisonous, especially to young children. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 500,000 parents and caregivers per year
call a poison control center because a child accidentally ingested medicine or was given the wrong dose. In 2011, 67,000 children were treated in an emergency room for medicine poisoning. Based on emergency room visits, many children come in contact with these medications in places other than the medicine cabinet. Kids may find spare pills on the ground, in a purse or bag or on a counter or nightstand. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a 160 percent increase in poisonings in children from 1999 to 2009, 91 of which are the result of a drug overdose. The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital says that kids ages five and younger are the most likely victims of prescription drug poisoning. In homes where there is an abundance of medications being used to treat cancer or other illnesses, diligence is needed on the part of adults. Childproof bottles are seldom enough. Very often adults forget to close the lids properly. Tenacious children can sometimes
Practicing a few guidelines on storing medication helps ensure that kids don’t find and ingest spare pills. figure out how to get lids off of bottles even if they are touted as childproof. Cancer patients taking medication might want to employ some additional safety measures in order to protect young children. • Do not advertise medication use to your children. Take pills away from curious eyes so that youngsters are not tempted to try Mom or Dad’s medicine, which for all intents and purposes, looks like candy to a child. • Store medications high up, ideally in a locked cabinet. Remain careful when returning pill containers to these locked
cabinets after use. • Use individual-dose cases, many of which can be locked with a key or a combination code. This can protect against spills should the case fall on the floor. • Ask for medications to be prescribed in blister packs that are more difficult to open. • Dispose of any expired medication or pills you no longer need so there are no extras lying around the house. • Dispose of pills in an outside garbage receptacle so that children or pets cannot find them and swallow them.
The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
11
Discover the ways to fireproof a home A
house fire can engulf and destroy a home in a matter of minutes. Even with the fast-acting response of firefighters, a home that has caught fire may be irreparably damaged by flames, soot and water. Fire is no laughing matter, and it behooves homeowners to take precautions to fireproof their homes as much as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that although death and injuries caused by residential fires have declined gradually during the past several decades, fire-related deaths continue to pose a significant health hazard. In 2010, it is estimated that someone died in a fire every 169 minutes in the United States alone. A person was injured by fire every 30 minutes, according to the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division. The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs estimates an average of 375 people die every year from fires in Canada, mostly from smoke inhalation. Most fires are largely preventable. The following are a few fireproofing measures for safety-conscious homeowners. • Install smoke detectors and check the batteries regularly. Smoke inhalation causes many fire-related deaths. A smoke detector should be installed outside of every bedroom and on every level of the house. Don’t install a smoke detector near a window, door or forced-air register, where drafts could interfere with the detector’s operation. Be sure to routinely check that every smoke detector is working properly. • Have a fire extinguisher in an easily
accessible location. Ideally, there should be a fire extinguisher in every room of the home, but at the least keep one wherever fire is used regularly, such as a kitchen or by a fireplace. Ensure the fire extinguisher is charged and that you understand how to operate it. • Remove combustible materials from around the house. Do not allow old clothing, rags, newspapers, or cardboard boxes to accumulate around the house. Discard newspapers and magazines as quickly as possible and be careful to avoid storing anything too close to heaters, furnaces or electrical equipment. • Adhere to the recommended wattage in lamps and lighting fixtures. Do not exceed the recommended bulb wattage for lights around the house. There may be overheating or shorting that can lead to fire. • Look for fireproof interior decor items. Nowadays, carpeting and furniture can be coated with fireproof chemicals. The added investment may be worth it in the long run. • Do not leave candles unattended. Many people like the look and aroma that candles provide. Candles also provide emergency illumination in the event of a power outage. Candles can be easily knocked over and start a fire. In fact, candles are one of the top causes of house fires. Never leave a candle unattended, even for a short amount of time. And certainly never go to sleep without extinguishing a candle. • Keep the chimney clean. Inspect the chimney flue regularly and have it cleaned to prevent an abundance
of residual burnt material from accumulating. This creosote can catch fire itself. • Use a fire-resistant roofing material. A roof should be made from metal, clay or asphalt tiles. Trim any overhanging branches or vegetation to reduce the amount of combustible material nearby. • Have a fire-safe wall behind wood heaters. A brick wall or another fireproof material should be used on any walls that house a wood- or gas-burning appliance for added safety. • Verify electrical safety. Extension cords and power strips should be kept to a minimum, and the outlets should not be overloaded. Replace fuses properly and don’t be afraid to call a certified electrician to verify you are correctly set up. By making a few tweaks in and around the house, a homeowner can decrease the likelihood of a fire.
Though a fire can easily destroy a home, most fires are preventable.
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The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Recognizing safety hazards around the house Did you know? H
ome may be where the heart is, but it also can be an unsafe place if safety hazards are not recognized and addressed. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that each year 33.1 million people are injured by consumer products and other dangers in the home. Here is a collection of home hazards that can compromise safety in and around the house. • Flooding: Super storms have been wreaking havoc on many areas of the country. Flooding is a common side effect of strong rains and high tides, and the aftermath of a flood can turn a home from a haven into a hazard. Microorganisms in flood waters may contaminate drinking water, and wet walls and floors can present a breeding ground for insects, pests and microorganisms like mold and mildew. The National Safety Council says microorganisms can penetrate into soaked, porous materials and later be released into the air and inhaled. Flooding also may lead to weakened or rotted floorboards. • Magnets: Very small magnets are popular in jewelry, toys, building sets, and more. The number of products with strong magnets has increased, which may pose significant safety threats to children. The CPSC says that magnets have contributed to one death and 86 injuries since 2005. Eight million magnetic toys have been recalled. Magnets that are swallowed may not pass easily through the digestive system. Oftentimes, they can get trapped in place when attracted to one another or a piece of metal and pinch or twist the intestines,
notes that suction from a pool or spa drain is also potentially hazardous. The majority of suction accidents involved children, but suction can hold an adult underwater. There have even been cases of people being disemboweled from pool drains. Installing a safety vacuum release system that turns off the pool pump when a drain is blocked can prevent entrapment. • Fire: Home fire injuries are highest among seniors and children under the age of five. In addition, home fires are a leading cause of emergency room visits. Smoke alarms on every level of the house can alert to danger, but ensuring candles are extinguished and electrical wiring is up to date and making sure space heaters and other appliances are not left unattended can help prevent fires. • Garage doors: The CPSC says an By paying attention to common average of 20,000 people each year are home safety hazards you can avoid treated in the hospital for injuries caused being one of the millions of people by garage doors. From fingers and toes likely to be injured at home this year. getting trapped to heavy doors falling on children and adults, garage doors can cause serious injury. potentially causing blockage or infection. • Falls: Falls are a leading cause of • Furniture tip-over: Large furniture injury to people of all ages. Falls down and electronics that are not balanced stairs, from windows and off of ladders well or anchored to a wall can be pulled are just some of the reasons people visit over by children and even adults. Small emergency rooms each and every day. children can be seriously injured by Ensuring there are no tripping hazards tip-over accidents. Tip-overs cause an around the house and also having sturdy estimated 22 deaths per year. handles and guardrails present for use • Pools and spas: While drowning by the elderly can help prevent some in pools and spas is a leading cause of falls. death, there are other dangers lurking. There are many dangers lurking Faulty underwater lighting, appliances around the house, and awareness of that fall into the water and aging wiring such hazards can help prevent serious can result in electrocution. The CPSC injury.
T
here are different times in a driver’s life when he or she may have to pull over on the side of the road. Whether a flat tire has derailed the trip, the driver or a passenger is experiencing motion sickness or you find the car isn’t performing correctly and it warrants a look under the hood, pulling over on the shoulder may be necessary. It can be difficult to pull over smoothly and safely on a busy highway, especially when you are in a stressful situation, such as a mechanical emergency. But it is in your best interest to remain calm and follow a few procedures. First, slow down and put on your right-turn signal to indicate you will need to move into the right lane. Some people prefer to put their fourway-flashers on after they have successfully cleared the lanes and are ready to navigate onto the shoulder. Try to select a spot where you are not on a bend
or where there is poor visibility or your vehicle cannot be seen by other drivers on the highway. You do not want to be injured while exiting or attempting to work on the pulled-over vehicle. Drivers should keep an emergency roadside assistance preparedness kit containing flares, emergency triangles or cones, a flashlight, batteries, a poncho, booster cables, duct tape, a utility knife, cord, a blanket, and first aid supplies in the car as a precaution. Each item serves its own unique purpose. The Canadian Automobile Association recommends staying inside the vehicle, especially on a busy road. Tow trucks and police vehicles typically cruise busy stretches of road and help may arrive in a matter of minutes. Those who have a roadside assistance plan membership can use a cell phone to make a call for help. It is best to wait in the car until a tow truck or police arrive.
The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
13
Concrete withstands winds and fire W
ith environmentalists predicting that warming trends across the countr y will likely mean more severe blasts of wind, rain, blizzards, heat, drought and fires year-round, the building industr y says it is already up to the challenge of ensuring occupant safety. “For more than a decade now, advancements in green technology have delivered a concrete wall-building system that completely replaces the standard wood framing,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, a leading name in the construction field. “On the construction site, pre-assembled concrete forms interlock like Lego to create a super strong structural envelope.” Called the “insulated concrete form,” or ICF, take a look at a few more of its immediate benefits:
Rock Solid Walls: With growing concerns about extreme weather, Nudura’s ICF testing demonstrates hurricane and tornado impactresistance up to 250 miles per hour. Concrete is more structurally sound during floods as well, and the fire protection rating is up to 4 hours. Lower Fuel Costs: Concrete walls reduce the air infiltration experienced with wood walls, leading to significantly improved energy performance. By combining two panels of thick (EPS) foam with the structural strength and thermal mass of concrete, the walls can provide an efficiency rating as high as R-50 (compared to an average R-20 in wood structures), saving you up to 70 percent on energy bills. Indoor Comfort: Solid concrete walls deliver even temperatures
throughout your house, and eliminate cold air seepage that causes chilly spots. Mold, mildew and toxins associated with wood structures are also eliminated. Peace & Quiet: Inside, the walls give you an effective sound barrier. Concrete dampens the vibrations of outside noise, such as the drone of traffic. Beauty: With concrete at the core, you can add beautiful finishes like stone, brick, siding or stucco, and you can design with innovative architectural shapes, such as arches, bay windows and any door style. Incremental value: When you put a house on the market that is stronger, safer, and less costly to heat, cool and repair, you can command a premium price. More information is available online at nudura.com.
Concrete walls offer structural strength, increase the value of the home and reduce energy bills.
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The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Driving safely around trucks V
ehicles have to share roadways equally, but some vehicles tend to take up more space and make motorists more nervous than others. Anyone who has traversed a freeway has ridden alongside trucks. More than 70 percent of accidents involving trucks are the fault of the other vehicle, according to a study from the U-M Transportation Research Institute that analyzed national crash data on fatal two-vehicle accidents involving a heavy truck. Accidents involving large trucks frequently result in injuries. Ensuring everyone’s safety means knowing some of the rules of the road when trucks are present.
roadway, give them plenty of space. You can flash your high beams to alert the truck that you are slowing down and allowing the driver to cross in front of your car. Otherwise, move over into an open lane to give him a wide berth.
Leave plenty of room
Give tractor-trailers plenty of room when sharing the roadways. Tire blowouts on such trucks are quite common, as carrying heavy loads can put a lot of stress on tires. Blowouts send shards of heavy rubber into the air and roadway and can cause the trucker to swerve. The more space you leave between your vehicle and the truck, the less likely you are to be involved in a blowout-related accident. Blind spots Another thing to keep in mind is that trucks Experienced drivers know the advantages have a large amount of surface area that can of defensive driving techniques, especially be blown around by the wind. Trucks can be when riding alongside tractor-trailers. Despite difficult to control in the wind. Therefore, leave their larger side view mirrors, large trucks extra room on windy days; otherwise, you have much larger blind spots than standard could find a truck drifting into your lane. cars, and knowing about blind spots is a great way to avoid accidents involving tractor-trailers. Avoid driving on the right side of the truck in the front or rear of the vehicle. The middle-left Wide turns side of the truck is another spot to avoid, as Trucks need to make wide turns to clear trucks merging into lanes may not be able to curbs and roadside items. Therefore, truck see you when you are on the left flank of the drivers need to swing left before making right truck. Similarly, trucks are typically required to turns. Very often the driver will not be able to see drive in the right lane of highways and will be cars next to his trailer. The right side of a truck changing lanes frequently to get back into the can be extremely dangerous and has far more right lane. Because passing on the right is not blind spots than the driver’s side of the vehicle. allowed, driving in blind spots in the right lane can be dangerous for standard-size cars. Don’t stop suddenly A truck traveling behind you cannot stop Merging and maneuver as quickly as a passenger As mentioned, the middle of an 18-wheeler vehicle. Try not to hit the brakes to avoid is a large blind spot, as is directly behind the an obstacle in the road, or you may have a truck. When trucks are merging into the semi barreling into the rear of your vehicle.
When the majority of accidents around large trucks are the fault of the other vehicle and reguarly involve injury, knowing how to navigate around a truck properly can mean the difference between a safe trip and a deadly one.
Trucks try to maintain speed When on roadways it can take a while for a truck to reach a cruising speed. Therefore, drivers will usually do what they can to remain at that speed. Otherwise the trickledown-effect of braking could mean losing precious momentum, causing a backup on the roadway and wasting expensive fuel. Pass quickly Therefore, a trucker will try to avoid hitting When passing a large truck, do so only the brakes and could swerve quickly into a on the left and do it as quickly as possible. left lane to avoid a merging car. Truckers This way you move out of the truck’s blind usually hold their speed and let the cars spots promptly and avoid getting caught in a around them adjust, which could make for situation with a truck coming into your lane some scary moments. because the driver doesn’t see you. Trucks also may have speed governors between 60 and 65 miles per hour. In such instances, they cannot move as fast when Practice self-preservation passing around other trucks and cars. If a Trucks are much larger than cars, and a collision with a truck can result in the car being truck seems like it is pacing another truck trampled by the tires or sliding underneath the or car, it could just be because it is at max rig. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety speed and the terrain doesn’t allow the truck reports that 70 percent of fatalities in accidents to pass effectively. Patience is key in this situation. involving a car and a truck were people in Driving with trucks requires drivers cars and not trucks. Do whatever you can to sharing the roadways with trucks to be more steer clear of trucks and give them plenty of room, even if and when truck drivers are in the cautious and courteous. Cars are much more maneuverable than trucks, not to mention wrong. It could mean the difference between much more susceptible to damage in an a pleasurable road trip and a potentially fatal accident. accident.
According to information from the site Drive Safely, trucks fully loaded may take as much as the length of three football fields to come to a complete stop when driving at 60 miles per hour.
The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
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Emergency Handbook 2013
What to do if someone is choking
Choking is nothing to take lightly. Without quick action, lack of oxygen can lead to anything from brain damage to death. Choking can occur anywhere. As a result, it is in everyone’s best interest to learn how to dislodge a trapped item from the airway. Southwestern Medical Center indicates that choking accounts for thousands of deaths each year across the country. It takes just four minutes without oxygen for the brain to fail, hence the need to respond quickly. Choking is one injury that doesn’t discriminate by age or gender. Youngsters are often the victims of choking because their inquisitive natures cause them to put things into their mouths that don’t belong. Kids also may try to eat foods they’re not developmentally ready to eat, increasing their risk of choking. However, adults also fall prey to choking incidents. There are a number of different behaviors that can lead to choking. • Chewing pieces of food that are too large • Eating too quickly • Laughing or talking while chewing or swallowing • Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol before or during meals
The Heimlich Maneuver
Dr. Henry Heimlich is an American physician who developed a procedure of abdominal thrusts to help dislodge an obstruction of the airway that causes choking. The Heimlich maneuver is a series of under-the-diaphragm abdominal thrusts that lift the diaphragm in such a way that air is forced from the lungs to create an artificial cough that propels the lodged item out of the trachea, also known as the windpipe. While the maneuver is effective and is currently the
The Heimlich Maneuver dislodges obstructions by creating an artificial cough. only method for clearing a blocked airway recommended for adults by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, it is not something to do unless there’s an emergency. That’s because the Heimlich can be painful and even cause injury. The universal sign that a person is choking is usually grabbing at the throat. People who are choking typically make no noise, so it can sometimes be difficult to tell if someone is choking unless they appear to be in distress. It is important that only the Heimlich is done to alleviate choking. Many people think it is a good idea to give the choking individual something to drink to try to wash down the trapped food. However, this only serves to block the airway more. The Heimlich maneuver is usually learned in conjunction with other lifesaving techniques, like CPR. Individuals can check with a hospital for classes where the Heimlich maneuver is taught.
Emergency Handbook 2013
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Strap pets in for safety — theirs and yours
M
prevents it from hanging ost drivers would its head out of the window, not allow a 40-pound where any small speck of unsecured weight to flying debris can cause a ricochet around the interior of serious injury to the pet’s their vehicles. Passengers and eyes or nose. It’s important cargo are typically strapped to keep the pet’s entire body in for safety. But if a driver is inside of the moving vehicle. driving with an unsecured pet * A harness will prevent in his or her car, he or she a dog or cat from physically could be putting everyone in jumping out of the vehicle. If the car at risk. a squirrel or other distraction The law states that arouses interest outside, the children and adults should pet is unable to pursue it. be buckled up when riding in It is best to secure your * In the event of an a car. The same regulations feline friend if you will be accident, a pet seatbelt will do not always pertain to pet taking him for a ride in keep the animal contained passengers, although some the car. until emergency workers experts think they should. can assess the situation. A According to Christina Selter, frightened or injured pet may the founder of Californiascratch or bite. Having an excited animal on based pet advocacy group Bark Buckle Up, pets can be very dangerous inside of a vehicle the loose can make rescue dangerous. * When wearing a harness, the pet doesn’t if they are not secured. A 60-pound Golden have to work as hard bracing itself while the Retriever can hit you with 2,700 pounds of car is maneuvering. The harness will keep it force in a 35 mile-per-hour crash. However, that’s not the only danger. A dog or cat that is secure. There are many ways to secure pets allowed to roam freely inside a car can pose a distraction to the driver, potentially impeding in a motor vehicle. An animal crate that is belted down is one option, and a pet may be a driver’s line of vision or inadvertently comfortable riding in a familiar crate and feel bumping into the gear shift. A small animal more secure as a result. could get down into the foot well on the For smaller dogs or cats, consider a pet driver’s side and impede operation of the booster seat that straps in with the vehicle’s brakes or accelerator. In addition to the passengers and driver in safety belt. Some drivers have used children’s booster seats with a pet harness. the car, an unsecured pet poses a danger to Harnesses that work with safety belts are itself. A dog or cat that is propelled through also available. These can keep the pet in a the car in a crash or sudden stop can risk sitting or lying-down position. injury or death. Even simply bumping noses Securing pets in the car ensures on the dashboard or a seat can be very painful to the animal. There are other reasons the driver’s safety and the safety of the passengers as well as the health of the pet why the pet should be tethered in the car. going for a ride. * A belt or tether secures the animal and
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The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke a significant threat H
eat exhaustion and heat stroke are two of the biggest concerns for those spending time under the summer sun. Differentiating between the two and understanding the causes and symptoms of each can help revelers survive the summer heat.
What is heat exhaustion?
Those who work or exercise in humid or hot conditions might have experienced some level of heat exhaustion. When a person is suffering from heat exhaustion, their body is losing its fluids through sweat, and that loss causes dehydration. The body will also overheat, with its temperature rising as high 104 F.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke can be life-threatening. When a person is experiencing heat stroke, his or her body’s
cooling system stops working, and the body’s temperature can rise to 105 F or higher. The cooling system is controlled by the brain, so heat stroke can even damage the brain and/or additional internal organs.
is largely caused by external conditions, heat stroke can result from an existing medical condition or medications. People with certain conditions or on medications that hinder the body’s ability to sweat may be predisposed to heat stroke because their cooling mechanisms are already impaired What causes heat exhaustion? or compromised. Many people who suffer from heat exhaustion are not What are the symptoms used to exercising or working in of heat exhaustion? hot or humid environments, an Heat exhaustion symptoms unfamiliarity that makes them vary but can include: susceptible to heat exhaustion. • sweating profusely Once summer arrives with its • feelings of dizziness humidity and higher temperatures, • muscle cramps or pains those same gardeners are not • fainting accustomed to such conditions and • dark-colored urine might develop heat exhaustion as (dehydration) a result. • nausea • pale skin • rapid heartbeat What causes heat stroke? • headache Unlike heat exhaustion, which
What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
A body temperature of 105 F or above is a telltale indicator of heat stroke, but additional symptoms may include: • throbbing headache • flushed, hot and dry skin • slightly elevated blood pressure • dizziness and light-headedness • nausea and vomiting • rapid, shallow breathing • lack of sweating despite the heat • rapid heartbeat that is strong or weak • unconsciousness
What do I do if I suspect I am suffering from heat exhaustion?
If heat exhaustion is suspected, get out of the heat immediately.
Call a doctor if you cannot keep fluids down or if you seem incoherent. Those who can keep fluids down should drink plenty of noncaffeinated and nonalcoholic beverages, and remove any tight or unnecessary clothing. In addition, take a cool shower or bath.
What should I do if I suspect heat stroke?
Heat stroke is potentially lifethreatening, so immediately dial 911 if you suspect you or someone else has heat stroke. Move to an air-conditioned room.Wet the person’s skin and apply ice packs to the armpits, groin, neck, and back, as these areas have an abundance of blood vessels close to the skin, and cooling them can help lower body temperature.
Emergency Handbook 2013
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How to change a flat tire M any drivers will experience a flat tire at some point in their lives. Flat tires can be a nuisance, especially if a flat leaves you stranded on the side of an empty road with little opportunity for passing traffic to help you. Knowing how to change your own tire can keep you from sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck or fellow motorist. There is no need to feel helpless when your vehicle gets a flat tire. Changing a flat tire is relatively easy and can take just a few minutes if you are prepared and know how to get the job done. 1. Turn on your emergency flashing hazard lights and pull the car safely over to the side of the road where you will not be in the path of traffic. 2. Try to find a level, stable surface so that the car will not roll. 3. Put the car in park and engage the emergency brake. Place bricks or wooden blocks under the tires on the opposite side to prevent the car from rolling. 4. If you have cones or flares, use them to make your vehicle more visible to fellow motorists. This can save you from being struck while changing the flat. 5. Connect the jack handle to the rest of the device. Slide the jack under a secure part of the car frame near the damaged tire. 6. Use a screwdriver to pry off the wheel cover or remove the hub cap to gain access to the lug nuts on the tire. 7. Use your tire wrench to find the side of the wrench that matches the size of the lug nuts. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen all the nuts. Loosen them until they can
Changing a flat tire can be quick and relatively easy if you are safe. comfortably be removed all the way by hand. 8. Use long strokes when pumping the jack to reduce the effort you have to put. Lift the car up until the wheel clears the ground. 9. Remove the lug nuts and store them in a safe spot until later. Grasp the flat tire with both hands and pull it toward you until it clears the ends of the bolts. Roll the flat to the rear of the vehicle. 10. Lift the spare tire into place and slide it in completely over the bolts. 11. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand. 12. Carefully lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten the lug nuts completely with the wrench. Then replace the wheel cover. 13. Put the flat in the trunk for proper disposal or repair later on. 14. Remove the blocks from your tires and disengage the emergency brake. You should now be ready to get back on the road.
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The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Handbook 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013