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Emergency Guide
The Daily Dispatch
Allergy and asthma
S
2014
Respiration preparation an important item on the back-to-school checklist BPT
ending children back to school comes with a long checklist of items to remember. For example, you need to know what school supplies to buy. You will want to visit the school to find the classroom and meet the teacher. You will also plan after-school activities full of fun enrichment opportunities. If you have a child with asthma or allergies going back to school this fall, you need another item on that list. Specifically, your checklist should also include connecting with the teachers, school nurse and other school staff about your child’s symptoms, treatment and prevention strategies. One out of 13 children in the United States has a food allergy. This means there’s a good chance that two children in your child’s class will need plans in place to prevent exposure to certain foods. Some states have laws to protect
children with asthma and allergies in a school setting. You can find out which states by visiting www. statehonorroll.org. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) publishes this report each year. It informs the public about how each state measures up on student health and safety policies. It is important that you prepare your child, his teacher, school nurse, classmates and others about managing his allergy or asthma condition at school. Discuss ways to prevent exposure to triggers to ensure his classroom environment is a safe zone where he can learn and play. Here are some helpful tips to consider:
Get an asthma or anaphylaxis action plan
This plan will inform staff at the school about managing your child’s condition, like worsening asthma and allergy reaction symptoms. Plan in advance to get your child’s
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doctor or nurse practitioner to review and sign the action plan. Make sure you bring it to school on the first day, if not sooner along with a fresh supply of any prescribed emergency medicines. Share a copy of the asthma or anaphylaxis action plan with all appropriate staff members This way staff will be able to help should something happen while your child is in their care.
Meet the teacher
Your child’s teacher has a lot to do at the beginning of a new school year. There are many new faces and a lot of information to process. In light of this, tr y to schedule a quieter time with the teacher, school nurse and other necessar y school staff to educate them about your child’s allergies or asthma. It is best if this can be done before the first day of class. Many school districts have policies for handling food allergies. Review these policies and make sure that your child’s specific needs will be addressed. One helpful idea is to have the school draft a letter to be passed out to all students in the
classroom or sent home to parents explaining what special policies will be in place.
Encourage your child to share information
It is important for your child to be able to communicate about his condition to his classmates, friends and the teaching staff. Make sure he knows to tell a grown up if he is experiencing symptoms. Communication helps others become more aware of his condition. This leads to compassion and understanding and cooperation. People - even his closest friends - might forget about his allergy or asthma. An open dialogue is important to help others understand the condition.
Discuss medical emergency policies
Make sure your child’s school has procedures in place for identifying symptoms and for treatment of emergencies. Review these procedures with the school nurse. Make sure your child’s action plan is on file and that his medications are accessible. Your state will have laws governing what
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the school can and cannot do. For example, all states except one allow for students to self-carr y their prescribed asthma inhalers or epinephrine auto-injectors. Epinephrine auto-injectors are used to treat anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Currently, 38 states allow schools to stock epinephrine auto-injectors for use in an emergency, but the numbers keep growing. Check out the 2014 State Honor Roll to see
Emergency Guide
2014
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where your state stands regarding policies for children with asthma and allergies in school settings. As your child prepares to start school again this fall, these actions can help ensure he, his classmates and the school staff are informed about ways to avoid triggering his allergies or asthma, and actions to take if his condition flares up. And then you can delete another item from the back-to-school to-do list.
For parents who have children with food allergies, proper planning and preparation are important items on the back-toschool checklist.
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Emergency Guide
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2014
What to do if someone is choking C
Metro
hoking 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 ever yone’s best interest to learn how to dislodge a trapped item from the air way. Southwestern Medical Center indicates that choking accounts for thousands of deaths each year across the countr y. It takes just four minutes without oxygen for the brain to fail, hence the need to respond quickly. Choking is one injur y 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 tr y 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. Henr y Heimlich is an American physician who developed a procedure of abdominal thrusts to help dislodge an obstruction of the air way 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 only method for clearing a blocked air way 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 injur y. 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 tr y to wash down the trapped food. However, this only ser ves to block the air way 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.
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Emergency Guide
2014
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Emergency Guide
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2014
Tips when driving in rainy conditions
Metro
R
Recognize that rain can cause slick conditions.
ainy weather can arrive any time of year. While an afternoon spent indoors watching the drops fall can be relaxing, driving in the rain is anything but. It requires extra concentration and improved reaction time. Rainy conditions can be challenging and treacherous, and drivers should proceed with caution on rain-slicked roads. Rain is blamed for many accidents, but many of these situations are largely preventable among drivers who adapt to the weather and roadway conditions. Here are some things to consider.
A film of water develops on the roadways, and that can affect the performance of your vehicle’s tires. Less traction means the car can slip and slide. Hydroplaning, or coasting on the surface of the water, is common. Another, lesser-known condition is slickness caused by grease and oil in the asphalt. During a long dr y spell, these substances build up on the roads. When it rains, the oil and water doesn’t mix, bringing the oils to the surface and exacerbating slick conditions. The first few hours of a rainstorm can be quite dangerous until heavier rains wash the oils away.
Reduced visibility occurs from wiper blades, glare (particularly at night) and heavy downpours.
Water on tires and brakes can compromise braking ability.
When you are unable to see the road ahead, including other vehicles, reduce your speed. If the rain is coming down in torrents, pull over to the side of the road and wait for a respite. Turn on your lights to ensure you are visible to other cars on the road.
That means it could take longer to stop under wet conditions. Do not tailgate and leave extra room between vehicles. If you drive through a puddle of water, pump the brakes and test them out to be sure you can stop. Brake earlier so that other drivers understand your intentions and can react accordingly.
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Avoid extremely large puddles.
First of all, you cannot judge the depth of the puddle and you may end up getting stuck, especially in the event of roadway flooding. Water splashing into the engine compartment may damage electrical components. Steer around puddles to be on the safe side.
Use extra care watching out for pedestrians.
A normally obser vant person may be distracted by the rain, puddles and wrangling an umbrella and veer into the path of cars. Be mindful of the side of the roads and
where pedestrians may be, such as around parked cars.
Change wiper blades twice per year.
You do not want to be caught with shoddy wiper blades in poor conditions. Without an effective wiper blade, rain cannot be cleared effectively from the windshield.
Limit distractions inside of the car to focus even more of your attention on the road.
While some have become accustomed to answering phone calls or fielding questions from the
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Emergency Guide
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2014
Rainy conditions can be challenging and treacherous, and drivers should proceed with caution on rain-slicked roads. backseat while driving, avoid such distractions when driving in the rain. Turn down the radio if you must and encourage passengers to remain quiet until safely home.
Leave extra time to get to your destination.
Rain causes slowing down of traffic. Rushing may increase your risk of being in an accident, so always leave extra travel time when driving in wet conditions.
Make way for emergency personnel. Accidents and bad weather are common. Slow down or pull over to allow emergency vehicles to pass by. If there are flashing lights on the side of the road, move into the left lane to give a wide girth around first responders. Driving in the rain requires drivers to exercise caution. Making a few adjustments improves safety on the roadways.
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Emergency Guide
2014
Swallowing water can be fatal hours after leaving the pool globe, accounting for almost 400,000 rowning is a deaths annually. When danger any time a person drowns, he of the year and or she takes water wherever water is into their lar ynx and present. Instances of lungs, which is known drowning escalate in as aspiration. Lack of the summer, when oxygen in the body more people are apt causes bodily systems to spend time in the to shut down, and pool or at the seaside. cardiac arrest and But drownings can brain damage can occur year-round, and result. young children are at Secondar y the greatest risk of drowning, also known drowning. as dr y drowning or While many people delayed drowning, are familiar with the is a post-immersion risk factors that lead respirator y syndrome. to drowning, many It occurs when water have never heard of or another fluid has secondar y drowning, a entered the lungs but related condition that has not caused enough can occur hours after initial trauma to result leaving the water. in fatal drowning. According to However, water that the World Health has gotten inside Organization, the lungs may cause drowning is the damage to the inside third most common surface of the organ, cause of accidental collapse alveoli and death across the cause a hardening of
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the lungs that reduces the ability to exchange air. The body may also retaliate against the foreign water by drawing more fluid into the lungs. Over time, the lungs will suffocate themselves, which is why dr y drowning can occur hours after exiting the water. Children tend to be more prone to dr y drowning than adults. Parents are urged to keep careful watch over children who experienced distress in the water, which may have resulted in the inhalation of fluid. Furthermore, the children who are most at risk for dr y drowning are those with known breathing or lung problems, including underdeveloped lungs or asthma. The following are
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potential indicators of may be indicative of water aspiration in the secondar y drowning. lungs. Prompt action should be taken if any of these signs are noticed Confusion after an adult or child Difficulty leaves the water. understanding verbal instructions or not Persistent cough being able to form Anyone who has words or thoughts swallowed water will may be a symptom of cough and sputter as dr y drowning. the body attempts to naturally expel the Pain water. But persistent Chest pain is a coughing that lasts strong indicator of long after the water water aspiration. has been breathed in
Trouble breathing: Difficulty breathing long after a person has been swimming may indicate secondar y drowning.
Lethargy
Extreme tiredness or a sudden lack of energy may be indicative of a problem. Monitor for the symptoms of dr y drowning anytime a person swallows
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water. Keep the person nearby and do not allow him or her to go to sleep, as some children have died from secondar y drowning in their sleep. If you notice any symptoms of dr y drowning, take the person exhibiting those symptoms to the hospital, as this is not something that can be treated at home. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, a person would only have to inhale four ounces of
water to drown and even less to injure his lungs enough to become a victim of secondar y drowning. Emergency room physicians can remove residual water from the lungs and administer life-saving oxygen. Although not all instances of swallowing water will result in dr y drowning, it is beneficial to understand and learn to recognize secondar y drowning symptoms so fast action can be taken if necessar y. Children and adults can drown hours after swallowing water from a pool or another body of water.
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Emergency Guide
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2014
How to stay safe on slick wintry roads  Metro
M
any people will remember the winter of 2013-14 for all the wrong reasons. Record low temperatures and heavy snowfall were the story last winter. With winter now on the horizon once again, many motorists are looking for ways to ensure their daily commutes or holiday trips to visit family and friends are as safe as possible. When wintry conditions, including snowfall, compromise driving conditions, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best for motorists to stay home. But avoiding roadways altogether is not always an option, so motorists who simply must venture
out onto the roadways this winter can employ the following strategies to ensure they safely arrive at their destinations.
Consider winter tires.
Many drivers are unsure if they need winter tires. All-season tires may suffice for those drivers who live in regions where heavy snowfall is uncommon. But winter tires are designed to perform when the temperatures are especially cold and in driving conditions featuring ice, slush and snow. Drivers who live in regions where snowfall is significant or even expected to be significant
may want to install winter tires just to be on the safe side. Some drivers mistakenly believe that vehicle features such as anti-lock braking systems and traction control make their tires more capable of handling wintry roads. But such features do not provide more traction. ABS and traction control only prevent drivers from over-braking or overpowering the traction of their tires. Only better tires will improve traction.
Drive slowly.
Many drivers mistakenly believe they only need to drive slow when snow is falling. But winter weather
can make roadways unsafe even in areas that have not witnessed a single snowflake fall from the sky. Wet winter roads can quickly turn into icy winter roads, and no ABS system or traction control device can prevent a car thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traveling too fast from skidding out. Poor visibility is another reason to drive slowly in winter. Peripheral vision is often compromised when driving in winter, as dirt, salt or sand buildup on windshields and side windows and mirrors can make it hard for motorists to fully view their surroundings. Even if your vision is not compromised, a fellow motoristâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s might be. So ease up on the gas
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Emergency Guide
The Daily Dispatch
pedal in winter so you have more time to react to potentially adverse conditions.
Maintain your vehicle.
A vehicle should be maintained regardless of the season, but it’s especially important that your vehicle perform at its peak in winter. A vehicle’s battery and windshield wipers are a winter driver’s best friend, but only if they are operating at optimal capacity. Being stranded on a roadside in winter is more dangerous than in any other time of year. That’s because driver visibility is more compromised in winter, and it can be hard for motorists to see or avoid vehicles on the side of the road. Maintain proper fluid levels and make sure your battery is charged and the gas tank is full before making any winter trips.
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Wintry conditions often make driving especially hazardous. But drivers who adopt certain habits when driving in winter can greatly reduce their risk of accidents.
Don’t drive too closely to other motorists.
In addition to driving slowly, motorists also should leave extra room between their vehicles and the vehicles in front of them. In such conditions, for every 10 miles per hour drive a minimum of four car lengths behind the motorist in front of you. So if you are driving 50 miles per hour, be sure to leave 20 car lengths between you and the car ahead of you. This gives you ample time to react and builds in some extra response time should your visibility be compromised.
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Centers
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176 Beckford Drive • Henderson, NC 27536 Phone: 252-492-2161 • Fax: 252-438-2888 Hours: M-Th 8am-5pm • Fri 8am-4:30pm, Sat 8am-Noon
Beckford Warren Medical Center
816 US Hwy 158 Bus. W., Suite 102 • Warrenton, NC 27589 Phone: 252-257-6213 • Fax: 252-257-3286 Hours: M-Th 8am-5pm • Friday 8am-4:30pm
Beckford Centerville Medical Center
6010-A NC Highway 561 • Louisburg, NC 27549 • Sandi Reed - PA-C Phone: 919-340-0283 • Fax: 919-340-0286 Hours: M-W-F 8am-5pm • Tue & Thur 9am-6pm • Sat. 8am-Noon
Winter storms often make for unsafe driving conditions, and motorists must alter their habits when making winter trips.
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2014
 Helpful tips to prevent unexpected storm damage  Family Features
P
reparing for an unexpected emergency, especially one brought on by severe weather, is one of the most important ways you can protect your home and family. Proactively addressing storm-related issues ranging from property damage to power outages can minimize a potentially disastrous situation. Â
Step 1: Verify Your Homeowners Insurance Covers Storm Damage
Nearly all homeowners carry some form of insurance on their home, as required by their mortgage lender. But policies can vary, and the aftermath of
a powerful storm is no time to find out youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re underinsured. To ensure your homeowners policy adequately covers your needs, take time to review the policy every year at renewal time, and any time you make any significant improvements to your home. Check that the coverage amount for your main residence accurately reflects the finished square footage of your home, including any upgrades or changes such as a newly renovated bathroom or expanded deck structure. Also confirm that the replacement cost your homeowners insurance agent has determined is consistent with what you would expect to pay to rebuild your home.
In addition, take time to understand any exclusions, especially those for weather-related incidents. For example, many homeowners insurance policies do not automatically include flood protection. Finally, take time to thoroughly document your personal possessions with video or still images and record their value. Store the documentation in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box or remote-access electronic file, that you will be able to access in the event of an emergency. Not only will this help expedite your claim if you need to replace items, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a list ready when you face the daunting task of replacing your belongings.
 Keep Up on Home Maintenance Stepping outside after a significant storm is no time to remember that you forgot to trim the tree or secure a loose section of fencing. Making time to provide ongoing home maintenance for exterior features of your home, such as landscaping, decking, siding, roofing and shutters, will ensure they are in good function when bad weather strikes. While little can be done to prevent damage from high-impact storms, routinely checking that everything is in good repair will minimize the chances of preventable destruction. As you assess your home and yard, ask yourself: Are the trees and shrubs properly trimmed and set far enough
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Emergency Guide
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away from structures that they are unlikely to topple in high winds? Are shutters affixed securely to the house? Are there any cracked or otherwise weakened windows that should be replaced to prevent shattering during a storm?
Prepare for Backup Power During an Outage
Loss of power is one of the most common occurrences in severe weather. And the financial impact of outage-related expenses (e.g. spoiled food replacement, supply purchases or home repair) can add up quickly. “Storm-related power loss can be costly for a family,” said Greg Inwood, vice president for Briggs & Stratton Standby Power. “An unexpected power loss can result in a number of inconveniences if the outage requires special arrangements such as meals out and overnight hotel stays.” The easiest way to prepare for a weather-related power outage is by installing a standby generator in advance of the storm season. Fortunately, attaining the safety and comfort provided by a standby generator during a storm event has become more reasonable thanks to emerging technology that has made generators smaller, smarter and, therefore, more affordable. “In the past, having a generator was cost-prohibitive for many households,” said Amanda Grandy, marketing
manager for Briggs & Stratton Standby Power, which is the exclusive licensee of GE Generator Systems. “Today, technology has advanced to make owning a standby generator far more affordable for the average family.” Improved technology features such as GE’s Symphony(r) II power management system, which manages a home’s power demands automatically and electronically during an outage, allow more of a home’s lights and appliances - up to two AC units - to be powered with a smaller standby generator. A home that would typically need a larger 20 kW home generator to power all of the home’s power demands could now be powered with GE’s 10 kW unit paired with Symphony(r) II technology. The smaller, more affordable 10 kW home generators also boast the smallest footprint on the market, making it ideal for homes with tight lot lines. Learn more about the home standby generators available to homeowners at gegenerators.com.
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2014
Common Types of Backup Generators
A power outage is a common result of weather-related emergencies, but it’s also one of the easiest to correct by using a generator. There are two common generator types: portable generators and standby generators. • A portable generator is an immediate but temporary solution. Typically powered by gasoline, it is lower in cost and doesn’t require installation
time, but it can only power a few items for a few hours. • A standby generator is an automatic, permanent backup power solution. It requires professional installation outside the home. It is powered by natural gas or liquid propane and turns on automatically during a utility power outage to keep a home’s lights, furnace, AC units and other appliances on while the power is out.
Emergency Preparedness Kit
Having an emergency preparedness kit of items that your household may need in an emergency situation is critical. Basic utilities such as electricity, gas, water, sewage and phone service may be unavailable after a storm strikes, so the kit should contain food, water, any necessary medications, lighting and backup battery supplies.
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Emergency Guide
The Daily Dispatch
2014
Don’t let household baby hazards surprise you
Metro
Becoming a parent can be a wonderful, albeit ner vewracking, experience. With so many unknowns before you, the challenges of raising a child can seem insurmountable. Yet despite not having a handbook for raising kids, parents tend to make it through the infant and toddler stages of their children’s lives with healthy kids in tow. Although there are many lessons new parents must learn, none are more important than keeping a child safe. The Home Safety Council reports that more than 2,000 children die each year as a result of unintentional home injur y. The highest rates are among babies under a year old. It’s never too early to make safety a priority. Before baby arrives, parents can learn about the things around their house that may pose a threat to young children and then make any necessar y adjustments to ensure their homes are safe havens for youngsters.
Sleep environment
One of the first safety concerns parents will face is the sleeping environment. Infants spend lots of
time asleep in the first months of their lives, and how and where they sleep is important. The best defense against sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is to place infants on their backs when putting them to sleep. Although it’s tempting to cover the baby with a fluffy blanket or surround the child with plush toys, these items increase the risk of impeded airflow. While the cause of SIDS remains a topic of debate, many doctors believe it has something to do with a young child’s inability to awaken when faced with diminished oxygen levels. Crib bumpers, loose blankets and pajamas, as well as sleeping on his or her stomach, can increase a baby’s risk for SIDS.
the bottom of the stairs should be, too. Adust crib heights accordingly so that a child cannot climb and fall out of the crib. Also, avoid using baby walkers, which increase the risk of falls. Another type of fall that parents should be aware of does not involve the child actually falling, but heavy items falling on the baby. According to a new study, in the United States a child is rushed to a hospital emergency room every 45 minutes with an injury that’s related to a falling television. Other children are injured or killed when a heavy piece of furniture falls on them. Always use brackets to secure TVs
and furniture to walls. Children between the ages of two and five are the most likely to be hurt by a falling object.
Drowning
Children splashing in water can be a fun sight to behold. But the same water that provides hours of fun can be quite a hazard. It takes mere inches of water to drown a child who cannot lift his or her head out of the water. Children have drowned in toilets, buckets of cleaning water, tubs, and sinks. Never leave a child unattended in or around water -- even for a second. This is the best way to prevent a water-related tragedy.
Falls
Even a very young child may be able to squirm onto and eventually fall from an elevated surface. Children should never be left unattended on any high surface, such as a changing table or counter. Failure to use an adequate number of baby gates can lead to unnecessary falls as well. While the top of the stairs may be blocked off,
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Emergency Guide
Cleaning agents
15
2014
from wandering into the area.
Medicines may be kept out of reach, but household cleaners must also be inaccessible to children. Use cabinet locks to prevent curious little hands from gaining access to potentially harmful cleaners. Although parents may lock their cabinets, they may not impede access to the dishwasher. A dishwasher is a hidden hazard. Dishwashers provide children access to potentially caustic detergent and other chemicals, and kids can be injured by sharp knives and breakable glass inside the dishwasher. When your work in the kitchen is done for the night, use gates to prevent curious kids
Hand-me downs
In an effort to save money, many parents will accept hand-me-down items from well-meaning relatives. Used toys or baby equipment may not conform to current safety guidelines. Some may be missing parts or have been part of a past recall. Inspect all secondhand items to verify they are safe before using. Also, parents can visit www. cpsc.gov to check if the item meets current safety standards. Keeping children safe requires a lifetime of diligence and awareness of potential hazards. Making a few changes around the house can keep little ones happy and healthy.
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Whatever it takes… In today’s society, it is widely considered “cool” for the younger generation to reply “whatever” when they don’t like being given stern advice. However, when it comes to education, drugs and drug use, “whatever” is not the answer. Each of us are accountable for our own actions. Don’t let drugs ruin your life, be a productive citizen and provider. Picture yourselves in a room all alone, surrounded by doors, all of which are open. Then imagine a door closing each time you fail to heed stern advice, use drugs, or skip school. Now, what if each of these were doors of opportunity? Eventually, they will all close and you will be left alone to make your own way in life with limited opportunity. So when it comes to being drug free and having a good education, don’t say “whatever” but instead say “whatever it takes.”
Sheriff Peter White Vance County Sheriff ’s Office
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The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Guide
2014
When disaster strikes, will your pets be safe? A BPT
mericans living in areas prone to severe storms, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters may be well aware of the philosophy, “Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.” Families with a disaster plan in place will be better equipped to stay safe and recover from an emergency. Too often, however, even the best planners forget to include provisions for the four-legged members of the family. “When disaster strikes, families may not have much time to act,” says Dr. Ellen I. Lowery, associate director of U.S. professional and veterinary affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “While organizations like Hill’s, through our Disaster Relief Network, strive to help families and pets in the wake of natural disasters, it’s important to have a disaster plan ready, including a well-stocked Pet Emergency Go-Kit with food, water and other essentials for your pet.” Dr. Lowery offers some guidance for putting your “Pet Emergency Go-Kit” together: • Include first aid supplies and a first aid guide book for pets. • Keep three-day supplies of both your pet’s favorite food - in a waterproof container - and bottled water. • Store an extra safety harness and leash because even the best-behaved
pet may be frightened in an emergency, causing him to run and hide. • Include waste cleanup supplies. It’s important to properly dispose of pet waste to avoid adding health concerns to an already difficult situation. • If your pet is on any medications, keep a few days’ worth in your kit. Also include an up-to-date copy of medical records, as well as contact information for your veterinarian and additional veterinary and pet care organizations in your area. • You should have a brief, written explanation of your pet’s feeding routine, personality and any behavioral issues. In a disaster, your pet may receive care from someone who doesn’t know him as well as you do. • Don’t forget comfort - include a few toys and a favorite blanket to keep your pet comfortable. Keep your Pet Go-Kit somewhere readily accessible in an emergency. Be sure your pet always wears his/her identification - a microchip or collar ID tag with up-to-date information may help reunite you with your pet if you become separated in the confusion of a disaster scene. If an impending disaster requires you to evacuate, take your pet with you. Be aware of your pet’s favorite hiding places so you’ll know where to look when you’re in a hurry to leave. Before disaster strikes, identify
locations where you could take your pet during an evacuation; not all disaster shelters for people will be open to pets. Look for pet-friendly hotels or motels, or ask relatives and friends if they could accommodate you and your pets. Despite your best efforts, it may not be possible to take your pet with you. To alert first responders to the possible presence of a pet in the house, place a pet rescue decal on your front door or window. It should include your veterinarian’s contact information and any special notes about your pet’s personality or medical needs. Carry a picture of your pet in case you become separated. “Pet displacement during natural disasters is such a serious issue, the federal government has even enacted
standards for evacuating and transporting pets during disasters,” Dr. Lowery says. “One widely quoted report cited Hurricane Katrina as an example of what can happen to pets during a natural disaster. The report said more than 200,000 pets were displaced during the storm, and the majority of them were never reunited with their families.” Last year, Hill’s launched the Disaster Relief Network, a first-of-its-kind national system that allows the company to quickly coordinate pet food deliveries in response to natural disasters. Since its inception, the network has delivered free food to more than 50 shelters and veterinary clinics in response to floods, forest fires, tornados and mudslides. To learn more about the network, visit hillspet.com/ food-shelter-love/emergency-help.
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Emergency Guide
The Daily Dispatch
2014
17
Power generators may be a good investment G Metro
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. 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 gasoline-powered units.
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 $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 alternator that generates power. The entire setup is contained in a weather-proof box, which is connected to the main fuse box of the home by a cable. When power is lost from the electric wires outside of a home, the generator senses it and starts up, all he while blocking any power from the electric lines from the power station to prevent a feedback of power. The standby generator is only hooked up to specific fuses in the fuse box to run certain outlets or appliances in the home. A standby generator will not supply power to all of the outlets in a home.
FAMILY DENTISTRY Comprehensive Dentistry for The Whole Family Henderson Family Dentistry 560 Dabney Drive, Suite C Henderson, NC 27536 • 252-492-6004 Hushang Ghodrat, DDS-PA Mazda Berenjian, DDS Umit Borkan-Sevim, DDS Mon.-Fri. 8:00am - 4:00pm Latest Dental Diagnostic Technology • Digital X-Rays • Laser Cavity Detection • Intraoral Camera • Preventative & Restorative Care • Gum Disease Therapy
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Emergency Guide
2014
We’re here for you now. Even if it’s Saturday.
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The Daily Dispatch
Emergency Guide
2014
19
Equip your home with a sump pump and backup battery  Metro
I
n 2012, hundreds of miles of coastline along the northeastern United States were battered and decimated due to Hurricane Sandy. More than a year later, many homeowners were still dealing with the consequences of the devastating storm. Hurricane Sandy illustrated just how destructive water can be. Each year, storms across North America have the potential to flood homes or cause water to enter the basement or first floor. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, a mere six inches of water in a 2,000 square foot home can cause around $40,000 in damage. Homeowners looking
to avoid such damages can rely on sump pumps and backup emergency systems to keep sublevels dry and safe. Sump pumps are frequently used in homes at risk of flooding or in homes where the water table is above the foundation of the home. Sump pumps remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin built into the foundation of the home. Water may enter through perimeter drains (French drains) built into the basement or directly through the sump basin itself. The pump will send the water away from the house through a series of pipes that could drain into a dry well, into a municipal storm drain or at the curb.
Many sump pumps are hard-wired into a homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electrical system and will automatically turn on when the water level in the sump basin has risen enough to trigger the pump. A flotation device built into the pump will rise enough to turn on the pump, which will then dispel the water until the device returns to its regular level. When operating correctly, sump pumps are effective at removing water and keeping basements and crawl spaces dry. However, in the event of a power outage, which is common when strong winds accompany flooding rains, a sump pump is rendered useless unless there is a backup battery attached to the sump pump.
Having a battery hooked up to a sump pump, or a backup sump pump that is battery-powered, can give homeowners peace of mind in any storm. A backup plan ensures the pump will still be able to remove water for a certain period of time until electricity is restored to the home. Another option is to make sure the sump pump is connected to a power generator should the main power supply go out. As long as the generator is running, the sump pump will expel the water. Water damage to a home can cost thousands of dollars in repairs, particularly when it is not covered by standard home insurance policies. Sump pumps can help keep homes dry and safe.
Drs. Henderson and Henderson, LLC General Dentistry
Dr. Lyman B. Henderson Jr.
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Warrenton, NC 252-257-3054 drshenderson.com
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Emergency Guide
2014
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