Typhoon Preparedness

 
A typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone, or severe tropical storm. They form in almost all ocean
basins and in this area of the Pacific, it is called a Typhoon. A typical cyclone is accompanied by
thunderstorms, and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the
earth's surface (clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere).
In the Pacific and Indian Oceans, typhoons can affect all land masses from Asia to the Middle East
to Australia. The Western Pacific typhoon season begin on May through October.
Typhoons can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. They can
produce winds exceeding 155 miles per hour as well as tornadoes and microbursts. Additionally,
typhoons can create storm surges along the coast and cause extensive damage from heavy
rainfall. Floods and flying debris from the excessive winds are often the deadly and destructive
results of these weather events. Slow moving hurricanes and typhoons traveling into mountainous
regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides.
Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall.
 
Typhoon Preparedness Checklist
 Put togerther a basic disaster supplies kit and consider storage locations for different situations
 Protect yourself and family a communications and emergency plan
 Know your surroundings
 Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone, which will help
you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted
 Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you
 Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground
 Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate
 Make plans to secure your property:
 Cover all of your home's windows with permanent storm shutters or 5/8 inch marine plywood,
cut to fit and ready to install (tape does not prevent windows from breaking!)
 Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure
 Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant
 Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts
 Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive
structural damage
 Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not
tied down
 Determine how and where to secure your boat
 Install a generator for power outages
 If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor
 Consider building a safe room
 
During a Typhoon
 Listen to the radio or TV for information, and keep your weather radio handy
 Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors
 Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest
setting and keep its doors closed
 Turn off propane tanks
 Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
 Moor your boat if time permits.
 Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets: fill the
bathtub and other larger containers with water
 Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency
 
You should evacuate under the following conditions:
 If you are directed by local authorities to do so, and be sure to follow their instructions
 If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous
during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground
 If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations
 If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway
Read more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your
wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
 Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors
 Close all interior doors, secure and brace external door.
 Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the
storm, and winds will pick up again
 Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level
 Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object
 Avoid elevators.

FIRE PREPAREDNESS
GUIDE
PLAN AND GET READY
Fire is one of the most common disasters. Fire causes more deaths than any other type of
disaster. But fire doesn't have to be deadly if you have early warning from a smoke detector
and everyone in your family knows how to escape calmly. Please be serious about the
responsibility for planning for and practicing what to do in case of a fire.  Be prepared by
having various household members do each of the items on the checklist below. Then get
together to discuss and finalize your personalized Fire Plan.  Install smoke detectors outside
each sleeping area and on each additional level of your residence. Keep new batteries on
hand.

MAKE YOUR HOME FIRE SAFE

 Smoke detectors save lives. Install a battery-powered smoke detector outside each
sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
 Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month. When necessary,
replace batteries immediately. Replace batteries at least once a year.
  Have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Get training from the fire
department in how to use it. Also include in the kit written instructions on how to
turn off utilities at your house.
 Conduct periodic fire drills, so everyone remembers what to do when there is a fire.

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE ROUTES

 Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home. If you must
use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it.
 Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
 Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. Once you are out, stay out!

ESCAPE SAFELY
 If you see smoke in your first escape route, use your second way out.
 If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to escape.
 If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is hot,
use your second way out.
 If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door
closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the widow.
  If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you
are.

What to do before an earthquake - be prepared!

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning.

Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning
can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an
earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and
foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling,
and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the
impact of earthquakes.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home

 Fasten shelves securely to walls.
 Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
 Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low,
closed cabinets with latches.
 Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds,
couches, and anywhere people sit.
 Brace overhead light fixtures.
 Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These
are potential fire risks.
 Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it
to the floor.
 Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice
if there are signs of structural defects.
 Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in
closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors

 Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.

 Against an inside wall.
 Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors,
pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall
over.
 In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical
lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

3. Educate Yourself and Family Members

 Contact your local emergency management office or American Red

Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-
To Series" for information on how to protect your property from
earthquakes.
 Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire
department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
 Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity,
and water.

4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand

 Flashlight and extra batteries.

 Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
 First aid kit, manual and an earthquake supplies kit.
 Emergency food and water.
 Nonelectric can opener.
 Essential medicines.
 Cash and credit cards.
 Sturdy shoes.

5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

 In case family members are separated from one another during an

earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and
children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
 Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact."
After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone
in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact
person.

6. Help Your Community Get Ready

 Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency

information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the
phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red
Cross, and hospitals.
 Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
 Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross
officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments
on what to do during an earthquake. Provide tips on conducting
earthquake drills in the home.
 Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies
about shutting off utilities.
 Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to
building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood
and family emergency plans.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some

earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake
might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby
safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you
are sure exiting is safe.

Indoor safety

 DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or

other piece of furniture - it can provide you with air space if the building
collapses, and if you get under a table and it moves, try to move with it;
and HOLD ONon until the shaking stops. If there isn't a table or desk near
you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside
corner of the building. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and
walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
 Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on
and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light
fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place. Be sure
 to have shoes by the bedside and put them on before you get out of bed
in case there is broken glass or other objects that have become a hazard.
The last thing you need at this point is cut feet that need urgent care.
 Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if
you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway. Inner walls or
door frames are the least likely to collapse and may also shield against
falling objects. If other cover is not available, go to an inner corner or
doorway, away from windows or glass panels.
 Stay away from glass and hanging objects, and bookcases, china
cabinets, or other large furniture that could fall. Watch for falling objects,
such as bricks from fireplaces and chimneys, light fixtures, wall hangings,
high shelves, and cabinets with doors that could swing open.
 Grab something to shield your head and face from falling debris and
broken glass.
 If the lights go out, use a battery-operated flashlight. Don't use
candles, matches, or lighters during or after the earthquake. If there is a
gas leak, an explosion could result.
 If you are in the kitchen, quickly turn off the stove and take cover at
the first sign of shaking.
 Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research
has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt
to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
 Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or
fire alarms may turn on.
 DO NOT use the elevators.

High-rise buildings

 Get under a desk and stay away from windows and outside walls.
Stay in the building. The electricity may go out, and the sprinkler systems
may come on. DO NOT use the elevators.
 Crowded indoor public places

 If you are in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doorways.
Others will have the same idea. Move away from display shelves
containing objects that may fall. If you can, take cover and grab something
to shield your head and face from falling debris and glass.

Outdoor safety

 Stay there.
 Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
 Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest
danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior
walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake
occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling
debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is
seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related
casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

Automobiles

 If you are in a moving automobile, stop as quickly and safely as

possible and move over to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles,
overhead wires, and under- or overpasses. Stay in the vehicle, set the
parking brake, and turn on the radio for emergency broadcast
information. A car may jiggle violently on its springs, but it is a good place
to stay until the shaking stops. If you are in a life-threatening situation, you
may be able to reach someone with either a cellular or an emergency
roadside assistance phone.
 Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads,
bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

 Do not light a match.
 Do not move about or kick up dust.
 Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
 Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one
is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale
dangerous amounts of dust.

What to Do After an Earthquake

 Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less

violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional
damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days,
weeks, or even months after the quake.
 Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the
latest emergency information.
 Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
 Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off
shelves.
 Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance
has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations.
Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
 Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These
are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called "tidal waves").
When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of
dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.
 Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your
neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly,
and people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move
seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further
injury. Call for help.
 Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other
flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or
fumes from other chemicals.
 Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed
damage could lead to a fire.
 Inspect utilities.

o Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or

hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the
gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a
neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned
back on by a professional.
o Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or
broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the
electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in
water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for
advice.
o Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect
sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If
water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using
water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.