Emergency Response: An effort to mitigate the impact of an incident on the public and the environment.

WINTER STORMS

Stay indoors until storm ends

Listen to radio/TV, emergency broadcast system, for emergency information/instructions

Do not over-exert if shoveling snow

Wear warm, loose fitting, layered, light-weight, dry clothing

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia

Do not use charcoal or gas grills to cook/heat indoors (carbon monoxide hazard)

If in a vehicle:

Stay on the main roads

If necessary, pull off the road, stay with the vehicle, and use hazard signals on your vehicle

If trapped in a blizzard, clear tail pipe, run engine/heater 10 minutes each hour; open window slightly; maintain body heat (use map, seat cover, floor mat for insulation) Night: keep dome light on so work crews can see vehicle.

FLOODS

Listen to radio/TV, emergency broadcast system, for emergency information/instructions

Stay away from flood water; do not attempt to swim, walk, or drive through

Secure/bring in outdoor furniture

If instructed, turn off utilities at main switches; unplug appliances (do not touch electrical equipment if wet)

If deep water, allow to flow freely in basement (may avoid structural damage)

Do not stack sandbags against outside of house, add pressure

Avoid downed power lines

Do not drink tap water (may be contaminated)

Move valuables to upper floors

TORNADOES

Report revolving funnel-shaped clouds to authorities

Listen to radio/TV, emergency broadcast system, for emergency information/instructions

Seek shelter immediately in basement or interior room on lower level. Take position under sturdy table

Stay away from windows, doors, outside walls; do not open windows

If not sheltered, lie flat in ditch with hands covering head

Avoid buildings with wide span roofs

If in vehicle, get out, seek shelter in a ditch

HURRICANES

Listen to radio/TV, emergency broadcast system, for emergency information/instructions

Move valuables to upper floors if in low lying/shore areas

Secure/bring in outdoor furniture

Close permanent shutters, cover all windows with plywood (taping windows doesn’t prevent breakage)

If staying, keep away from windows, doors, outside walls; do not open windows

If evacuating, turn off water and electricity at main stations; unplug appliances (do not touch if wet)

Leave adequate water and food supply for pets (not allowed in shelters)

Avoid downed wires.

Moor boat in protected area, away from other boats

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

If early chemical accident witness, call emergency services

Listen to radio/TV, emergency broadcast system, for emergency information/instructions

Bring household members, pets inside

Stay far away from site if possible

Keep body fully covered

Avoid eating/drinking anything uncovered

Close all exterior and interior doors, and windows

IF TOLD TO SHELTER IN PLACE

Turn off ventilation systems, fans, clothes dryer, heating-air conditioning; if possible close fireplace damper

Close window curtains, shades, blinds

Go to above ground room with fewest windows/doors

Bring disaster supplies kit

Wet towels, jam in cracks under doors

If possible, tape around doors, windows; block air vents using plastic sheeting/bags

Stay inside until radio announces safety or to evacuate

WILDFIRES

Listen to radio/TV, emergency broadcast system, for emergency information/instructions

Park car in open space facing evacuation route; have keys accessible

Shut windows, doors in home

Wear long sleeves, pants, wet handkerchief for face

Close vents, doors; seal attic, ground vents with plywood

Shut off gas at main; turn off pilot lights, propane tanks

Open fireplace damper; close fireplace screens

Move flammable furniture to center of home

Wet shrubs within 15 feet of home

If leaving, tell someone where you are going

EARTHQUAKES

Drop, cover and hold on: crouch in safe place (under sturdy table or kneel next to interior wall) cover head until quake stops

Inside: stay inside; outside, stay outside

Move away from buildings, street lights, utility wires

Crowded place: do not rush for doorway, take cover

High-rise buildings: stay on same floor, do not use elevator, be prepared for alarm/sprinkler systems to activate

Driving: do not stop vehicle under bridges, overpasses, overhead power lines; pull over as soon as possible; stay in vehicle

Beware of hanging plants, wall hangings, falling furniture

Be prepared for aftershocks