EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - BUILD
A KIT
Make sure your emergency kit is
stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are
inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Once
you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family
might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.
After an emergency, you may need to
survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own
food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster
supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the
event of an emergency.
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
To assemble your kit, store items in
airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two
easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could
include the following recommended items:
Water - one gallon of water per
person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food - at least a three-day supply
of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio
and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter
contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and
plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off
utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a
backup battery
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items
to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers,
anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash
cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance
policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or
in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your
climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to
disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic
utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember
to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal
containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as
your family’s needs change.
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know where you will
be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.
- Home:
Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to
leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit
is kept.
- Work:
Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should
include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as
comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
- Vehicle:
In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your
car.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - WINTER WEATHER
Winter weather can happen anywhere
in New York. Here in Rochester we are one of the snowiest cities in the North
East. That is way it is important to be prepared for winter storms which often
bring dangerously low temperatures, strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing
rain.
One of the primary concerns is the
winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services
to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall, ice and
extreme cold can immobilize an entire region, so it’s important to be prepared
for winter weather before it strikes.
Winterize Your Emergency Toolkit
Add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
Rock salt or more environmentally
safe products to melt ice on walkways
Sand to improve traction
Snow shovels and other snow removal
equipment
Sufficient heating fuel, like dry,
seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove
Adequate clothing and blankets to
keep you warm
Be Weather Aware
Watches and Warnings are issued by the National
Weather Service. Be familiar with each so you’ll know what to
do when a watch or warning is issued.
Winter Storm Watch
A Winter Storm Watch is issued when
there is a potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually
at least 24 to 36 hours in advance. When a winter storm watch is issued, make
your final preparations for the potential storm.
Winter Storm Warning
A Winter Storm Warning is issued
when a winter storm is already producing, or is forecast to produce heavy snow
or significant ice accumulations.
During the Winter Storm
Stay indoors during the storm
Bring pets/companion animals inside
during winter weather
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by
keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some
rooms
Walk carefully on snowy, icy
walkways
Drive only if it is absolutely
necessary. If you must drive be sure of the following:
keep a disaster supplies kit in your
vehicle
travel in the day and if at all
possible, don't travel alone
keep others informed of your
schedule
stay on main roads and avoid back
road shortcuts
Let someone know your destination,
your route and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way,
help can be sent along your predetermined route
If you will be going away during
cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower
than 55°F
Maintain ventilation when using
kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes
Refuel kerosene heaters outside and
keep them at least three feet from flammable objects
Never use a generator, grill, camp
stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices
inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, enclosed or partially
enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows
and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - POWER
OUTAGES
Power outages can happen anywhere in
New York. That is way it is important to be prepared for power outages. Some of
the dangers that can happen with power outages are:
No heating or air conditioning
through your house
No communication
No refrigerated food
No cooking
It is important to be prepared for
power outages before it strikes.
Safety Note
Please keep all running portable gas
generators out of your homes and garages. To prevent potentially dangerous
levels of carbon monoxide, users need to keep running generators 25
feet from your home.
Before a Power Outage
- Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit,
including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Make sure you have alternative charging methods for
your phone or any device that requires power.
- Charge cell phones and any battery powered devices.
- Know where the manual release lever of your electric
garage door opener is located and how to operate it.
- Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers
to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
- Keep your car’s gas tank full-gas stations rely on
electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge
devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed
space, or close to a home, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Learn about the emergency plans that have been
established in your area by visiting your state’s or local website so you
can locate the closest cooling and warming shelters.
- If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or
power dependent like a medical device determine a back-up plan.
During a Power Outage: Safety Tips
- Only use flashlights for emergency lighting, candles
can cause fires.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food
requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for
several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4
hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
- Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside. In
intense heat when the power may be off for a long time, consider going to
a movie theater, shopping mall or “cooling shelter” that may be open in
your community. If you remain at home, move to the lowest level of your
home, since cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside.
Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as
a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to
go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public
facility) that has heat to keep warm.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment
in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other
devices. Consider adding surge protectors.
- If you are considering purchasing a generator for your
home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing.
- Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a
generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical
system.
After a Power Outage
- Throw away any food that has been exposed to
temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor,
color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
- If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice
crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
- Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about
medications having spoiled.
- Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned
foods and other supplies.
PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES
According to the National Fire Protection Association ,"Every day, millions of people wake up, go to work or
school, and take part in social events." But every so often the unexpected
happens: an earthquake, a fire, a chemical spill, an act of terrorism or some
other disaster. Routines change drastically, and people are suddenly aware of
how fragile their lives and routines can be. Each disaster can have lasting
effects - people may be seriously injured or killed, and devastating and costly
property damage can occur. People entering any public assembly building need to
be prepared in case of an emergency.
The Rochester Fire Department is
committed to the safety and well-being of individuals that visit nightclubs and
areas of public assembly within the City of Rochester. Weekly, we are out in
the field inspecting for compliance to the state fire and property maintenance
code as well as to the City of Rochester’s fire and property maintenance code.
Our goal is to achieve compliance through education, engineering, and
enforcement of state and local codes. We want our patrons to have a positive
and safe experience while visiting establishments and areas of public assembly
within the City of Rochester. Our goal is to work with the businesses and to
educate them on the need for safety. If there is any time that you feel that
you have an immediate fire or life safety issue, please call 911 or you can
contact our fire safety division at 428-7037 regarding any questions or
concerns. Always make sure that you know where the exits are when visiting an
establishment. If an alarm goes off, immediately evacuate to the closest exit.
If you feel that your safety is compromised at any time, leave the
establishment and call 911. We want you to enjoy your time here within the City
of Rochester. We also want you to have a safe and positive experience
while visiting establishments in the City of Rochester and look forward to you
returning knowing that your safety is our primary concern
Before you enter
- Take a good look: Does
the building appear to be in a condition that makes you feel comfortable?
Is the main entrance wide and does it open outward to allow easy exit? Is
the outside area clear of materials stored against the building or
blocking exits?
- Have a communication plan: Identify a relative or friend to contact in case
of emergency and you are separated from family or friends
- Plan a meeting place: Pick
a meeting place outside to meet family or friends with whom you are
attending the function. If there is an emergency, be sure to meet them
there.
When you enter
- Locate exits immediately: When you enter a building you should look for all
available exits. Some exits may be in front and some in back of you. Be
prepared to use your closest exit. You may not be able to use the main
exit.
- Check for clear exit paths: Make sure aisles are wide enough and not obstructed by
chairs or furniture. Check to make sure your exit door is not blocked or
chained. If there are not at least two exits or exit paths are blocked,
report the violation to management and leave the building if it is not
immediately addressed. Call the local fire marshal to register a complaint.
- Do you feel safe?: Does
the building appear to be overcrowded? Are there fire sources such as
candles burning, cigarettes or cigars burning, pyrotechnics, or other heat
sources that may make you feel unsafe? Are there safety systems in place
such as alternative exits, sprinklers, and smoke alarms? Ask the
management for clarification on your concerns. If you do not feel safe in
the building, leave immediately.
During an emergency
- React immediately:
If an alarm sounds, you see smoke or fire, or other unusual disturbance
immediately exit the building in an orderly fashion.
- Get out, stay out! Once
you have escaped, stay out. Under no circumstances should you ever go back
into a burning building. Let trained firefighters conduct rescue
operations."
HOW 911 WORKS - WHAT HAPPENS
WHEN YOU DIAL 911
Most of us take this important task for granted; a guarantee
that someone else will be there on the other end of the phone, ready to help at
a moment's notice. As simple as it may seem, the system of 911 is both
very clever and very sophisticated. Lets take a look at what happens when you
call.
Most phones have the capability to dial into 911.
When you dial into 911:
- The signal goes to the phone company's database.
- There, it finds out the information that you supply the
phone company when you start your service.
- Then your signal, along with the information is sent to
us in the form of Automatic Name and Location information (ANI/ALI).
Our 911 Center is Phase II
compatible with most cellular telephone companies. After ten seconds we
can send a signal to your phone to request your GPS coordinates.
When you
dial 911 please stay on the line, do not hang up! Calls into 911
are taken in the order in which they are received. If you hang up and call
back, your call goes to the last in queue, making your wait longer.
The Telecommunicator answering your
911 call determines the type of service needed using a proven and efficient
interview process. They provide initial help if necessary and then immediately
contact the appropriate emergency agency to dispatch assistance.
The Telecommunicator is the first link in the medical Survival Chain,
providing Pre-Arrival and Post-Dispatch instructions to callers with a medical
emergency. Critical procedures such as CPR, airway management and childbirth,
just to name a few, can be started before more advanced help arrives.
The Telecommunicator uses a Computer Aided Dispatch terminal. Together
with a touch screen telephone interface, information about the caller's
location and phone number is available for verification by the Telecommunicator.
A Telecommunicator is a public safety employee who asks questions to determine
the who, what, where, how and why (as well as the what should/can/might be
done) in a multitude of circumstances, in which the caller often mistakenly
assumes that the answers are obvious.
The Telecommunicator knows that action taken based on incomplete or inaccurate
information can endanger callers, victims and the responders.
That is why he or she must make sure answers to questions are clear, complete
and precise. If an answer is "far," for example, the Telecommunicator
must ask: "how far?" If an altercation is at the "door,"
the Telecommunicator must ask: "Which door?" and "How many doors
are there?" You can help by being as precise and exact as possible when
providing information during a 911 call.
Once the Telecommunicator has analyzed the situation, the call is immediately
routed by computer to a dispatcher for the appropriate emergency response
(Police, Fire or EMS) to provide the service(s) needed.