Fire Department ________911______

Ambulance ________911______

Police ________911______

Red Cross _1-800-417-0495___

Emergency Management ___303-582-0527___

Weather Service ___303-279-8855___

Cities and counties in all parts of Colorado, with the assistance of the federal and state government, have developed and are continuing to develop comprehensive emergency preparedness programs to reduce loss of life and protect property from disasters. These programs are saving many lives. People are being warned of impending emergencies/disasters, evacuated from danger areas, treated for injury, and helped to resume their normal lives after disaster strikes.

The primary purpose of this guide is to save lives, reduce injuries, and protect property. It is designed to present information and guidance on actions to be taken to enhance survival in the event of natural and human caused disasters.

You can give yourself and your family a much better chance of surviving and recovering from major disasters if you will take time now to:

• Understand the dangers you would face in an emergency. 

• Make your own preparations.

• Learn what actions you should take at the time of the emergency.

This guide discusses preparation and emergency actions that will help people cope with major natural disasters. It also provides information on emergency care for the sick and injured.

Don't Use The Telephone. Don't use the telephone to obtain further information or advice about the emergency. Depend on the radio or television set, since the government agencies will be broadcasting all available information. The telephone lines will be needed for official calls and must be kept open.

Warning Methods. There are several different ways to notify the citizens during times of threatened or impending emergencies or disasters such as a wildfire, flood or other hazard. These include, but are not limited to:

• NOAA Weather Radios - tone-activated radios which provide an alert tone

• Emergency Alert System - the emergency system utilized by radio and television stations to alert citizens of impending danger. This utilizes a brief tone followed by an emergency message on the radio or a crawler, which includes a tone on television.

• Cable audio override system provides an audible message over all television cable stations giving emergency information.

• Emergency response personnel in the field may notify the public by either going door-to-door with an emergency message or utilizing a PA system on automobiles.

You can obtain the most comprehensive weather information by listening to a NOAA Weather Radio. NOAA stands for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Weather Radio is operated by National Weather Service offices across the country and broadcasts frequently updated recordings containing current weather conditions, local forecasts, recreational and climatological data. During threatening weather, live broadcasts are made of warnings for high winds, large hail, tornadoes, flash floods and winter storms. Specially built receivers can be set to audibly warn when one of these weather warnings is broadcast. You can purchase a tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio at many electronic stores.

There are certain things you can do that will help you prepare for and cope with almost any type of emergency.

The most basic thing to remember is to KEEP CALM. This may mean the difference between life and death. In many disasters, people have been killed or injured needlessly because they took thoughtless actions.

In time of emergency, taking proper action may save your life. TAKE TIME TO THINK, and then take the considered action that the situation calls for. Usually, this will be the action you have planned in advance, or the action you are instructed to take by responsible authorities.

If you hear an emergency notification message, listen to the radio for further emergency information and follow the official instructions being broadcast.

Listen to a battery-powered radio for further information and location of emergency shelters. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes. Take your disaster supplies kit. Lock your home. Use travel routes specified by local officials. If you are sure you have time…shut off water, gas and electricity, if instructed to do so. Let others know when you left and where you are going. Make arrangements for pets. Animals may not be allowed in public shelters.

Disasters and emergencies can sometimes develop quickly. Dam failures, flash floods, and wildfires, for example, can strike with little or no advance warning.

Other types of disasters and emergencies are preceded by a build-up period that provides more time for taking effective protective measures. For example, winter storms can be tracked for days, and people in affected areas can be notified well in advance. Severe thunderstorms may be tracked for hours. On larger rivers, floods can be predicted to provide considerable warning time for people in the danger area.

Some of these disasters or emergencies are more likely to occur in certain parts of the country. Yet, no area is entirely free from possible disasters of one type or another.

This section is intended to help you prepare for those disasters that may occur in this area and to tell you the proper actions to take if they do occur.

For additional information contact:

Buildings that may have been damaged or weakened by the disaster, as they may collapse without warning. Also, there may be gas leaks or electrical short circuits.

Don't Take Lanterns, Torches, or Lighted Cigarettes into buildings that have been flooded or otherwise damaged, since there may be leaking gas lines or flammable material present.

Stay Away From Fallen or Damaged Electrical Wires, which may still be dangerous. (Consider ALL wires to be dangerous, including telephone wires.)

Check For Leaking Gas Pipelines in Your Home. Do this by smell only - don't use matches or candles. If you smell gas, (1) Leave the house immediately and leave the front door open, (2) Notify the gas company or call 911 from another building, (3) DO NOT reenter the house until you are told it is safe to do so.

If Any of Your Electrical Appliances Are Wet, first turn off the main power switch. (Caution: Don't do any of these things while you are wet or standing in water.) If fuses blow when the electric power is restored, turn off the main power switch again and then inspect for short circuits in your home wiring, appliances, and equipment.

Check Your Food and Water Supplies Before Use. Foods that require refrigeration may be spoiled if electric power has been off for some time. Also, don't eat food that has come in contact with floodwaters. Be sure to follow the instructions of local authorities concerning use of food and water supplies.

Stay Away from Disaster Areas. Sightseeing will interfere with first aid or rescue work and may be dangerous.

Don't Drive Unless Necessary and drive with caution. Watch for hazards to yourself and others and report them to local authorities.

Notify Your Relatives after the emergency so they will know you are safe. However, keep calls brief so as not to tie up the lines.

Do Not Pass on Rumors or exaggerated report of damage.

Follow the Advice and Instructions of Local Government on ways to help yourself and your community recover from the emergency.

For additional information, contact

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The local National Weather Service Offices, along with Regional Weather Service River Forecast Centers, issue FLOOD FORECASTS AND WARNINGS when rainfall is enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks or when melting snow combines with rainfall to produce flooding.

Flood Warnings are forecasts of impending floods and are given to you by radio, television, and local government through the Office of Emergency Management and by the National Weather Service. The warning message tells the expected severity of flooding (minor, moderate or major), the affected river or stream, and when and where the flooding will begin. Careful preparation and prompt response will assure personal safety and reduce property loss.

When Moving to a New Area, check with the local flood plain manager to see if you are in an area susceptible to flooding.

• Keep a stock of food, which requires little cooking and no refrigeration. Regular gas and electric service may be disrupted.

• Keep a portable radio, batteries, emergency cooking equipment, and flashlights in working order with additional batteries.

• Keep first aid supplies and any medicines needed by members of your family on hand.

• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days.

• If you live in an area subject to flooding, keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber handy for emergency levee construction.

• Store drinking water in closed, clean containers. Water service may be interrupted.

• If flooding is likely and time permits, move essential items and furniture to upper floors of your house. Disconnect any electrical appliances that can't be moved - but don't touch them if you are wet or standing in water.

If you are warned to evacuate your home and move to another location temporarily, there are certain things to remember to do. Here are the most important ones:

Follow the Instructions and Advice of Your Local Government. If you are told to evacuate, do so promptly. If you are instructed to go to a certain location, go there -DON'T go anywhere else. If certain travel routes are specified or recommended, use those routes rather than trying to find short cuts of your own.

If you are advised to shut off your water, gas, or electric service before leaving home, do so. Also, find out on the radio where emergency shelters are located, in case you need to use them.

Secure Your Home Before Leaving. If you have time and you have not received other instructions from your local government, you should take the following actions before leaving your home:

Bring outside possessions inside or tie them down securely. This includes outdoor furniture, garbage cans, garden tools, signs, and other movable objects that might be blown or washed away.

Lock house doors and windows. Park your car in the garage or driveway, close the windows and lock it (unless you are driving to your new temporary location).

Do not use fresh food that has come into contact with floodwaters.

Drink only water that has not been contaminated.

Do not visit the disaster area. Your presence will only hamper rescue and other emergency operations.

Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before use.

Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights, not oil or gas lanterns or torches to examine buildings. Flammable materials may be present.

Report broken utility lines to the utility company or 911- dispatch center.

Keep tuned to your radio or television station for advice and instructions from local government on where to obtain medical care, where to get assistance for such necessities as housing, clothing, and food, and how to help yourself and the community to recover.

In many areas, unusually heavy rains or dam failure may cause quick or "flash" floods. Small creeks, gullies, dry stream beds, ravines, culverts, or even low-lying ground frequently flood quickly and endanger people, sometimes before any warning can be given. Examples: Rapid City, 1972; Big Thompson Canyon, 1976, Fort Collins, 1997; Manitou Springs and La Junta, 1999. Dam Failure: Lawn Lake Dam (Estes Park), 1982.

National Weather Service offices issue three types of flash flood products: a Flash Flood Watch, Flash Flood Warning, and a Small Stream and Urban Flood Advisory.

A Flash Flood Watch means that heavy rains occurring or expected to occur may soon cause flash flooding in certain areas. Citizens should be alert to the possibility of a flood emergency, which will require immediate action.

A Flash Flood Warning means that flash flooding is occurring or imminent on certain streams or designated areas. Those in the warning area should respond immediately.

A Small Stream and Urban Flood Advisory is issued when minor flooding is occurring or expected. In periods of heavy rains, be aware of the hazard of flash floods and be prepared to protect yourself against them. If you see any possibility of a flash flood occurring where you are, move immediately to a safer location (don't wait for instructions to move). Notify your local authorities of the danger so other people can be warned, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or thunderstorms.

Stay Away from Natural Stream Beds, gullies, and other drainage channels during and after rainstorms. Water runs off the higher elevations very rapidly, causing the natural drainage system to overflow with rushing floodwaters and their cargo of rocks, mud, trees and other debris.

Campers Note: Use your map. Know where you are, and whether you are on low ground, or below a dam. Remember that you don't have to be at the bottom of a hill to be a target for the dangers of flash flooding.

Know Where the High Ground is and how to get there in a hurry. Remember many roads and trails parallel existing drainage patterns, and may be swept away by floodwaters.

Never Attempt to Outrun a Flood in Your Vehicle. Abandon the vehicle and climb to safety. If you are in a canyon, attempt to reach high ground by climbing directly up the canyon sides.

Abandon Stalled Vehicles in Flooded Areas if you can do so safely. Floodwaters may rise and sweep the vehicle and occupants away. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to either outrun a flood or to move a stalled vehicle.

Never Try to Drive Through Flooded Areas. Remember that it only takes 18 to 24 inches of moving water to move an auto. If an area is flooded, take an alternate route to reach your destination. The depth of the floodwaters will be unknown, the road may be undermined and a current may exist which could sweep your vehicle away. Many deaths have occurred by people trying to drive through flooded areas.

For additional information on floods, contact

All Thunderstorms Produce Lightning. Many People Ignore the Dangers of Lightning.

Most people struck by lightning are not in the rain. Lightning can strike 5 to 10 miles in advance of the storm.

You can tell how far away the lightning is, by using the Flash-to-Bang method. When you see lightning, count how many seconds until you hear thunder. If the time is 5 seconds, the lightning was one mile away; if it is 10 seconds, the lightning was two miles away. Seek shelter if the lightning moves to within 4 miles of your location.

When a thunderstorm threatens, get inside a home or large building, or inside an all-metal (not convertible) vehicle.

Set up safety procedures for outdoor operating events such as youth soccer and little league.

Inside a home, avoid using the telephone except for emergencies and unplug unnecessary appliances before the thunderstorm approaches.

If outside with no time to reach a safe building or an automobile, follow these rules:

• Do not stand underneath a natural lightning rod such as a tall isolated tree in an open area.

• In open areas, do not be the tallest object as you would be if you were standing on a hilltop, in an open field, on the beach, or fishing from a small boat.

• Get out of and away from open water.

• Get away from tractors and other metal farm equipment.

• Get off of and away from motorcycles, scooters, golf carts and bicycles. Put down golf clubs, bags or metal-framed backpacks.

• Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, downed power lines and other metallic paths, which could carry the electrical current to you from some distance away.

• Avoid standing in small isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

• In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of trees. In open areas, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.

• If you are in a level field or prairie in an active thunderstorm and cannot get to shelter DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND. Minimize your risk to lightning by dropping to a crouching position with your feet on the ground and close together.

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. If the victim is not breathing and/or has no pulse, a person with proper training should administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Many people apparently "killed" by lightning can be revived if quick action is taken. When a group is affected, those not breathing should be treated first.

Medical attention also should be given to victims who appear only temporarily stunned or otherwise unhurt, since there may be hidden effects.

For more information on lightning, contact

Here is advice that will help protect you and your family against the hazards of winter storms/blizzards, heavy snows, ice storms, freezing rain and/or sleet.

Keep Posted on Weather Conditions.

Use your radio, television, and newspapers to keep informed of current weather conditions and forecasts in your area. Even with a few hours warning you may be able to avoid being caught in it, or at least be better prepared to cope with it. You should also understand the terms commonly used in weather forecasts:

A Blizzard is the most dangerous of all winter storms. It combines cold air, heavy snow, and strong winds. These strong winds will cause considerable blowing snow, which may reduce visibility to only a few yards. A Blizzard Warning is issued when the National Weather Service expects considerable snow, temperatures below freezing, and winds of 35 miles per hour or more.

A Winter Storm Warning for the lower elevations of Colorado usually means an expected snowfall of 6 inches or more in a 12 -hour period, or 8 inches or more in a 24- hour period. A Heavy Snow Warning or Winter Storm Warning for the MOUNTAINS means an expected snowfall of 8 inches or more in a 12-hour period.

Freezing Rain or Freezing Drizzle occurs when rain is likely to freeze on the ground, depositing a coating of ice or glaze on roads and everything that is exposed. If a substantial layer of ice is expected to accumulate from the freezing rain, a Winter Storm Warning is issued addressing the problems expected to be caused by the accumulation of ice.

Stock an emergency supply of food and water, as well as emergency cooking equipment such as a camp stove. Some of this food should be of the type that does not require refrigeration or cooking.

Make sure you have a battery-operated radio and extra batteries on hand so that if your electric power is cut off you can still hear weather forecasts, information, and advice broadcast by local authorities. Also, flashlights and lanterns will be needed. Portable propane-type heaters could prove valuable in these types of situations, but use with proper precautions.

Keep on hand the simple tools and equipment needed to fight a fire. Also, be certain that all family members know how to take precautions that would prevent fire at such a time, when the help of the fire department might not be available immediately.

Avoid all unnecessary trips. However, if you are forced to use your automobile for a trip of any distance, take these precautions:

Dress for the Season. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than a single layer of thick clothing. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Use a stocking cap to protect your head and a facemask that covers your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.

Make sure your car is in good condition, properly serviced, and equipped with chains or snow tires.

Take another person with you if possible.

Make sure someone knows where you are going, your approximate schedule, and your estimated time of arrival at your destination.

If you see downed power lines - KEEP AWAY.

It is recommended that you have a full tank of gasoline in your vehicle, along with emergency winter storm supplies, such as a container of sand, shovel, windshield scraper, tow chain or rope, and flashlight. It is also good to have heavy gloves or mittens, overshoes; extra woolen socks, winter headgear to cover your head and face; battery-operated radio and food.

Travel by daylight and use major highways if you can. Keep the vehicle radio tuned for weather information and advice.

Drive with caution. Don't try to save time by traveling faster than weather conditions permit. Stay off closed roads.

Don't be daring or foolhardy. Stop, turn back, or seek help if conditions exist that may test your ability or endurance, rather than risk being stalled, lost, or isolated. Don't risk becoming stranded in a BLIZZARD.

Keep Calm If You Get in Trouble. If your vehicle breaks down during a storm or if you become stalled or lost, don't panic. Think the problem through, decide what's the safest thing to do, and do it slowly and carefully. If you are on a well-traveled road, show a trouble (flasher) signal. Set your directional lights to flashing, raise the hood of your vehicle, or hang a cloth from the radio antenna or vehicle window. Then stay in your vehicle and wait for help to arrive. If you run the engine to keep warm, remember to open a window enough to provide ventilation and make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning. Run your engine for only brief intervals. Keep a dome light on; you can help keep yourself warm by performing simple exercises while sitting in your automobile.

Wherever you are, if there is no house or other source of help in sight, do not leave your vehicle to search for assistance as you may become confused and get lost.

Avoid Overexertion. Every winter many unnecessary deaths occur because people – especially the elderly, but younger ones as well – engage in more strenuous physical activity than their bodies can stand. Cold itself, WITHOUT any physical exertion, puts an extra strain on your heart. If you add to this physical exertion, especially exercise that you are not accustomed to – such as shoveling snow, pushing an automobile, or even walking fast or far – you are risking a heart attack, a stroke, or damage to your body. In winter weather, and especially in winter storms, be aware of this danger and avoid overexertion.

Hypothermia. Hypothermia can occur in an exposure to severely cold weather. Symptoms can range from frost bite, a white or waxy appearance of the skin with pain or numbness, to severe hypothermia, where the victim may have an altered level of consciousness, slurred speech, staggering gait, or breathing problems. If this occurs, remove the person from the cold. Remove wet clothing and replace with dry clothing or a blanket. Warm the patient gradually with blankets or chemical warming packs. Do NOT rub the body. Treat gently. Rough or excessive handling could cause the condition to worsen. Do NOT give coffee or alcohol. Warm fluids can be given after re-warming has taken place

For additional information, contact

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Fire Hazards

Normal fire prevention rules are of special importance in an emergency. To keep fires from starting: Don’t let "junk" accumulate. Clean out attics, basements, closets and garages frequently.

Check Electrical Wiring and Appliances. Replace worn or frayed cords. Don’t operate too many appliances on one circuit. Don’t string extension wires all over the house, and never under rugs. Use irons and other heating appliances with caution.

Store Explosive or Flammable Materials Carefully Outside. Never use gasoline, benzine, naphtha, and similar fluids indoors or near flame: they will ignite readily from any kind of a spark. Rags soaked with oil or turpentine sometimes catch fire by themselves (this is called spontaneous ignition), and therefore should never be left lying around.

Check Heating Devices. Faulty furnaces and stoves, cracked or rusted furnace pipes, and sooty chimneys start many home fires.

Don’t Place Papers or Magazines on Radiators or near stoves or fireplaces. Don’t allow lampshades to touch electric bulbs.

First, decide upon two different exit paths. If the first exit you try is blocked by fire and smoke, you are more likely to remember to try the other exit if you’ve already planned two ways of escape.

Second, select a specific place outside where everyone will meet. Firefighters need to know who is safe and who may not be. If your family meets in one place, you can quickly tell firefighters if anyone is missing.

Having regular fire drills can help teach your family to remember what to do in case of a fire. Follow these steps during a fire and in case of a fire:

• Stay low. Don’t stand up. If you are in bed, roll out and crawl low on the floor under the smoke.

• Crawl to the door, using the wall as a guide. Check the door for heat with the back of your hand before opening.

• If a door is cool when you touch it, open it only a crack so it can be shut quickly if there are flames or smoke on the other side.

• If the door is hot or smoke is seeping underneath, Do Not Open the Door. Push a blanket, towel, robe or other heavy clothing in the crack.

•  Using the wall as a guide, crawl to a window and open it. Take a sheet or any large piece of fabric; wave it out the window and shout for help. Or, if the window is low to the ground, climb out of it.

•  When you escape a burning building, Never return for something you forgot or to look for other people or a pet. Go to the meeting place and stay there. Let a firefighter know immediately if anyone is missing.

•  If firefighters are not at the fire scene yet, call or tell someone to call 911. Do Not call from within your house. Escape First.

Your job is to escape.

Stay as low as possible.

Take short breaths to avoid breathing in fumes and smoke.

Do not move toward smoke or fire.

Signal others in the house by pounding on the walls, floor and door. Shout, "Fire," but do this once you are outside the heavy smoke.

Besides planning an escape route and conducting fire drills, having smoke detectors in your home can save lives, too.

Smoke detectors can warn you that there is a fire. However, it is important to keep fire detectors in proper working order. Check and replace batteries every nine (9) to twelve (12) months. A good way to remember this might be by changing the batteries every daylight savings time change. Some units will generate a beeping sound to indicate when the batteries need to be replaced.

Make sure to clean your smoke detector at least once a year because dust can damage the unit. Also, test the detector periodically by pushing the test button. This should be done at least once every month. The National Bureau of Standards test shows untested detectors loses about half of their dependability after 10-year period.

For additional information, contact

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Wildfires occur as a result of lightning or man-made causes such as discarded cigarettes and campfires. A fire in your home may spread to the forest. Homes in or near forested areas are classified as being in the "Urban Interface".

When you build or buy a home in one of the Urban Interface areas, you have accepted the fact that these areas may have poor access, native vegetation, steep slopes, and poor or no fire fighting water supplies.

In order to attempt to prevent a tragedy, you need to be aware of wildfire hazards and what to do when a wildfire occurs in your area.

When moving to a new area, check with your local Fire Department to determine the wildfire hazard in your area, and what can be done to reduce the hazard.

Obtain guidelines to create a "defensible space" around your home and make other improvements to increase the chances that it can survive a wildfire.

Defensible space includes:

• Reducing the hazard area of at least 30 ft. from the home by:

• Reducing density of surrounding forest.

• Trimming branches.

• Thinning tree and brush cover.

• Removing dead limbs and other litter.

• Maintaining an irrigated greenbelt.

• Mowing dry grasses and weeds.

• Cleaning your roof and gutters.

• Pruning branches to 10 ft. above the ground.

Other improvements include improving driveway access and water supplies, having a fire resistive roof, enclosing overhanging eaves and decks, spark arresters on chimney, etc.

Create an evacuation plan that includes all family members and animals.

Know where your escape routes are located.

Know where you can find a safety zone in the event it’s too late to evacuate. Safety zones may be large areas where little or no vegetation or other fuels exist.

Prearrange normal and alternate ways to stay in touch with family members who are not at home. Let relatives or friends know your fire plan and check in as soon as you are able.

Pre-connect hoses to faucets.

Provide a ladder long enough to reach the roof easily.

Have one or more 5-pound multi-purpose extinguishers readily available.

Have protective clothing available for anyone who is unable to evacuate before the first help arrives. This includes cotton long-sleeved shirt or jacket and trousers; leather boots; gloves; helmet or other head covering; goggles; and a handkerchief to provide minimum protection for the lungs.

Call 911; don’t assume that someone else has already called. Describe the location of the fire, speak slowly, and answer any questions asked by the dispatcher.

Locate valuables that you will take with you if asked to evacuate your home.

Clear items that will burn from around the house. Move them outside of your defensible space.

Close all windows, doors, vents, shutters, blinds, or heavy non-combustible window coverings to reduce radiant heat.

Shut off any natural gas or propane tanks at the source.

Back your car into the driveway and roll up the windows.

Place valuable papers, mementos and anything "you can’t live without" into your car.

If asked to evacuate by fire or law enforcement personnel, or if you should decide to evacuate:

• Turn outside lights on, and leave a light on in every room.

• Leave all outside doors unlocked to allow firefighters to enter to fight a fire inside your home.

• Open barn doors, fences, and other enclosed areas to let large animals escape as necessary.

• Leave the house as soon as possible, follow directions given by firefighters or law enforcement personnel. If you are told to go to a certain area, go there; don’t go anywhere else.

• If you are trapped at home, stay calm. As the fire front approaches, go into your home. If your home catches fire, evacuate.

Roll up all windows and close air vents to prevent smoke from entering your vehicle.

Turn lights on and drive slowly looking for other vehicles.

Do not drive through heavy smoke or fire.

If you are caught in fire, get on the floor and cover up with a blanket or coat. Do not leave your vehicle until the fire passes. Some smoke or sparks may enter vehicle, and air currents may rock the car. Gas tanks rarely explode.

Do not return to your home unless advised by firefighters or law enforcement personnel.

Check your home for any hot spots or small fires.

Report any broken utilities to your utility company.

For additional information, contact

During any major disaster, emergency personnel may not be able to reach injured or sick persons for a considerable period of time. People will have to help each other during the emergency, and will have to depend on their knowledge of first aid and emergency care.

Both adults and teenagers can acquire these valuable skills by taking a First Aid Course offered by the American Red Cross. These courses are given at various locations throughout the state. Call 1-800-417-0495.

Assess the situation.

Immediately notify the appropriate agency.

Call 911 – Give the following information:

• Nature of the emergency

• Exact location and cross street

• Your name

• Telephone number from which you are calling

Most 911 operators can and will give instructions on emergency first aid until help arrives.

Use the following symptom/situation guidelines and common sense to determine what is a true medical emergency and when to call 911:

• Persistent or sudden chest pain

• Breathing emergencies;

• Uncontrollable bleeding;

• Changes in level of consciousness due to injury

• Life threatening injuries, such as injuries from falling, severe head injuries, severe burns, etc.

The above are only some potential life-threatening emergencies. Immediately call for medical assistance in emergency situations since time is of the utmost importance.

The following are general guidelines; they do not and should not replace the need for first aid training.

DO NO HARM. Often well meaning but untrained persons aggravate the injury or illness in their attempt to help. Get competent medical assistance, if possible. If there is no one available who is better qualified, then take charge. Call 911.

Treat for shock

Try to keep the victim warm at normal body temperature. Keep legs slightly elevated. If there is a suspected neck or back injury, keep victim lying flat

Initially don’t move the injured patient, unless a danger exists. They should not be moved until breathing is restored, bleeding controlled, suspected broken bones splinted, and/or rescue personnel arrive.

Never risk injury to yourself in an effort to assist an injured person. Death or injury to a rescuer does nothing to help the injured person and only complicates a bad situation.

Take a Red Cross or American Heart Association first aid or CPR class so you are prepared in the event of an emergency.

For additional information, contact

Remove patient from smoky area if no hazard exist to rescuers.

If clothing is on fire: Stop, Drop and Roll.

Roll victim on ground and smother flames with a blanket or other heavy material.

Cover the burn with dry, clean dressings.

Seek immediate medical care.

Chemicals: Flush skin or eyes with large amounts of running water.

Electricity: Make sure power is off. Check breathing and pulse if victim is unconscious. Cover burn with a clean, dry dressing.

A Critical burn needs immediate medical attention.

Call for an ambulance if a burn:

• Involves breathing difficulty.

• Covers more than one body part.

• Involves the head, neck, hands, feet, or genitals.

• If a child or elderly person is the patient.

• If caused by chemicals, explosions, or electricity.

For additional information, contact

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Call Your Emergency Management Office or American Red Cross Office. Find out which disasters could occur in our area. Ask how to prepare for each disaster. Ask how you would be warned of an emergency. Learn our community’s evacuation routes. Ask about special assistance for elderly or disabled persons. Also, ask your workplace about emergency plans and learn about your children’s school or day care center plans.

Create a Family Emergency Plan. Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, floods, and other emergencies. Explain how to respond to each. Find the safe areas in your home for each type of disaster. Draw a floor plan of your home and mark two escape routes from each room. Show family members how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches when necessary. Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones. Teach children how and when to call 911, for police, fire and medical emergencies. Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information. Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area).

For additional information, contact

Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffel bag.

• A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.

• A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.

• A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.

• Blankets or sleeping bags.

• A first aid kit and prescription medications.

• An extra pair of glasses.

• A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.

• Credit cards and cash.

• An extra set of car keys.

• A list of family physicians.

• A list of important family information, the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.

• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

Battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

Blanket

Booster cables

Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)

First aid kit and manual

Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter

Maps, shovel and flares

Tire repair kit and pump

Kitty litter to use for traction on snow and ice.

4 gallons per person per day will allow personal hygiene, washing of dishes, counter tops, etc. 5 to 12 gallons per day would be needed for a conventional toilet, or ½ or two gallons for a pour flush latrine. For short-term emergencies, it will probably be more practical to store paper plates and utensils, and minimize food preparation, than to attempt to store more water.

In addition to stored water, there is quite a bit of water trapped in the piping of the average home. If the municipal water system was not contaminated before you shut the water off to your house, this water is still fit for consumption without treatment. To collect this water, open the lowest faucet in the system, and allow air into the system from a second faucet. Depending on the diameter of the piping, you may want to open every other faucet, to make sure all the water is drained. This procedure will usually only drain the cold water side, the hot water side will have to be drained from the water heater. Again, open all of the faucets to let air into the system, and be prepared to collect any water that comes out when the first faucet is opened. Toilet tanks (not the bowls) represent another source of water if a toilet bowl cleaner is not used in the tank.

Boiling is one guaranteed way to purify water of all pathogens. Most experts feel that if the water reaches a rolling boil it is safe.

A few still hold out for maintaining the boiling for some length of time, commonly 5 or 10 minutes, plus an extra minute for every 1000 feet of elevation. If one wishes to do this, a pressure cooker would allow the water to be kept at boiling with out loosing the heat to evaporation. One reason for the long period of boiling may be to inactivate bacterial spores (which can survive boiling), but these spores are unlikely to be waterborne pathogens.

Chlorine is familiar to most Americans as it is used to treat virtually all municipal water systems in the United States.

Methods of chlorine treatment:

Ordinary household bleach can be used to purify water if it contains no other active ingredients, scents, or colorings. The normal dosage to purify water is 8 drops per gallon of water.

Iodine has been found to be in many ways superior to chlorine for use in treating small batches of water.

Methods of iodine treatment:

Iodine is normally used in doses of 8PPM (parts per million) to treat clear water for a 10 minute contact time. Cloudy water needs twice as much iodine or twice as much contact time. In cold water (Below 41 degrees Fahrenheit) the dose or time must also be doubled. In any case doubling the treatment time will allow the use of half as much iodine.

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