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Emergency Supplies: Disaster Response

Disaster planning will include a plan for disaster response. Organizations can create plans that will work effectively and possibly save the lives of their employees. Their plan can be integrated into their routine operating procedures.

Disaster response planning will help organizations to accomplish their safety goals. A safety committee can perform a regular walk through and spot potential dangers. They can watch for improperly used extension cords, hazardous materials in work areas, and check fire extinguishers for proper working order. They can also make sure that the emergency preparedness kits are up to date and well stocked.

Organizations can prepare for disaster response for various types of emergencies. Organizations often have to take action during explosions, floods, fires, and other incidents that may cause injuries and causalities. They will need survival supplies such as lightsticks, solar radios, flashlights, emergency blankets and emergency tools.

Disaster Response and Your Organization
Disaster plans need to be simple, flexible, and comprehensive. The plan will need to take into consideration all types of emergencies and disasters that may occur. The plan should address techniques for immediate response and recovery efforts. During an emergency people have difficulty thinking clearly. The plan should provide employees with concise instructions and emergency preparedness training. You can assign specific duties to employees who are trained to respond. You will need a decision maker. Another person can communicate with fire officials and the police department if needed. You may also want to establish a command post. Many organizations assign runners to deliver information between responders so that there will be good communication between them. Communication is essential during an emergency response effort.

Emergency Supplies: Dynamo Solar Radio

A Dynamo solar radio will keep you informed during a severe thunderstorm. These radios do not require batteries because they work using solar energy. They will provide you with AM and FM radio broadcasts and light. They will fit nicely into your emergency kits that contain emergency blankets and other supplies.

During a thunderstorm you should turn off your air conditioner and televisions. Appliances and telephones can be very dangerous if lightning strikes. When a thunderstorm strikes, you may lose the use of your electricity. The Dynamo solar radio will allow you to hear weather reports that may warn you of possible threats.

When you hear weather warnings on your Dynamo solar radio, you need to take cover. Lightning is very unpredictable. If you can hear thunder, you may be in danger of being struck by lightning even if you can not see it. Every year in the United States, approximately 50 to 100 people are killed by lightning. Survivors of lightning strikes may suffer from long term symptoms which include memory loss, numbness, depression, sleep disorders, muscle spasms, and many other medical conditions.

A Dynamo Solar Radio May Help You
Storms can develop very quickly and cause many potential hazards to your family. When a storm is approaching, it is important that you have access to communications equipment so that you can hear alerts. If you are outside when the storm hits, you need to stay away from things like trees, fences, telephone lines, and power lines. These things attract lightning. You also need to stay away from bodies of water and the beach. Most people do not realize that wet sand will conduct electricity very easily.

Emergency Supplies: Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquake preparedness and disaster response procedures can lessen the amount of damage, injury, and death that occurs during earthquakes. People who live in earthquake prone areas can learn what to do when these disasters strike during the day or night. Awareness information and disaster kits can help them to plan for earthquakes.

In populated areas, buildings often experience extensive property damage during earthquakes. The people in or around the buildings may suffer from serious injuries or death. Many injuries may happen during aftershocks. These are small earthquakes that follow the main earthquake. They may occur for hours or months after the initial severe quake. Understanding aftershocks and earthquake preparedness can help people to work together to develop valuable emergency plans.

Personal property can be protected by using earthquake preparedness techniques. Bookcases and cabinets can be bolted securely. Latches can be placed on cabinet doors to help keep items from falling out and causing injuries. Overhead light fixtures can be braced so that they will not fall from walls and ceilings. Homes can be bolted to their foundations. This will help keep them from sliding off of their foundations and down hillsides and slopes.

Earthquake Preparedness Considerations
Earthquake drills can prove to be very valuable tools that will help family members to react quickly and automatically when earthquakes strike. Family members can also take first aid classes so that they will know what to do if someone is injured. They can learn what to do when earthquakes strike when they are alone or with a group.

Emergency Supplies: Earthquake Preparedness Kits

Earthquake preparedness kits contain flashlights, sturdy shoes, evacuation supplies, and disaster supplies kits. First aid kits are important components of disaster kits. When earthquakes strike, victims can be severely injured or lose their lives. Being aware of earthquake preparedness tips and having the proper supplies will help many victims to survive.

There can be two or more first aid kits in each of the earthquake preparedness kits. One of the first aid kits can be kept in the home. Other kits can be stored in each of the family cars. These kits will contain items that will be extremely helpful after an earthquake.

The earthquake preparedness kits will contain basic first aid items such as first aid manuals and an assortment of bandages. The bandages used most often are two and four inch sterile gauze pads, sterile adhesive bandages, two and three inch roller bandages, and triangular bandages. Triangular bandages can be used to make slings when needed.

Other First Aid Items for Earthquake Preparedness Kits
Before bandaging injuries, wounds should be carefully cleaned. The first aid kits should include soaps, moistened towelettes, antiseptic, and lubricants. Nonprescription drugs, sunscreen, and thermometers can also be placed in the kits. Helpful tools may include safety pins, latex gloves, scissors, tweezers, and needles.

Emergency Supplies: Earthquake Safety

When the earth shakes rapidly and suddenly, understanding the importance of earthquake safety may save your life or reduce the potential of severe injury. Earthquakes are sudden and strike without warning. There are approximately 75 severe earthquakes per year.

Earthquakes can happen at the boundaries of tectonic plates or in the middle of the plates. Earthquakes can demolish buildings and bridges. They may also trigger landslides, flash floods, fires, and tsunamis. You can strengthen your earthquake preparedness by understanding what level of risk your particular area may have. Your local emergency management office can provide you with information about risks and earthquake safety.

Earthquake safety tips include information about how to move safely while finding cover. You only want to move a few steps before finding shelter. If you try to leave a building, you may be injured by falling debris. You may want to drop as quickly as possible to the ground and cover your head. You need to avoid broken glass that is on the floor. If you are outside, try to avoid buildings, trees, and power lines. If you are in your car, try to pull over at a safe location. If you leave your car, you can be injured by items that are falling into the street.

More Earthquake Safety Tips
Windows should be avoided since they often shatter during an earthquake. If you smell gas after the earthquake, you can turn off the gas at the main valve. If the gas is not leaking, it is best to leave it on. It can be extremely dangerous for you to try to turn the gas back on before assistance arrives.