 You can discuss with your
neighbors to plan how to cope with a disaster till help arrives. This can save lives and
property. Disaster management can be made a part of your community activities. You can
also associate your local fire department and the civil defence organisation for
professional training. You would have people with special skills (medical & technical)
and their expertise can be of good use in such eventualities. You should also consider how
to take care of neighbors who have special needs. Keep a record of the elderly, sick and
disabled people in your vicinity. See how you can help them in (transportation, locking
the home, getting medication and communicating with relatives). Make plans for childcare
in case parents can’t get home.
 You should evacuate the area immediately if asked to do so.
Authorities do not ask people to leave unless they truly feel lives could be in danger. It
is always in our interest to follow their advice. Keep protective clothing on hand. Notify
your family contact where you are going and when you expect to get there. Relatives and
friends will be concerned about your safety. Letting someone know your travel plans will
help relieve the fear and anxiety of those who care. Bring things indoors. Any other
object that may be blown around or swept away should be brought indoors. Look for
potential hazards.
. Turn off electricity at the main fuse and
turn off water at the main valve. If strong winds are expected, cover the outside of all
the windows of your home. Use plywood coverings over all windows. If you expect floods,
consider using sandbags to keep water away from your home. Remain calm and patient.
Staying calm will help you move safely and avoid delays or accidents caused by irrational
behavior. Many people will be trying to accomplish the same things as you for their
family’s safety. Patience will help everyone get through a difficult situation more
easily. Put your plan into action. Having specific steps to take will keep you working
toward your family’s safety.
Listen to the local radio or television for
news and instructions. Local authorities will provide the most appropriate advice for your
particular situation. Check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously
injured people.  Taking care of
yourself first will allow you to help others safely until emergency responders arrive.
Help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and
people with disabilities - and the people who care for them or for large families who may
need additional help in an emergency situation.
Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
Disaster areas and debris contain many hazards. Check for damage in your home. Disasters
can cause extensive damage, sometimes in places you least expect. Look carefully for any
potential hazards. Use battery-powered flashlights when examining buildings.
Battery-powered lighting is the safest and easiest and does not present a fire hazard for
the user, occupants, or building. Avoid using candles for they can easily cause fires.
They are quiet and easily forgotten. They can tip over in a gust of wind. Candles invite
fire play by children. Look for fire hazards. There may be leaking gas lines, flooded
electrical circuits or submerged electrical appliances. Check and sniff for gas leaks. If
you smell gas or suspect a leak, open a window and get everyone outside quickly. Turn off
the gas at the main valve if you can and call the gas-company from a neighbour’s
home.
(continued next week) |
