East Haven Community Emergency Response Team

Disaster Tips

1. Emergency Telephone Numbers ------------------------------------------------------8. Emergency Check List

2. Hurricane Preparedness-----------------------------------------------------------------9. Winter Storm Safety

3. Flooding--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10. Hypothermia Is Low Body Temperature

4.What To Do Before A Flood -------------------------------------------------------------11. Protect Your Health

5. What To Do In Heavy Rains--------------------------------------------------------------12. Lightning Storm Safety

6.What To Do When You Are Told To Evacuate---------------------------------------13. Portable Generator Safety

7.What To Do After The Flood-------------------------------------------------------------14. Poison Control Information

General Precautions

Every day, millions of people wake up, go to work, take kids to school, farm their land or go to ball games. But every so often the unexpected happens: an earthquake, a fire, a flood or some other emergency. Routines change drastically, and people are suddenly aware of how fragile their lives can be.

Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. And each disaster has lasting effects - people are seriously injured, sometimes killed, and property damage runs into the billions of dollars.

If a disaster occurs in your community, local government disaster-relief organizations will try to help you. But you need to be ready as well. East Haven's responders may not be able to reach you immediately after a disaster or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere.

Families and individuals who prepare can reduce the fear, anxiety and losses that surround disaster. They can know what to do in a fire and where to seek shelter in a flood. They can be ready to evacuate their homes, make their stays in public shelters more comfortable and know how to care for their basic medical needs.

People can also reduce the impact of disaster (flood proofing or elevating a home, securing items that could shake loose in an earthquake) and sometimes avoid the danger altogether.

You should know how to respond to severe weather or any disaster that could occur in your area - hurricanes, lightning, extreme cold or flooding. You should also be ready to be self-sufficient for at least three days. This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation.

Evacuate if you are directed to do so by Fire Department. Listen to the local station on your battery-operated radio. Evacuate early. Carefully follow instructions and directions to the area shelter opened for disaster. Go immediately. Do not wait. Bring your disaster supplies kit with you. It should contain personal safety items. You can also bring items for comfort and convenience (change of clothes, bedding materials, sanitary supplies and pet food).

Check to ensure no one is injured.
Listen to WELI and WDRC radio stations for directions.
Drive only when necessary.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

FIRE/EMS/POLICE EMERGENCY 911

Fire routine 468-3840
Police routine 468-3820
Public Works 468-3327
Canine Control 468-3249
Library 468-3890
Community Center 468-3277
Water Pollution Control 468-3238
United Illuminating 1-800-722-5584
Gas Co. 787-6121
Regional Water 624-6671
SNET 611

Hurricane Preparedness

Secure/bring in outdoor furniture, move valuables to upper floors, close permanent shutters, cover all windows with plywood (taping windows does NOT prevent breakage). If evacuating, turn off water and electricity a
main stations; unplug appliances (do not touch if wet). Leave adequate water and food supply for pets (not allowed in shelters). Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls; do not open windows. Moor boat in protected
area, away from other boats. If you need evacuation, call the Fire Department before it floods at 468-3840.

Flooding

Secure/bring in outside furniture. If instructed, turn off utilities at main switches; unplug appliances (do not touch electrical equipment if wet). Stay away from flood water; do not attempt to swim or walk through. Do not drive into flooded areas. If deep water, allow to flow freely in basement (may avoid structural damage). Do not stack sandbags against outside of house; this adds pressure on house. Avoid downed power lines. Move valuables to upper floors.

Go to higher ground during floods. Flood waters only a few inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

Flood are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Some floods develop over a period of days, but flash floods can result in raging waters in just a few minutes. Flash floods carry a deadly cargoes of rocks, mud and other debris and can occur without any visible sign of rainfall.

Be aware of flood hazards, especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. The Farm River is at risk from this hazard.

What To Do Before A Flood

1. Know the terms used to describe flooding:

Flood Watch - Flooding is possible. Stay turned to NOAA radio or commercial radio or television for additional information.
Flash Flood Watch - Flash flooding is possible. Move to higher ground. A flash flood could occur without any warning. Listen to NOAA radio or commercial radio or television for additional information.

Flood Warning - Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning - A flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Urban and Small Stream Advisory - Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas is occurring.

2. Learn the elevation level of your property. This will help you know how your property will be affected when flood levels are forecasted. Ask how you can protect your home from flooding.
3. Identify dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard.

4. Warning signals can be found on Channel 20, WELI 960AM, fire apparatus and/or police cars PA Systems or the weather Channel 76.

5. Be prepared to evacuate. Contact neighbors, friends or relatives who live on higher grounds. Foxon fire station may be open as an evacuation shelter.

6. Talk to your family about flooding. Plan a place to meet your family in case you are separated from one another in a disaster and cannot return home. Choose an out-of-state contact for everyone to call to say they are okay. In some emergencies, calling out-of-state is possible even when local phone lines are down.

7. Determine how you would care for family members who may live elsewhere but might need your help in a flood. Determine any special needs your neighbors might have.

8. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Include a battery-operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid supplies, sleeping supplies and clothing. Keep a stock of food and extra drinking water.

9. Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. Know where gas pilots are located and how the heating system works.

10. Consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood losses are not covered under homeowners' insurance policies. Flood insurance is available in most communities from the National Flood Insurance Program. There is usually a five-day waiting period before it takes effect, so don't delay. Flood insurance is available whether the building is in or out of the identified flood-prone area.

11. Consider options for flood proofing your home.

12. Make a record of your personal property. Take photographs of or videotape your belongings and store them in a safe place.

13. Keep insurance policies, deeds, property records and other important papers in a safe place away from you home.

What To Do In Heavy Rains

1. Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

2. Listen to radio 960 AM or television Channel 20 station for local information.

3. Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly like the Farm River.

4. If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate:
Secure your home. If you have time, bring outdoor garden equipment and lawn furniture inside or tie it down. Move essential items to the uppers floors of your house. When instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Fill you car with fuel.

5. Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated with oil, chemicals and/or animals.

6. Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you as manhole covers may not be in place.

7. Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.

8. When deep flooding is likely, permit the flood water to flow freely into the basement of your home. This will avoid structural damage to the foundation and the house by equalizing the water pressure on the outside of the basement walls and floors. Contact authorities for guidance.

What To Do When You Are Told To Evacuate

Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local instructions. If the danger is a chemical release and you are instructed to evacuate immediately, gather your family and go. In other cases, you may have sufficient time to follow these steps.

1. Gather water, flood, clothing, emergency supplies, and insurance and financial records.

2. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.

3. Secure your home. Close and lock doors and windows. Unplug appliances. Take any actions needed to prevent damage to water pipes by freezing weather, if this is a threat.

4. Turn off the main water valve and electricity.

5. Let others know where you are going.

6. Leave early enough to avoid being tapped by severe weather.

7. Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts. They may be blocked. Be alert for washed-out roadways and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas. Stay away form downed power lines.

What To Do After The Flood

1. Stay away from flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

2. Stay way from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

3. Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

4. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.

5. Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers. One way to help is to give money to a disaster relief organization. Do not donate food, clothing or other personal items unless they are specifically requested.

6. Continue listening to a battery powered radio for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food. Out-reach programs are often available to help you cope with the stress of the situation.

7. Consider your family's health and safety needs. Wash you hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.

8. Contact your insurance agent. If your policy covers your situation, an adjuster will be assigned to visit your home. To prepare:

Take photos of or videotape your belongings and your home.
Separate damaged and undamaged belongings.
Locate your financial records.
Keep detailed records of cleanup costs.

Emergency Check List

Water, food and utensils

Water - One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking, cooking, washing and sanitation. Store as much water as possible in non-breakable containers, such as soft drink containers or milk jugs.
Food - Non-perishable, needing little or no cooking; high nutrition-type.
Special dietary foods, if needed
Eating and drinking utensils, non-breakable Bottle and can openers.
Water purifying tablets, two percent tincture of iodine or household bleach (hypochlorite type only)
Heating source, such as a camp stove or canned heat stove, and extra fuel

Communication, lighting, safety

Battery-operated radio
Flashlights
Extra batteries
Lantern and fuel
Fluorescent distress flag
Matches (in waterproof container)
Citizen's Band radio
Fire extinguisher
Work gloves
Shovel

Clothing and bedding

One complete change of clothing for each person, appropriate for season and weather conditions
Sturdy work clothes
Sturdy shoes
Extra socks
Extra underwear
Outer-wear: rain gear, coats, jackets, boots, ponchos
Pillow
Sleeping bag or two blankets per person

Personal items

Washcloth and small towel
Reading and writing materials
Sewing kit
Soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant
Small toys for children
Hair care items
Insect repellent and insecticide
Mirror
Contact lens solution
Dentures
Shaving kit
Sanitary napkins and tampons

Baby supplies, if needed

Clothes
Diapers
Milk or formula
Powders, creams or ointments
Bottles and nipples
Food
Small toys
Sheets, blankets, rubber pads
Portable crib

First aid supplies
Keep contents of first aid kit in a waterproof metal or plastic box. Keep medicines tightly capped. Check periodically and replace any medication which has passed its expiration date.

Adhesive tape rolls, two inches wide
Applicator - sterile, cotton tips
Antacid
Antibiotic ointments
Antiseptic solution
Aspirin or aspirin substitute
Baking soda
Bandage - sterile roll, two inches wide
Bandage - sterile roll, four inches wide
Bandage - large triangular, 37 inches by 52 inches
Bandage - plastic strips, assorted sizes
Cotton balls
Diarrhea medication
Eye medication
First aid handbook
Hot water bag
Ice bag
Iodine water purification tablets
Isopropyl alcohol
Laxatives
Medical items such as spare eye-glasses, contact lens needs, hearing-aid batteries, etc.
Medicine dropper
Motion sickness tablets for nausea
Non-prescription medicines
Nose drops (water soluble)
Petroleum jelly
Plastic bags with fasteners
Prescription medicines (insulin, hear pills, etc., as needed)
Safety pins - assorted sizes
Scissors
Smelling salts
Antibacterial soap
Splints - wooden, 18 inches long
Table salt
Toothache remedy
Thermometer
Tweezers

Papers and valuables

Social Security cards
Birth certificates
Marriage and death records
Driver's license
Cash and credit cards
Wills
Insurance policies
Deeds and mortgages
Stocks and bonds
Savings and checking account books
Inventory of household goods (photos preferred)
Small valuables: cameras, watches, jewelry, etc.

Library

Newspaper or emergency public information articles
Plans for expedient shelters
Medical self-help books
Civil defense manuals
Survival books
Other reading materials

Winter Storm Safety

DO NOT over-exert if shoveling snow. Warm, loose, fitting, layered, light-weight dry clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Do not use outdoor grills to cook/heat inside the home (carbon monoxide hazard). If in vehicle: stay in vehicle, stay on main roads, if necessary pull off road and use hazard signals or display bright distress signal. 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.

Frostbite occurs when body tissue is frozen. It results in a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. If these symptoms are detected, get medical help and slowly warm the affected areas.

Wind can make a cold day an extremely cold one.
Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the combined effects of wind and cold. As wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill.

Hypothermia Is Low Body Temperature

Warning Signs: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. When a person is suffering from hypothermia, the extremities are cold and blue.

Detection: Take the person's temperature; if is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), immediately seek medical care!
If medical care is not available, warm the body core. Do not warm extremities such as arms and legs first because it drives cold towards the heart and can lead to heart failure. If needed, use your own body heat to help. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap them in warm blankets covering their head and neck. Do not give them alcohol, drugs, coffee, or and hot beverage or food; warm broth is best.

Protect Your Health

If you are not in good health, stay indoors during severe cold. Avoid over-exertion such as shoveling snow or pushing a car. Cold weather puts a strain on your heart and places you at risk of heart attack or stroke. Dress appropriately! Layers of loose clothing trap body heat and keep you warmer. Cover your mouth and face.

Lightning Storm Safety

Avoid plumbing fixtures, appliances. Do not use faucets/showers. Forest: go to low area under low, thick tree growth. Boat: go ashore immediately. Open area: go to low area, crouch (do not lie flat). Avoid steel reinforced concrete buildings and metal. Avoid hilltops, beaches, small structures in open area, and open water. If hair stands on end (indicator lighting will strike) drop to knees, bend forward, put hands on knees, (do not lie flat). Do not congregate with other people; spread out. Do not use phone or electrical equipment. Car: Try to stay in car until storm passes.

Portable Generator Safety

Portable generators for residences and small businesses can provide comfort, safety and security during power outages; however, they are not without risk!

Portable generators can be installed permanently or for temporary use during power outages. In either case, they must be properly installed to protect electrical workers, your family and your property. It is recommended that a licensed electrician install all generators. If you install your own generator, carefully read the instructions that are included with the generator when purchased. Generators that are not properly installed create three problems:

1. they can back feed into the electrical utility system and energize downed lines causing serious injury to electrical repairmen who may be working on the lines or citizens who accidentally touch fallen lines.
2. Your generator can be damaged if electrical line workers use a grounding system to protect themselves. When power is restored from your incoming line to your electrical system, it can burn out your generator.
3. They can create wiring hazards and exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide, which could injure you and your family.
Permanently Installed Generators require an electrical inspection to ensure the safety of your family and that of utility workers. They are useful if you rely on life support or critical care equipment because they can be switched on as soon as the power goes out. Permanently installed generators require a control panel and an automatic or manual transfer switch that isolates the generator from utility power supply and turns off the generator when the power supply is restored.

Temporarily Installed Generators are not intended to run all of your appliances. They are installed outside, downwind, so that deadly exhaust fumes can vent away from family members and pets. It is always prudent to install a battery operated carbon monoxide detector inside to warn you of any carbon monoxide seepage into the house. Temporary generators require properly sized and grounded electric cords, and should never be plugged into a home outlet because they will not be isolated from the utility power supply.

Practice Fire Safety, fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable fuel tank, remove it before fueling. If this is not possible, temporarily shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling the fuel tank.

Practice safety to avoid overloading your generator. Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Most home use portable generators produce from 350 to 12,000 watts of power. Each generator has a capacity rating tag attached. Overloading your generator can damage the generator as well as the appliances connected to it, and may cause a fire. Electric motors such as sump pumps, furnace circulators and refrigeration compressors, electric hot water heaters, electric clothes dryers and electric heat draw large amounts of power which may require generators with capacities exceeding a typical home generator. To determine your power requirements, total the wattage ratings of the appliances. Be sure to include lights that also require power. To avoid damage to the generator and appliance motors, unplug or switch off all appliances like refrigerators, freezers, heaters and other high wattage items prior to starting the generator. After the generator is running, turn on appliances one at a time. This also applies to sensitive electronic equipment that maybe damaged by power surges.

Poison Control Information

DIAL 911
IN AN EMERGENCY

Poison Prevention Tips In the Home

Keep items such as soap, cleaners, insecticides, and detergents out of reach from children. These can be toxic and should be kept in their original labeled containers, behind cabinet doors with child-resistant latches.

Keep medications away from children. Install a lock or child-resistant latch on medicine cabinets and buy medicines with child-resistant packaging. Do not give your child any medication without consulting with a physician first.

Know the sources of carbon monoxide - a poisonous gas with no smell - such as room heaters, furnaces, charcoal grills, ranges, water heaters, autos enclosed in garages, and fireplaces. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and regular breathing. A carbon monoxide detector can be a life-saving home safety purchase.

Know your plants, as many are poisonous if ingested. Remove toxic plants from your home or secure in an unreachable place - away from children and pets.

Do not use insecticides near an aquarium stocked with fish. Fish can be hypersensitive to minute amounts of pesticides.

Have the poison control center phone number posted by the telephone for quick reference.

Connecticut Poison Control Center: 1-800-343-2722
Yale New Haven Medical Center: 1-203-785-2222
National Poison Control Center: 1-800-498-8666

In the United States, nearly two million poisonings are reported to poison control centers each year. Although survival rates for some types of poisonings have improved, many people still die. Knowing what to do in the first moments after a poisoning occurs can help prevent these tragedies. Remember to
DIAL 911 IN AN EMERGENCY.

Remove the poison from contact with eyes, skin or mouth, or remove the victim from contact with poisonous fumes or gases.
Do not follow emergency instructions on labels. Some may be out of date and carry incorrect treatment information.

Call the State Poison Control Center immediately for instructions. If you are instructed to go to an emergency room, take the poisonous substance or container with you.