Emergency Services and Disaster Agency


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Disaster Preparedness

Alsip Emergency Preparedness

When an incident occurs there is a quick response by Village first responder departments.  Usually the Police Department is first on the scene quickly followed by the Fire Department.  Another first responder as needed is the Public Works Department, to provide barricades and to relocate debris and other damaged materials and provide additional manpower.  These Village Departments all have well trained personnel, excellent equipment and established plans for an organized response.  Depending upon the magnitude of the disaster incident, the plans call for utilizing outside help as needed.  The sequence of additional help is neighbor community mutual aid pacts, Cook County Emergency Services, State Emergency Services and, if needed, Federal Emergency Services.  These back-up services have trained personnel, equipment and supplies ranging from heavy duty trucks and cranes to vast amounts of medical supplies.  The Federal plan provides for specially trained medical teams with their equipment including portable hospital units.  E.S.D.A. throughout this process functions as a liaison and coordinating agency.  The residents of our community can rest assured that if ever needed, there is a vast amount of special help available. To direct and coordinate a response to any disaster size the Village has a Federally certified Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  It was constructed to Federal guidelines for a Protection Factor of 100 (PF100).  This means the inside of the EOC is 100 times safer than outside with regards to radiation hazards.  The Center has an emergency power system, dried food supplies, cots, area maps and limited medical supplies.  The Center was developed to house 30 people for 14 days.

Disaster Planning

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services--water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.

Four Steps to Safety

1.   Find Out What Could Happen to You
 

    bulletContact your local Red Cross chapter or emergency management office before a disaster occurs--be prepared to take notes.
    bulletAsk what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
    bulletLearn about your community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
    bulletAsk about animal care after a disaster. Animals are not allowed inside emergency shelters because of health regulations.
    bulletFind out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
    bulletFind out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or day care center, and other places where your family spends time.

   2.   Create a Disaster Plan

bullet Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
bullet Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
bullet Pick two places to meet:
  1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
  2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
bullet Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
bullet Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.
 

   3.   Complete This Checklist  

bullet Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
bulletPost emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
bullet Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.
bullet Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
bullet Get training from the fire department for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
bullet Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
bullet Conduct a home hazard hunt.
bullet Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
bullet Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
bullet Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
bulletFind the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.
 

   4.   Practice and Maintain Your Plan

bullet Quiz your kids every six months or so.
bullet Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
bullet Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
bullet Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
bullet Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.


Home Hazard Hunt

In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential hazard.

Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.

Fasten shelves securely.

Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.

Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.

Brace overhead light fixtures.

Secure water heater. Strap to wall studs.

Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.

Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products away from heat sources.

Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.

Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.

 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons. Make plans for child care in case parents can't get home.

If Disaster Strikes

Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.

Check for Injuries

Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.

Listen to Your Battery-Powered Radio for News and Instructions

Check for Damage in Your Home...

bulletUse flashlights. Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
bulletSniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
bulletShut off any other damaged utilities. (You will need a professional to turn gas back on.)
bulletClean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammable liquids immediately.

Remember to...

bulletConfine or secure your pets.
bulletCall your family contact--do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
bulletCheck on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
bulletMake sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
bulletStay away from downed power lines.

Disaster Supplies Kit

There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container--suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*). Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.

Water

bulletStore water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
bulletStore one gallon of water per person per day.
bulletKeep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*

Food

bulletStore at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
bulletReady-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
bulletCanned juices
bulletStaples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
bulletHigh energy foods
bulletVitamins
bulletFood for infants
bulletComfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

bulletSterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
bulletAssorted sizes of safety pins
bulletCleansing agent/soap
bulletLatex gloves (2 pairs)
bulletSunscreen
bullet2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
bullet4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
bulletTriangular bandages (3)
bulletNon-prescription drugs
bullet2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
bullet3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
bulletScissors
bulletTweezers
bulletNeedle
bulletMoistened towelettes
bulletAntiseptic
bulletThermometer
bulletTongue blades (2)
bulletTube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-Prescription Drugs

bulletAspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
bulletAnti-diarrhea medication
bulletAntacid (for stomach upset)
bulletSyrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
bulletLaxative
bulletActivated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Tools and Supplies

bulletMess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
bulletEmergency preparedness manual*
bulletBattery-operated radio and extra batteries*
bulletFlashlight and extra batteries*
bulletCash or traveler's checks, change*
bulletNon-electric can opener, utility knife*
bulletFire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
bulletTube tent
bulletPliers
bulletTape
bulletCompass
bulletMatches in a waterproof container
bulletAluminum foil
bulletPlastic storage containers
bulletSignal flare
bulletPaper, pencil
bulletNeedles, thread
bulletMedicine dropper
bulletShut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
bulletWhistle
bulletPlastic sheeting
bulletMap of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

bulletToilet paper, towelettes*
bulletSoap, liquid detergent*
bulletFeminine supplies*
bulletPersonal hygiene items*
bulletPlastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
bulletPlastic bucket with tight lid
bulletDisinfectant
bulletHousehold chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding

*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

bulletSturdy shoes or work boots*
bulletRain gear*
bulletBlankets or sleeping bags*
bulletHat and gloves
bulletThermal underwear
bulletSunglasses

Special Items

bulletRemember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons

For Baby*

bulletFormula
bulletDiapers
bulletBottles
bulletPowdered milk
bulletMedications

For Adults*

bulletHeart and high blood pressure medication
bulletInsulin
bulletPrescription drugs
bulletDenture needs
bulletContact lenses and supplies
bulletExtra eye glasses

Entertainment

bulletGames and books

Important Family Documents

bulletKeep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
bulletWill, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
bulletPassports, social security cards, immunization records
bulletBank account numbers
bulletCredit card account numbers and companies
bulletInventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
bulletFamily records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
bulletStore your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
bulletKeep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
bulletAsk your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

General Disaster Preparedness Materials Children & Disasters

bullet"Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish) Children & Disasters ages 3-10.
bullet"Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.

To get copies of American Red Cross Community Disaster Education materials, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

Information courtesy of "Family Disaster Plan" and "Disaster Supplies Kit" developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.