52913 DHS safety flip chart 6/1/05 4:27 PM Page 78

❏ Be prepared!
• Stock extra ready-to-eat food, water, flashlights, candles, matches a
battery-powered radio, and blankets in the facility and in vehicles;

• Keep vehicle gas tanks at least 1/2 full. Regularly check the condition
and inflation of the spare tire. Check to make sure the jack is complete
and in working order;

• All staff and volunteers should know the location of water, gas, and
electrical shut-off valves and switches;

• Assign an adult to evacuate the emergency information and contact

information cards (may be the “blue cards”);

➔ Shut off the main gas valve, and notify the utility company if natural gas
appliances or natural lines may have been damaged or developed
leaks. DO NOT use matches, lighters, or electric switches which may
cause leaking natural gas to explode. Evacuate the area if you smell gas
fumes;

➔ Turn off electricity where it enters the building if there is damage to

wiring. DO NOT touch downed power lines or objects touched by
downed lines. Watch out for puddles of water which may be electrified
by downed power lines;

➔ DO NOT flush toilets if sewage lines may have been damaged;

➔ DO NOT drink water or eat foods which may have been touched by flood
waters, contaminated by sewage, or have been spoiled in another man-
ner. Boil all water for drinking, cooking, preparing formulas, brushing
teeth, etc.;

➔ DO NOT use wood or charcoal grills indoors for cooking or to heat the
building. Deadly carbon monoxide gas will be released;

➔ Inspect chimneys from top to bottom for cracks and damage which
could lead to a fire before using fireplaces;

➔ Expect that normally friendly pets may become aggressive and bite;

➔ Use the telephone only for genuine emergency calls;

➔ Turn on the radio for official information and instructions;

➔ Cooperate fully with public safety officials.

Natural Disaster Survival Tips

[I/P-15]
INTERVENTION/PREVENTION