Disaster Preparedness Flashcards
At the end of this unit, you should be able to: - Identify the roles and responsibilities for community preparedness, to include government, community leaders from all sectors, and the public. - Describe the types of hazards most likely to affect your community and their potential impact on people, health, and infrastructure. - Undertake personal and organizational preparedness actions. - Describe the functions of CERTs and your role as a CERT member.
What does CERT stand for?
Community Emergency Response Team (not the same as professional responders)
Why are CERT’s a key priority in communities?
They are there to lessen the impact of disasters.
What attributes of the community to CERTs address?
- existing infrastructure
- resources and skills available
- threats/vulnerabilities
- population composition
Who does effective community preparedness engage?
- government
- community leaders
- public
What is the responsibility of the government as part of a CERT?
develop, test and refine emergency operations, ensure resources are available, provide information and training
List some government emergency service providers.
law enforcement, fire and rescue, EMS, Public Health services, human services
What is an EOP and what is involved in it?
Emergency Operations Plan - disaster plan developed by government officials for a community
- assigns responsibility
- sets forth lines of authority
- describes how people and property will be protected
- identifies, personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies, and resources available
What are the responsibilities of community leaders? (civic and private sectors)
- participate in local collaborative planning to provide insight
- identifying and integrating desired resources
- ensuring facilities, staff, population is prepared, trained, and practiced
What are the responsibilities of the public?
- learn about alerts/warnings/evacuation plans/how to get critical information
- take training in preparedness, first aid, response skills
- practice with periodic drills
- help others, participate, volunteer
- report suspicious activity
List and give examples of the types of disasters.
- Natural ex earthquakes, wild fires, floods
- Technological ex. hazardous material spill, nuclear power plant accident
- Intentional ex. terrorism
What features do all disasters have in common?
- relatively unexpected
- overwhelms services
- endangers lives, health, environment
How do you purify water?
- heat water to a rolling boil for 1 minute
- use commercial purification tablets/household liquid chlorine bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite)
- stir water for container and let stand for 30 minutes
What are some foods that can be stored to prepare for disaster?
-Ready-to-eat canned foods
- Canned liquids (ex. milk, soup)
- Staples
- High-energy foods
- Foods for infants, elderly persons, or
persons on special diet
- Comfort or stress foods
What is a helpful kitchen item to have?
Household bleach
What are the categories of items to have in case of disaster?
Food, First Aid Kit, Tools and supplies, Sanitation, Pet supplies, Clothing and bedding, Household documents, Items for those with special needs
What is mitigation?
The reduction of loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters
What is an example of non-structural hazard mitigation?
Securing appliances and office equipment in place with
industrial-strength Velcro®
What is an example of structural hazard mitigation?
Raising utilities (above the level of flood risk)
What is an example of non-structural hazard posing a threat in a home fire?
Burglar bars and locks on outside window entries should be easy to open from the inside
How do CERTs respond after a disaster?
- Locating and turning off utilities, if safe to do so
- Extinguishing small fires
- Treating life-threatening injuries until professional assistance can be obtained
- Conducting light search and rescue operations
- Helping disaster survivors cope with their emotional stressors
What is the first responsibility of a CERT member?
Personal and family safety
Who does the CERT leader report to?
The government liaison
What equipment are CERT members required to wear?
- Helmet
- Protective eyewear
- Leather work gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt
- N-95 mask
- Reflective vest
- Sturdy shoes or boots
- Long pants
Identify a method that CERTs can help with non-emergency projects?
Identifying and aiding neighbors and coworkers who might need assistance during an emergency or disaster
