This information from John Christman (CTC), Larry Orr of Harris County, and Joe Marsh.

Links to other sites at the bottom of this page.

 

FAMILY DISASTER PLANNING

We remember all too well making preparations for potential problems associated with "Y2K". Some of the arrangements we made then can be used today in the event of a terrorist attack. The efforts we put into family preparedness and disaster planning will play a large role in how well we "survive" the event. Hopefully, by being prepared, as we were for Y2K, we may not even need to use our disaster-readiness plans.

The September 11 assault on the World Trade Center was totally unexpected illustrating that there is no way of knowing what type of attack terrorists plan for the United States. Speculation has abounded with possible strikes on our nuclear power plants, suspension bridges, airplanes, and events where crowds of people are involved.

How prepared are families for non-terroristic acts, such as a fire in the home. Do families conduct fire evacuation drills? Would you know how to react in the event of a hazardous materials accident? These are things to consider as "family disaster planning" tools and could be used in many different catastrophic situations.

The following are some of the items you should include in a 72-hour Emergency Supply Kit:

· Bottled water – one gallon per person per day

Canned foods – meats, fruits and vegetables
High-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, unsalted nuts, trail mix, and cereals

· Baby foods and pet foods

First Aid supplies
Sanitation supplies
Clothing and bedding
Prescription and non-prescription medicines
Flashlights, candles and light sticks
Manual can opener, utensils, fire extinguisher, matches, money and batteries
Important family documents
Battery-operated clock and radio
Cellular phone
Trash bags
Duct tape

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Information was taken from the International City Managers’ Association Web page.

SHELTERING IN-PLACE

The term "sheltering in-place" simply means staying put inside your home, workplace, or other building until a hazardous materials emergency passes and the "all clear" signal is given. Your first instinct would probably be to get as far away as possible from a hazardous materials accident, but evacuation is not always the safest option. During an accidental or terroristic release of hazardous materials, air quality may be threatened. Evacuation may take you through the toxic chemicals, leading to serious, long-term health risks or even death. Sheltering in-place can be a viable alternative, which keeps you inside a protective environment.

Choose a room as your sheltering in-place, with few windows, and is large enough to accommodate your entire family. A bedroom with adjoining bath is a good choice.
Prepare window coverings. Windows must be sealed against any outside air entering. Cut plastic sheeting to cover the windows allowing enough plastic to go 6" beyond the window edges. Store enough rolls of duct tape to go around each window completely.
Prepare vent and door coverings with plastic just as you did for the windows.
Assemble shelter in-place supplies. Have items suggested on the reverse side of this card stored in a container. Your supplies should be stored in the chosen shelter room. (Under-the-bed boxes work well.)
Use towels for under the doors to seal against outside air.
Do not go outside or attempt to drive unless you are specifically told to do so. Listen to local radio stations for direction.

Do not call the school or try to pick up your children. They will be safer sheltering in-place at school than they would be riding in your vehicle.

Do not risk your safety for your pets. If they cannot be found within a minute or two, you will have to shelter in-place without them.

Do not wait until the disaster strikes to prepare. It’s never too early!

LINKS TO OTHER SITES

This seems a bit extreme but never-the-less here it is:

http://www.survive-nbc.org/survivenbc.pdf

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Guide to Citizen Preparedness

NEW Federal Government Site

 

 

 

  Note: Every effort is made to insure the information provided on these pages is timely and correct. However, users should keep in mind that this is provided only as a public convenience. In any case where legal reliance on information is required, the official records of the City of Glen Rose should be consulted. City Hall's phone number is (254) 897-2272.