After the dust settles What do I do next? FIRE EXPLOSION EARTHQUAKE FLOOD TORNADO LIGHTNING...

Family Campers and RVers 2011

After the dust settles

What do I do next?

FIRE

EXPLOSION

EARTHQUAKE FLOODTORNADOLIGHTNING

HURRICANEACCIDENTDISASTER STRIKES


Every situation is different,but some things are the same.

• Ensure Your Safety• Recover Emotionally• Recover Financially• Seek disaster Assistance• Rebuild after a Disaster.• Learn from what has happened.


AFTER THE DUST HAS SETTLED…

ENSURE YOUR SAFETY


ENSURE YOUR SAFETY

The first concern after a disaster is your family’s health and safety.This is why it is so important to have a

FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLANIn place before an emergency.

Plan ahead so that you have

A meeting place outside of your home

A meeting place outside of your neighborhood

A common out-of-area contact


ENSURE YOUR SAFETY

If you are able, assess immediate needs

• Move the injured only if necessary to avoid dangerous conditions.

• Aid the injured. Check for • Breathing and Circulation• Bleeding• Unstable fractures

• Maintain body temperature


ENSURE YOUR SAFETY

Watch your health during over the long term

• Be aware of exhaustion… pace yourself• Avoid dehydration, eat well• Wear protective clothing when going through

debris• Handle unmarked or unknown containers with

greater care.• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly


ENSURE YOUR SAFETY

ABOVE ALL

DO NOT TAKE FOOLISH CHANCES.

Becoming a victim yourself

Does not help the disaster situation


ENSURE YOUR SAFETY

Inform local authorities about any identified health and safety issues

Chemical SpillsDowned power linesWashed out roadsSmoldering fires, insulationDead animals

Don’t assume that someone else has called the hazard in.



RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY



DISASTERS ARE

UPSETTING EXPERIENCES

FOR EVERYONE.

CHILDREN: fear, loss of security in the world

ELDERLY: disorientation.

DISABLED: require special assistance

But EVERYONE is affected in some way.



PHASES OF EMOTIONAL RESPONSE

IMPACT

INVENTORY

RESCUE

RECOVERY



IMPACT

Something has happened

You don’t know what.

You do what you have to do.

Little time for emotion.

Instinct and preparation lead your response.



INVENTORY

Assess the situation to see what needs to be done.

Make “functional” relationships

with those who have needed

Skills

Inventory

Guided by immediate needs and available resources.



RESCUE

Take charge or take direction.

If you are prepared and know what to do:

take chargeIf you are less prepared or are confused by the situation:

take direction



RECOVERYTime of the most emotional impact.

May be a reaction against rescuers.

Anger may become a prominent emotion.

Delayed stress reactions: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Guided by memory and fear



RECOVERY

It isn’t uncommon for people to sufferInsomnia

Depression

Personality Changes

Negativity and violence

Withdrawal

Hyper vigilance



BASIC STEPS TO MEET

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS

Return as much as possible to your personal and family routines.

Get rest, nutrition, hydration.

Make lists of important jobs and chores. Get them done and check them off your list.



BASIC STEPS TO MEET


Limit exposure to reiteration of disaster sounds and sights (media).

Attend Memorials to find closure to the event.



BASIC STEPS TO MEET


Focus on the positive.

Recognize and accept your own feelings.

Reach out to and accept help from others.



BASIC STEPS TO MEET


Do something that you enjoy, personally and as a family.

Stay connected with family and other support systems.

Realize that recovery takes time. Be patient with yourself and others.



BASIC STEPS TO MEET


Look to the future.

Update and review your family disaster plan.

Replenish essential disaster supplies.

Take additional training to strengthen your response to any future disasters.

Volunteer to assist others (Including giving blood).



BASIC STEPS TO MEET


Seek counseling for yourself and your family

from community professionals

or disaster specialists.



BASIC STEPS TO MEET


You wouldn’t drive a car without instruction.

You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint.

Counselors can provide instruction and a blueprint

On how to proceed and rebuild your emotional life.



RECOVERING FINANCIALLY



As soon as possible after a loss,

contact your insurance agent or company

to report

how, when, & where the damage occurred.

Your insurance may cover

emergency shelter and funds to tide you over.



Assess and record your losses

• Prepare a list of damaged or lost items,

with receipts if possible.• Photograph or videotape the damage for further

documentation.• Keep receipts for all expenses (lodging, repairs, etc.)• Keep copies of all documents and pictures given to

your agent. (may be needed for tax purposes, etc.)



REPLACE VITAL DOCUMENTSAgain, preparation makes this easier.

Before a disaster occurs

Make copies of important papers and documents.

Store in a safe deposit box.

Give copy to a trusted relative or friend.



REPLACE VITAL DOCUMENTS

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO COPIES

RED CROSS

HAS A LIST OF NUMBERS TO CALL

TO GET INFORMATION.



IDENTIFICATION

Driver’s license: Department of Motor Vehicles

Government Issued ID: Issuing Authority (usually DMV)

Passports: State Department—Passport Services (202-955-0430)

Social Security or Medicare Cards:

Local Social Security office: 1-800-772-1213

TDD/TTY: 1-800-325-0778

Citizenship papers: Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services:

1-800-375-5283

NUMBERS YOU WILL NEED



PROPERTY

Insurance policies: Your insurance agent or company

Titles to Deeds: Records department of the area in which the property is located.

Stocks and Bonds: Issuing company or your Broker

Mortgage papers: Lending institution




CREDIT CARDS

Mastercard: Contact the issuing financial institution

VISA: 1-800-VISA911 (or the issuing financial institution)

American Express: 1-800-441-0519

Discover: 1-800-discover (1-800-347-2683)

or TDD/TTY 1-800-347-7449




OTHER IMPORTANT PAPERS

Military discharge papers : Department of Veterans Affairs/papers 1-800-827-1000 or TDD/TTY 1-800-829- 4833

Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates: Bureau of Records in the appropriate state.

Income Tax Records: The IRS center where you filed, your accountant (if applicable), or 1-800-829-1040


ADDITONAL

FINANCIAL RECOVERY STEPS

Let utility companies know if your home has been destroyed or damaged sufficiently that you cannot live in it.

Get in touch with your creditors so that arrangements can be made to mitigate payments.

Begin salvaging as soon as it is safe.RECOVERING FINANCIALLY



ADDITONAL FINANCIAL RECOVERY STEPS

Unemployment benefits

If job is lost because of a disaster

and

you do not qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance,

you can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

(1-800-462-9029, TTY/TDD: 800-462-7585)




Tax Relief

You may be eligible for significant tax deductions or refunds.

The rules are complicated:

KEEP GOOD RECORDS OF ALL LOSSES

Work with a tax advisor or other qualified professional.




Legal aid

After a major disaster,

people can receive free legal counseling

from local members of the American Bar Association

Principle 11: To the extent feasible, attorneys should provide emergency free legal services to those affected by a major

disaster to address their unmet basic legal needs…

(Rule of Law in Times of Major Disaster, August 2007)



SEEKING ASSISTANCE


SEEKING ASSISTANCE

HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR Emergency Housing

Food

First Aid

Clothing

Initial Financial Assistance

Apply for assistance early

MOST SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

DO NOT PAY RETROACTIVELY FOR ASSISTANCE.


SEEKING ASSISTANCE

IN PERSONAL CRISIS, CONTACT

American Red Cross

Salvation Army

Catholic Charities

Other volunteer organizations.

IN WIDESPREAD EMERGENCYMonitor local radio or television reports for information

On where to get essential emergency assistance.


SEEKING ASSISTANCE

THE ROLE OF THE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Federal assistance is available

When the President of the United States

Declares a “Major Disaster”

Made at the request of the state governor

When authorized, FEMA will provide information

About federal assistance and how to apply.


SEEKING ASSISTANCE

FEMA’S ROLE IS TO ASSIST WITH

Temporary housing

Counseling for post-disaster trauma

Low-interest loans and grants

Assistance for small businesses and farmers.



REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER



REPAIRING AND REBUILDING YOUR HOME

If you have to leave your home

Let the local police know that it will be unoccupied.

Let others know where you can be contacted.




Before entering your home after a disaster

Determine if the building

is structurally sound.

Look for Damaged foundations

Weakened walls or roofs

Unstable chimneys

Electrical hazards




If your home is structurally sound

Enter with caution.Make sure you can see where you are walking…

Use flashlights to light your steps.

Do not step on debris that may be unstable.

Watch for loose boards, electrical hazards.

If possible, avoid stepping into flooded areas.

Leave immediately if hazards warrant.




Be aware of possible animal hazards(wild animals may seek shelter in buildings

during and after a disaster.)

Do not try to corner or physically remove

a wild animal.(provide an escape route or

contact animal control if possible)




If it is safe to return to your home

Collect necessities and important papers.

Salvage what you can.

Check with your insurance

to see if restoration services will be covered.

Don’t throw anything away until it is inventoried.




Determine what immediate repairs must be made

to limit further damage

patch roof

board windows

pump out basement(If flooded, pump out no more than 1/3 per day

To prevent wall collapse from outside pressure.)



BEFORE REBUILDING

ASSESS WHAT HAS HAPPENED.

How can you strengthen your home

To withstand future

Similar events?



EARTHQUAKES

Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets

Place heavier objects on low shelves.

Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to joists.

Anchor heavy furniture and appliances to walls or floors.

Install flexible fittings to gas and water lines.

Bolt the frame of the house to the foundation

Ensure that deep cracks in ceilings and foundations are not signs of structural damage.



FLOODS

Pump no more than 1/3 of the water out per day to avoid imbalance in pressure.

Hose down the inside of the home to remove health hazards

Replace drywall if it has been breached by flood waters.

Use solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water to wash down surfaces to prevent mold.

Have a professional check outlets before you use them.

Relocate circuit panel above level of potential flood line.

Install a backflow valve in your sewer system.

Relocate to higher ground if this is a recurrent problem.



HIGH WINDS/TORNADOS/HURRICANES

Secure entry doors and garage doors to improve wind resistance.

Protect windows with permanent shutters or pre-fit marine plywood.

Consider building a tornado-safe room in your home.

Select trees that are not as subject to uprooting, replace damaged trees.

Reinforce masonry walls that provide structure to your home.

Reinforce the chimney with steel placed in the corners.

Look at common connections in wood frame buildings, adding clips, anchors and straps to provide more strength. Anchor a manufactured home to its foundation.

Store lawn furniture, tools, etc. so they do not become missiles in the wind.

Purchase a NOAA weather radio to warn of storms and tornados.



REPAIRING AND REBUILDING YOUR HOMEAVOID SCAMS AND CON ARTISTS

Find a reputable contractor. Use Angie’s List or other referral service.

Get contracts in writing.

Make sure that repairs will be done according to local building codes.

Don’t pay more than 20% down. Pay periodically

Do not make final payment until the job is done satisfactorily.

Don’t sign over an insurance settlement check to a contractor.



LEARN FROM THE EVENT



AFTER THE DUST HAS SETTLED

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE AND SPEED RECOVERY TIME IF THERE IS A “NEXT TIME?”

Safeguard important property

Check insurance policies

Assess and restock emergency ready kits.

Set up communication backups (contacts, information)

Become more informed (CERT training, monitoring devices)




PREPARATION provides POWER

POWER enhances SURVIVAL



NOT the end…

It’s a new BEGINNING!

After the dust settles What do I do next? FIRE EXPLOSION EARTHQUAKE FLOOD TORNADO LIGHTNING...

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Transcript of After the dust settles What do I do next? FIRE EXPLOSION EARTHQUAKE FLOOD TORNADO LIGHTNING...