Emergency Training:Emergency Training:Natural DisastersNatural Disasters

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• Introduction• Workplace Disaster Plan• Fire Emergencies• Severe Weather Emergencies

– Heat Wave – Power Outage– Tornadoes– Severe Thunderstorms– Flooding– Winter Storms

Overview

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• For all emergencies and disasters, keep in tune with local news and weather stations to stay informed with latest updates, instructions, as well as severe weather watches and warnings in the area.

• Take necessary precautions before a disaster happens so that you can be prepared.– This includes practicing fire and tornado drills. Also,

have the necessary and basic supplies on hand to make dealing with a disaster easier. (flashlights, first aid kit, food and water, etc.)

Introduction

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• Keep a phone list of company employees so when a disaster strikes you can network and keep in contact.

• More than one person should be trusted with keys and access to the building in case the one originally designated person cannot make it quickly after an emergency.

• Backup computer data frequently throughout the day in case of unexpected power outage and save data in more than one place in case the computer is destroyed.

• Emergency supplies that should be kept on hand:– Flashlights– First aid kit– Tools– Food and water to use during unexpected confinement at the

workplace.• This could be due to a fuel tanker over-turn, for example, and

local authorities order that everyone stay put for an extended time.

Workplace Disaster Plan

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• Your local fire department should already be familiar with your facility, its location, and possible hazards.

• Fire doors should be in good operating condition and not be obstructed.

• Fire extinguishers should be in designated locations so that they can be easily located in emergency. The also should be recharged regularly.

Fire Emergencies: Being Prepared

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• What to do in a fire emergency:–GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP

“Fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined, and affect people from all backgrounds and geographic locations.” –The American Red Cross

Fire Emergencies: Being Prepared (continued)

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• Know the Weather Status Terms:•Excessive Heat Watch—Conditions are

favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.

•Excessive Heat Warning—Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).

•Heat Advisory—Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).

Severe Weather: Heat Waves

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• What to do during a heat wave:– Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if

you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid beverages with caffeine and alcohol.

– Eat small meals and eat more often.– Avoid extreme temperature changes.– Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light colored

clothes so that you don’t absorb so many sun rays.– Slow down, stay indoors, and avoid a lot of

exercise during the hottest times of the day. – Use buddy system when working out in the heat. – Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

Severe Weather: Heat Waves (continued)

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• Know these terms related to Heat Waves:– Heat Related Illnesses

• Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity, and loss of fluids and electrolytes.

• Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity.

– Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.

• Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself.

– Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.

Severe Weather: Heat Waves (continued)

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• Know the Weather Status Terms:– Tornado Watch: tornadoes are possible in and near the

watch area.– Tornado Warning: a tornado has been sighted or indicated

by weather radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.

• Participate in tornado drills so that you know where the tornado safe area is in your work area.

• What to do in a Tornado Emergency:– Take shelter, do not wait until you see a tornado.

• The safest place to be is underground, in a basement, or a safe room.

• If no basement or safe room is available, a windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the best alternative.

• If you are outside and there is not a sturdy building to take shelter, immediately get into your vehicle, buckle up, and drive to a shelter as a last resort.

– If flying debris occurs while driving, pull over and park putting your head down below the windows and protect the back of your head with your hands. If you can get out of vehicle into lower laying ground to the road, lay down and cover the back of your head with your hands.

Severe Weather: Tornadoes

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• Know the Weather Status Terms:– Thunderstorm Watch: Severe thunderstorms are

possible near and around the watch area.– Thunderstorm Warning: Severe weather has

been reported by spotters or indicated on weather radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.

• What to do during Severe Thunderstorms:– Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are

likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.

– Avoid electrical equipment.– If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building,

avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.

– Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicles.

Severe Weather: Thunderstorms

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• Know the Weather Status Terms:– Flood/Flash Flood Watch: Flooding or flash

flooding is possible in your area.– Flood/Flash Flood Warning: Flooding or flash

flooding has already occurred in your area or will occur soon.

• Be prepared to evacuate immediately.

Severe Weather: Flooding

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• Know the Weather Status Terms:– Winter Storm Outlook: winter storm conditions are

possible in the next 2 to 5 days.– Winter Weather Advisory: winter weather conditions are

expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. With caution, these conditions should not be life threatening.

– Winter Storm Watch: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in watch area should review their winter weather plans and stay informed about weather conditions.

– Winter Storm Warning: Life threatening,severe weather conditions have begun or will begin in the next 24 hours. People in area should take immediate precautions.

Severe Weather: Winter Storms

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• What to do during a Winter Storm:– Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, wear

mittens and a hat (preferably one that covers your ears).

– Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

– Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

– Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.

– Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.

– Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

– All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.

Severe Weather: Winter Storms (continued)

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For Questions, Concerns, and Assistance please contact Human Resources:

Steve SagerDirector of Human Resources, Airborne Global SolutionsPhone: 937-366-2830Email: steve.sager@airborneglobal.com

Questions, Concerns, Assistance

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• "Preparedness Fast Facts: Emergency-Specific Preparedness Information." American Red Cross. 2012: n. page. Web. 26 Jul. 2012. <http://www.redcross.org>.

• "Preparing Your Business for the Unthinkable." American Red Cross. Web. 25 Jul. 2012. <http://www.redcross.org>.

References