Know What to Do Before, During and After an Emergency 1

How well you prepare now will determine how well, you get through an emergency, be it a power outage, severe storm, flood, fire, earthquake, chemical spill, or another incident. The following is taken from a brochure sent to me by the City I live in, it is worthwhile information so I am sharing it over two posts.

First, we will look at what are the steps you should take now, BEFORE a disaster,

Before an Emergency or a DisasterMinimize Home Hazard go through your property and imagine what could happen during an earthquake, flood. or another emergency.

APPLIANCES

Secure fridges, top and bottom, with plumber’s tape (perforated metal strapping) – screw into a stud and fasten to a structural component (not the coils).

FURNISHINGS

Use metal cable, chain or brackets to secure top-heavy furniture to a wall stud.

Move beds away from chimneys, windows and tall furniture (unless secured).

Fasten water heaters and gas appliances to the wall with metal or nylon straps.

If you must use castors or glides on appliances, lock or wedge the wheels.

Place heavy or breakable objects on the bottom shelves, or attach a guardrail.

Don’t hang mirrors or heavy artwork above couches, beds or exits.

UTILITIES

Teach all adults and older children in the home where the utilities are located and how to shut them off. Post instructions and store any necessary tools nearby.

Electricity: Know how to shut off electricity to the house and individual appliances/rooms. Mark all switches.

Watermain: Replace valve if it is rusted open or will only partially close.

CHEMICALS AND FUELS

Keep poisons, chemicals, and solvents where they are less likely to spill, ideally in a locked cabinet. Keep away from

Natural gas: It only takes a quarter-turn of the valve, either way, to shut off the gas, so only test it with a one-eighth turn. Gas must be turned on by the gas company. Never turn it on yourself. Only shut off your gas if you smell rotten eggs or notice a large use of gas on the meter. If you do smell gas, immediately get everyone out and away, open windows and doors, and shut off the gas. stored water and food, children, and pets.

Store fuels away from the house. Keep tanks and valves in good repair.

BUILDING AND PROPERTY

Secure anything that may be blown around or torn loose, inside, and outdoors.

Remove rotting branches and dead trees. Call BC Hydro to trim near power lines.

FIRE AND CARBON MONOXIDE

Keep a working carbon monoxide alarm on each level if you use natural gas.

Keep a working smoke alarm on each level and in every sleeping area.

Check the foundation, cripple walls, posts, beams, chimney and roof for cracks and sagging. Hire a professional if you don’t have the skills to do this yourself.

Keep a fire extinguisher on each level, including the kitchen, and make sure adults and older children know how to use them.