Disaster Recovery News

Disaster Training photo from the Nebraska National Guard

Preparing for a large-scale emergency can seem like a daunting task, but when done step-by-step, and with a team, it can be an exceedingly rewarding experience.  There are many ways you can be trained for responding to a large-scale emergency: basic CPR and First Aid, EMT training, or even HAZMAT training.  Now is the time to find a training class in your area that can prepare you to help your community in the event of an emergency.

Training courses are offered through a variety of different agencies, including organizations like the Red Cross and those offered through your city, county or state government offices (such as FEMA). Where you go to train depends on how you want to assist your community.

Here are a few ideas about where to find emergency training and the courses offered through the organization:

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

o       Terrorism and Emergency Preparedness

o       Crisis and Emergency Risk Communications

o       Emergency Antibiotic Dispending

Red Cross

o       CPR and First Aid

o       Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)

o       Disaster safety and preparedness (“Masters of Disaster”)

FEMA

o       Hazardous Materials

o       Emergency Management

Volunteering in an emergency situation can be taxing emotionally and physically, so your decision about the training you wish to receive should be based on where you’ll be the strongest. Here are some more tips about how to prepare for an emergency.

Learn some steps to take after a disaster has occurred.

The news today is full of stories about natural disasters, virus outbreaks, acts of violence, and threats to public health. Everyone can do their part to prepare for the unthinkable, and doing so can help one deal with such situations in a more effective manner.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Red Cross have provided the following simple steps to help one prepare for an emergency. Click on an underlined phrase below to learn more information:

1. Make a kit and gather emergency supplies.
2. Make a disaster plan for your family.
3. Learn how to take immediate shelter where you are.
4. Understand quarantine and isolation, what they are, and how they work.
5. Learn coping tools to help you and those you care about can use during tough times.

In these uncertain times, it is important to be ready for any emergency event.

Learn more about disaster preparedness and disaster recovery.

Photo by e k p.

Floods, big or small, can happen to anyone at anytime of the year. Those who live by bodies of water may have experienced a flood or those who have had a washing machine with a mind of their own may have experienced a flood on a different scale. No matter what type of flood one may experience, there is always a level of frustration involved when trying to recover from it. Many times valuables and things considered irreplaceable are damaged and that is when essential recovery services should be called to help.

So what can one do to minimize the damage a flood might cause? The Institute for Business & Home Safety has provided some tips about this subject that are very helpful:

“When there is risk of flood:
Clear drains, gutters and downspouts of debris and make sure your yard’s grading (slope) directs water away from the building.

Anchor fuel tanks. An unanchored tank can be torn free by floodwaters, and the broken supply line can cause contamination, or if outdoors, can be swept downstream and damage other homes.

Buy and install sump pumps with backup power where needed. Regularly check to make sure they are working.

Cut off electrical service at the main breaker if the electrical system and outlets will be under water.

If you have time to hire a licensed electrician:
Raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12” above the projected flood elevation.

Place all appliances, including furnace, water heater, washer and dryer on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12” above the projected flood elevation.

If you have time to hire a licensed plumber:
If flood waters enter the sewer system, sewage can back up and enter your home. To prevent this, install an interior or exterior backflow valve. Check with your building department for permit requirements.

After the flood:
As soon as it is safe to do so, disconnect all electronics/electrical equipment and move it to a dry location.

Remove as much standing water as possible from inside the building.

Begin to remove water-damaged materials immediately.

Ventilate with fans and/or dehumidifiers.

Acting quickly can increase the chance of salvaging usable materials, reduce the amount of rust, rot and mold that might develop, and limit the likelihood of structural problems.”

Calling in a recovery specialist after a flood can help reduce the negative effects just mentioned will not only help you in the short-run, but also down the road. You will be able to peace of mind knowing your building is safe because you acted quickly and appropriately.

Click here for more information about disaster recovery.

Photo by kiltedlibrarian.

Property owners near storm surge zones know that having a proper emergency preparation and action plan is incredibly important during hurricane season. The following is some general advice given to those that may need to evacuate should a severe category storm come through and create a damaging surge near their home or office.

• Have a mapped evacuation route to an adequately distant safe location. Locations may be family members, friends, hotel or a public shelter.
• Designate an emergency meeting location that is a safe distance away but not too encumbered by the potential for traffic congestion.
• If you have a family member that needs special assistance, contact emergency management services now to register that individual and get important evacuation information.
• Prepare an family emergency evacuation kit that includes extra cash, prescription medication, pairs of glasses, water, flashlights and any other item that you must have on a daily or every-other-day basis.
• Plan for your pet too.
• Follow evacuation orders given by state and local officials. This will alleviate chaos and ensure that time is not unnecessarily wasted.