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Preparedness Blog
 
Sept.1, 2010
Utility Shut-off and Safety
  • Natural Gas
  • Water
  • Electricity
 
     In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut off the utility service at your home.
Below is some general guidance for shutting off utility service.  You should modify the information provided to reflect your shut off requirements as directed by your utility company.
 
Natural Gas
       Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following disasters. It is vital that all household members know how to shut off natural gas.
 
    Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter configurations, it is important to contact your local gas company for guidance on preparation and response regarding gas appliances and gas service to your home.
When you learn the proper shut-off procedure for your meter, share the information with everyone in your household. Be sure not to actually turn off the gas when practicing the proper gas shut-off procedure.
If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.
CAUTION - If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must turn it back on. NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.
 
Water
Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. It is vital that all household members learn how to shut off the water at the main house valve.

  • Cracked lines may pollute the water supply to your house. It is wise to shut off your water until you hear from authorities that it is safe for drinking.

  • The effects of gravity may drain the water in your hot water heater and toilet tanks unless you trap it in your house by shutting off the main house valve (not the street valve in the cement box at the curb—this valve is extremely difficult to turn and requires a special tool).
Preparing to Shut Off Water
  • Locate the shut-off valve for the water line that enters your house.

  • Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be rusted open, or it may only partially close. Replace it if necessary.

  • Label this valve with a tag for easy identification, and make sure all household members know where it is located.
 
Electricity
        Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. It is wise to teach all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity.
Preparing to Shut Off Electricity
  • Locate your electricity circuit box.

  • Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the entire house.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: Always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.
 
 
April 7, 2010
7.0, If the Big One Hits
 
 
 Usually our weekly updates differ from week to week, but under several recent circumstances and events such as Baja California's 7.2 quake and yesterdays 7.7 Earthquake in Indonesia, we feel to focus around Earthquake and Disaster preparedness once again.       
 
  After Experiencing Sundays Quake that occurred in Baja California while vacationing in Southern California, the topic came up of what may happen if it had struck a bit closer, or even back home in Utah. I found some interesting articles that give quite a detailed glance into what is probable if the big one hit.
Whether you live in these geographic areas or not, the information may be similar close to home. 
 
The Following Information has been compiled from the following sources
Article By Grant Clark
- Wed, 06/10/2009 - 21:38
http://universe.byu.edu/node/537
 
 
Article By Lee Davidson
Deseret News
Published: Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 8:59 p.m. MST
 
        The article outlines that According to a 2008 study prepared for Congress, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Salt Lake City would result in about 3,500 deaths, 14,000 people requiring hospitalization, and may leave as many as 45,000 without shelter If it hits at the worst-possible time — in the middle of a winter night —  injure another 42,000, damage more than a third of all buildings and cause at least $35 billion in economic loss. More than 60,000 people would need public shelter during freezing temperatures. Most power, water, gas and communications would be out initially, and may not be restored in some areas for months. Fires could be widespread. Police and firefighters would be so overwhelmed that they could not reach many people for days, so neighbors would need to rely on each other for help. ( Click Here For Entire Article) 
                                                                                                           Click Below To Learn About Safe Fuel Storage
March 24,2010
Family Disaster Plan
 
 
 
* This material has been developed by the Massachusetts Departments of Mental Health and Public Health through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
* Some of this material has been adapted from “Family Disaster Plan”
developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the
American Red Cross, www.redcross.org   
 www.mass.gov/eohhs/MassSupport
 
 
 
  • Post emergency telephone numbers by  phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.)
  • Determine your family emergency contact.
  • Designate emergency meeting places for your family.
  • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number foremergency help.
  •  Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.
  • Conduct a home hazard hunt.
  • Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) 
  • Get training from the fire department for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher       
  • Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.q Check if you have adequate insurance coverage (property, life & health)
  • Consider ways to help neighbors or family members who may need special assistance (elderly,people with disabilities, etc.).
 
 
 
March 17,2010
What to Do Before an Earthquake
 
 
Information Directly from Fema Website
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm
 
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the
dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing
deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead
lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building
standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.
 
   
 Six Ways to Plan Ahead
 
1.Check for Hazards in the Home
  •Fasten shelves securely to walls.
  •Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
  •Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with 
   latches.
  •Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people
    sit.
  •Brace overhead light fixtures.
  •Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
  •Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
  •Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of
   structural defects.
  •Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches
   and on bottom shelves.
 
2.Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
  •Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
  •Against an inside wall.
  •Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy
   bookcases or other
  heavy furniture could fall over.
  •In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated
    expressways.
 
3.Educate Yourself and Family Members
  •Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more
   information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect 
   your property from earthquakes.
  •Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station
    to tune to for emergency information.
  •Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
 
4.Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
  •Flashlight and extra batteries.
   Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
  •First aid kit and manual.
  •Emergency food and water.
  •Nonelectric can opener.
  •Essential medicines.
  •Cash and credit cards.
  •Sturdy shoes.
5.Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
  •In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real
   possibility during the day when adults are at work and children  are at school), develop a plan
   for reuniting after the disaster.
  •Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's
   often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address,
   and phone number of the contact person.
 
6.Help Your Community Get Ready
  •Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes.
   Localize the information by printing the phone  numbers of local emergency services offices,
   the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
  •Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
  •Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports
    for people with mobility impairments on what to do
   during an earthquake.
  •Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
  •Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
  •Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, 
   hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.