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COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Domestic emergencies include various events that strain the resources of local government and it’s citizens. Some examples are severe storms such as tornados, winter storms, floods, emergencies requiring evacuation and terrorism.
A significant terrorism threat we face today is that of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and these consist of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) weapons.
Although bombing has been the most popular method used in terrorist incidents in the United States, terrorism can occur in several forms. Terrorists have used arson, shootings, chemical or biological agents to attain their political and social goals.
Because the impact of exposure to some organisms, toxins, and other biological agents may not cause an immediate illness or reaction, it may take some time for government officials to determine that such an attack has occurred.
Información en Español Sobre Preparación del Terrorismo Doméstico
* Desde el 11 de septiembre todo el mundo ha sido más consciente sobre los ataques del terrorismo doméstico. Hay muchas maneras simples que podemos usar para estar mejor preparado. Para más información sobre cómo prepararnos para una emergencia o informar acerca de una actividad sospechosa, por favor llame a los números de teléfonos detrás de este folleto. A continuación es un “Website” (computadora) que tiene información en español sobre cómo estar preparado en una emergencia: www.fema.gov/spanish In the event of an attack, government officials will instruct residents on what actions they are taking and what actions the public should take. It’s important that you remain calm, cooperate fully with local officials and do not try to be a hero. Failure to follow instructions from local officials could cost you and others their lives. In the event of a chemical or biological attack, instructions will be provided by local public health and safety officials on personal protection, decontamination and health warnings via the Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcast over radio and television as well as print media.
BE PREPARED
As we have seen, domestic and international terrorist can strike at any time. To combat the threat, emergency services officials representing all levels of government are working together to develop and implement effective strategies for deterring, preventing and responding to incidents. To assist individuals in preparing for emergencies, the City of Watertown, American Red Cross, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have provided information on what to do during emergencies.
The City of Watertown’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan specifically addresses the City’s response to emergencies and/or terrorism. In addition, federal, state and local emergency management, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical officials meet on a regular basis to plan and evaluate preparedness activities throughout our area.
The public also has a role in reducing the impact of emergencies on their lives.
BEFORE AN EMERGENCY
Prepare for the possibility of a emergency incident in your area:
· Learn about the nature of emergencies & terrorism. * Terrorist look for visible targets where they can avoid detection before or after an attack such as international airports, large cities, major international events, resorts and high profile landmarks. * Report any suspicious activities to the City of Watertown Police Department at (920) 261-6660.
· Adapt, as appropriate, the same techniques used to prepare for tornadoes, fires and other emergencies. * Be prepared and observe your environment. Terrorists most often strike with little or no warning. * Use caution when you travel. Observe and report unusual activity. Keep your packages with you at all times. Do not accept packages from strangers. * Locate stairways and emergency exits and develop plans for evacuating buildings, subways and crowded public areas.
· If you live or work in multi-level buildings: * Identify the location of fire exits and review emergency evacuation procedures. * Locate and maintain fire extinguishers in working order. Train responsible personnel how to use them. * Obtain training in first aid and CPR.
· Assemble and maintain an emergency supply kit for each floor that includes those items listed on the back of this brochure. Also compile essential emergency preparedness items in backpacks for emergency response team members.
DURING AN EMERGENCY
Stay tuned to your local radio and/or cable station for directions from the Emergency Government. Directions may include: evacuation instructions, volunteer needs, health hazards/education and etc.
· If there’s an explosion:
* Remain calm. If ceiling tiles, bookshelves their contents, etc. begin to fall, take cover under a desk or sturdy table. * Exit the building as quickly as possible.
· If there’s a fire:
* Stay low to the floor at all times and exit the building as quickly as possible. Heavy smoke and poisonous gasses collect near the ceiling first. * Use a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth. * Use the back of your hand to feel closed doors. If the door is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. Do not open the door if it is hot. Seek another escape route. * Use appropriate fire exits, not elevators.
AFTER AN EMERGENCY
· If you are trapped in debris:
* If possible, use a flashlight or whistle to signal rescuers regarding your location. * Stay in your area so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. * Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. * Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort – shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
PROTECTIVE ACTIONS
Protective actions are actions we take to safeguard our family members and ourselves from harm. The most common emergency protective actions are evacuation and shelter-in-place.
· Evacuation means to leave the area of actual or potential hazard. · Shelter-in-place means to stay indoors. This includes additional precautions such as turning off air-conditioning, ventilation systems and closing all windows and doors.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
· Remain calm. · Be aware of your surroundings. · Have a Family Preparedness Plan. · Stay informed. · If an evacuation is ordered, follow the instructions of local officials regarding evacuation routes and the location of shelters. · If shelter-in-place is recommended, local officials will provide instructions on necessary actions. · Do not leave your shelter location or return to the evacuation area until it is deemed safe to do so by local officials. WEBSITES
Listed below is a website that provides emergency preparedness information. www.ci.watertown.wi.us www.fema.gov (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Much of the information contained in this pamphlet can also apply to preparedness for any disaster – man-made or natural. Please be prepared.
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
Maintaining an emergency supply kit is a good idea for any emergency. Individuals and organizations should be prepared to be without assistance for a minimum of 72 hours.
· Battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries · Whistle · First aid kit and manual · Hard hats · Duct tape · Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas · Water · Food (canned, no-cook, packaged snacks) · Manual can opener · Cash and credit cards · Change of clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes · Blankets or sleeping bags · Fire extinguisher (A-B-C) type · Infant and feminine hygiene supplies · Names, addresses, & telephone numbers of doctors and pharmacist · Food and water for pets · Large plastic bags for trash, waste, water protection · Toilet paper and paper towels · Charcoal grill or camp stove for outdoor cooking · If you have a cell phone, keep it with you
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION For further information on preparing for an emergency please contact:
Watertown Municipal Building 106 Jones Street Watertown, WI 53094 Phone: 920-262-4000 – 8 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri. Non-emergency: 920-261-6660-After Hours Emergency: 911 |