Flood Preparedness and Response for NW Minnesota

1
Flood Preparedness and Response for NW Minnesota

• In Cooperation with the U.S. Department of
  Homeland Security and the Extension Disaster
  Education Network (EDEN)
• (Insert Your Name Here)

2
An affiliation of land- and sea-grant
professionals reducing the impact of disasters
through education.
3
Check Extensions Website for the Latest
Information www.extension.umn.edu
4
Family Disaster Plan

• Knowing the protective measures for specific
  hazards
• Recognizing warning systems and signals
• Evacuating from a disaster area
• Incorporating community, school, and other plans
• Identifying escape routes

5
Family Disaster Plan

• Completing a family communications plan
• Shutting off utilities
• Obtaining appropriate insurance
• Preparing for special needs
• Caring for animals
• Learning safety skills

6
Warning Systems

• Emergency Alert System (EAS)
• NOAA Weather Radio

7
Evacuation
8
Community, School, and Other Plans

• Most communities develop a disaster/emergency
  plan
• Questions to ask
• What does the plan contain?
• How often is it updated?
• What should I know about the plan?
• What hazard(s) does it cover?

9
Escape Routes
10
Family Communications Plan

• Out-of-state contacts
• Vital information about each family member
• Where to go in an emergency
• Additional information

11
Shutting Off Utilities

• Natural Gas
• Water
• Electricity

12
Preparing for Special Needs
13
Caring for Animals

• Identify shelter for pets
• Gather pet supplies
• Ensure pet has proper ID and up-to-date
  veterinarian records
• Provide a pet carrier and leash

14
Pet Provisions

• Before an event occurs
• Provide a pet carrier
• Keep pets shots current and have copies of
  medical records
• Ensure you have a properly fitted collar and ID
• Gather pet emergency supplies

15
Disaster Supplies Kit
16
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

• Food and water for at least three days
• Radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

17
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

• First aid kit
• Hygiene items
• Matches
• Whistle
• Extra clothing

18
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

• Kitchen accessories
• Copies of credit and ID cards
• Cash
• Special needs items

19
Maintaining the Disaster Supplies Kit

• Keep canned foods in a cool dry place
• Store food in tightly closed containers
• Change stored food and water every six months
• Review your kit and family needs at least once a
  year
• Keep items in one or two easy-to-carry containers

20
Floods
21
Facts About Floods

• One of the most common hazards in the United
  States
• Some floods develop slowly
• Flash floods develop quickly
• Risks are greater in low-lying areas, near water,
  or downstream from a dam

22
Know the Terms

• Flood/Flash flood watchflooding is possible
• Flood warningflooding is occurring or will occur
  soon
• Flash flood warninga flash flood is occurring
  seek higher ground

23
Before a Flood

• Buy flood insurance
• Avoid building in a floodplain
• Elevate furnace, water heater, and electric panel
• Install check valves in sewer traps
• Construct barriers
• Seal basement walls

24
During a Flood

• Listen to radio or TV for information
• Move immediately to high ground
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, and
  canyons

25
During a Flood

• If you have to evacuate, and time permits
• Secure your home
• Bring in outdoor furniture
• Move essential items to an upper floor
• Turn off utilities

26
During a Flood

• Do not walk through moving water
• Do not drive into flooded areas

27
After a Flood

• Listen to radio or TV for information
• Avoid floodwaters and moving water
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded
• Stay away from downed power lines

28
After a Flood

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is
  safe

29
After a Flood

• Use caution when entering buildings
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits,
  and leaching systems
• Clean and disinfect damaged property

30
Recovering From Disaster
31
Aiding the Injured

• Check for injuries
• Avoid moving a seriously injured person
• Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if necessary
• Maintain body temperature
• Never feed liquids to an unconscious person

32
Health

• Be aware of the potential for exhaustion
• Drink plenty of clean water
• Eat well
• Wear sturdy work boots and gloves
• Wash hands thoroughly when working in debris

33
Safety Issues

• Be aware of new safety issues created by the
  disaster
• Inform local authorities about
• Chemical spills
• Downed power lines
• Washed out roads
• Smoldering insulation
• Dead animals

34
Returning Home

• Keep a battery-powered radio
• Use a flashlight to inspect a damaged home

35
Returning Home

• Watch out for animals
• Use the phone only in emergencies
• Stay off the streets

36
Before You Enter Your Home

• Inspect the outside
• Have your residence inspected if you are unsure
• Do not enter if
• You smell gas
• Floodwaters remain
• Home is declared unsafe by authorities

37
Going Inside Your Home

• Enter carefully and check for damage
• Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors

38
Going Inside Your Home

• Check for
• Natural gas
• Sparks, broken or frayed wires
• Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks
• Damp appliances

39
Going Inside Your Home

• Check for
• Damaged water and sewage systems
• Contaminated food and other supplies
• Water in your basement
• Objects that may fall from cabinets

40
Wildlife and Other Animals

• Do not approach an injured or trapped animal
  call animal control
• Do not attempt to move a dead animal call local
  emergency management or health department
• If bitten, seek immediate medical attention

41
Coping With Disaster

• Educate yourself about the effects of disaster
  events
• Recognize signs of disaster related stress
• Take steps to ease disaster related stress

42
Coping With Disaster

• Be aware of the special needs of children

43
Helping Others

• Volunteer
• Bring your own supplies to the emergency area
• Donate money

44
Check Extensions Website for the Latest
Information www.extension.umn.edu