Natural Disasters or Emergencies
Environmental Disasters or Emergencies
Extreme Weather Disasters or Emergencies
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Earthquakes are not common in the District; however, a minor earthquake was felt in July 2010. There is still a possibility that one could occur in or around the DC metropolitan area. During a major earthquake, there may be a roaring or rumbling sound that gradually grows louder. There may be a rolling sensation that starts out gently and within a second or two grows violent, that can feel like a jarring or a violent jolt. A second or two later, the ground may appear to be shaking such that it is difficult to stand up or move from one room to another.
To prepare for an earthquake:
- Gather emergency supplies ahead of time.
- Identify and reduce possible hazards in the home. Anything can move, fall or break during an earthquake.
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Practice what to do during and after an earthquake. Make sure to:
- DROP down onto hands and knees before the earthquake.
- COVER head and neck (and entire body if possible) under a table or desk, bed or door frame.
- HOLD ON to shelter (or to head and neck) until the shaking stops.
- If in a wheelchair, try to get under a doorway or into an inside corner, lock the wheels and cover head with arms. Remove any items that are not securely attached to the wheelchair.
- If unable to move from a bed or chair, cover up with blankets and pillows to provide protection from falling objects.
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In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, generally 10 degrees or more above average, often combined with excessive humidity. Weather forecasters use these terms: Excessive Heat Watch, Excessive Heat Warning or Heat Advisory. During periods of extreme heat, take the following precautions:
- Stay indoors in an air conditioned environment as much as possible.
- Limit exposure to the sun, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM.
- Visit one of the District’s “Cooling Centers” located throughout the city, if there is not access to a cool-temperature location.
- DO NOT leave children, seniors or pets in vehicles.
- Drink more water than usual. Do not wait until thirsty.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.
- Apply sunscreen, minimally SPF-30, at least 20 minutes before going outside.
- Watch for symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Check on friends and neighbors.
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Hurricanes are strong storms that can be life-threatening and can cause serious property-threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane:
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Know the difference between the threat levels and plan accordingly:
- Hurricane Watch - Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours.
- Hurricane Warning - Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
- Be prepared to turn off electrical power.
- Board up windows with plywood
- Move to a small room, closet or hallway.
- Go to the first or second story floor if in a multi-story building.
- Locate and secure important phone numbers from the safety plan.
- Fill sinks and bathtubs with water for extra supply for washing and flushing toilets.
- Review hurricane plans and be ready to leave the area (if directed) with the emergency go kit, which includes supplies for family and pets (non-perishable foods, water, radio, batteries, blankets, medications, medical devices, etc.).
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A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages.
Be familiar with these terms:
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.
During a Thunderstorm:
- Secure outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, that could blow away or cause damage or injury.
- Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.
- Avoid bathtubs, water faucets and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.
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Tornadoes are violent by nature. They are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornado intensities are classified on the Fujita Scale with ratings between F0 (weakest) to F5 (strongest). Although severe tornadoes are more common in the Plains States, tornadoes have been reported in every state.
Know the difference between a “WATCH” and a “WARNING:”
- Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!
- Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately under ground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom). Stay away from windows.
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Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain. Regardless of the severity of a winter storm, be prepared in order to remain safe during these events:
Be familiar with the following weather terms:
- Winter Storm Outlook - Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
- Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous.
- Winter Storm Watch - Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours.
- Winter Storm Warning - Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.
- Stay indoors in a warm environment. Use caution when using wood stoves, fireplaces or space heaters.
- Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, or basement. This can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Monitor body temperatures of children and seniors. Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
- Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously and insulate water lines so the water supply is less likely to freeze.
- Recognize signs of hypothermia (shivering, exhaustion, confusion, drowsiness, stumbling, numbness) and frostbite (white and waxy appearance of skin, numbness).
- Drive only when absolutely necessary. Travel during the day, stay on main roads and keep gas tank full.
Natural Disasters or Emergencies
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The most effective way to prevent fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. For example:
- Never leave lit candles unattended.
- Watch the stove when cooking.
- Keep matches and lighters away from children.
- Replace frayed, chewed or exposed electrical wires.
Sixty-five percent (65%) of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test the smoke detectors every month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Call District Fire and Emergency Medical Services at (202)727-1778 for free smoke detectors.
- Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
If a fire occurs, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 911 for help.
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Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturate the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.
Weather forecasters use these terms when floods are predicted in the community:
- Flood/Flash Flood Watch - Flooding or flash flooding is possible in the area
- Flood/Flash Flood Warning - Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the area
To prepare for flooding in your neighborhood:
- Plan and practice a flood evacuation route.
- Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
- For drains, toilets and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.
- Anchor fuel tanks which can contaminate the basement if torn free. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses.
- Have immunization records readily available or be aware of the last tetanus shot, in the event of a puncture wound or a wound that becomes contaminated during or after the flood.
- DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded road--leading one to be trapped and stranded. The depth of the water is not always obvious, and the road could be washed away.
- Keep automobile gas tank filled.
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Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses. Flu viruses spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others one day before getting symptoms and as long as five days after getting sick.
People are at increased risk if:
- Age 50 or older
- Pregnant
- Living with a chronic medical condition
- A child, age 6 months and older
- Living with or caring for anyone at high risk
Protection from the flu includes:
- Getting flu vaccination updated every year, as directed by a physician
- Limiting contact with sick persons
- Covering nose and mouth and tissue when sneezing or coughing
- Avoiding touching nose, mouth and eyes to prevent the spread of germs
- Washing hands with soap and water with warm water for at least 20 seconds
- Treating illness with antiviral drugs, if recommended by a physician
- Contacting a physician doctor for more information
If a power outage occurs as a result of a thunderstorm, but lasts for 2 hours or less, don’t be concerned about losing perishable foods. For prolonged power outages, there are steps to take to minimize food loss and to keep all members of the household safe.
- Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep the area covered at all times.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
- Use non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.
- If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for freezer items.
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
- Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics that were in use when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
- Leave one light turned on so it is obvious when the power comes back on.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
- To report a power outage through Pepco’s Outage Report Line, call 1-877-737-2662. To report downed power lines, call Pepco immediately at 1-877-737-2662 and press (2).
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Environmental Disasters or Emergencies
Food & water borne illness can result from many causes such as inadequate hand-washing or cross-contamination between raw foods in the kitchen to widespread contamination of fresh foods during processing. Following natural disasters and other types of emergencies, drinking water in affected areas may become contaminated and cause outbreaks of disease. Problems with sanitation, including lack of water, toilet facilities, or damaged water wells can also increase the likelihood of waterborne disease. Food and waterborne illness is especially dangerous for older adults, immune-compromised individuals and pregnant women. Some food and waterborne infections can cause severe illness or even death.
Whether in a disaster or not, pay special attention to food safety rules:
- Avoid eating raw animal products, which include raw milk and cheeses made from raw milk, undercooked eggs, and raw and undercooked meat and fish.
- Always wash produce under running water before preparation.
- Make sure counters and utensils are cleaned and sterilized and avoid cross-contamination.
- Avoid ready-to-eat meats unless they are reheated to a safe temperature.
- Use bottled water if it is available.
- If there is no bottled water, boil water to make it safe. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers.
Terrorist attacks like the ones we experienced on September 11, 2001 have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents of terrorism in the United States and their potential impact. Previous attacks have raised uncertainty about what might happen next, increasing stress levels. There are things to do in preparation for terrorist attacks to reduce the stress that may be present now or later, should another emergency arise. Taking preparatory actions can provide a level of reassurance and allows one to exert a measure of control even in the face of such events.
- Remain calm and be patient.
- Be alert and aware of surroundings.
- Promptly report unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages and strange devices to the police or security personnel.
- Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
- Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
- If an event occurs, check others nearby for injuries.
- Confine or secure pets.
- Call family contacts—do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
- Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or have disabilities.
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Chemicals are a natural and important part of the environment. Even though it is not obvious, chemicals are in use every day. Chemicals help keep food fresh and bodies clean. They help plants grow and fuel our cars. And chemicals make it possible for all to live longer, healthier lives. Under certain conditions, chemicals can also be poisonous or have harmful effects on health. Some chemicals that are safe, and even helpful in small amounts, can be harmful in larger quantities or under certain conditions. If there is a chemical spill or the release of any hazardous material, make sure to:
- Report the incident to authorities immediately. Stay away from the area where the spill occurred.
- Cover mouth and nose with a cloth or a surgical face mask.
- Bring pets inside.
- Evacuate if told to do so, and take pets.
- Follow the evacuation routes provided by the authorities (short-cuts can potentially place you in more danger).
- Have an Emergency Go Kit on hand.
- Seal house so contaminants cannot enter (if told to shelter-in- place).
- Close all windows and doors.
- Turn off ventilation systems (cut off exposure to outside air).
- Stay tuned to the radio or television for updates and instructions.
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