A GUIDE TO DISASTER A GUIDE TO DISASTER PLANNING FOR CLIENTS PLANNING FOR CLIENTS

& STAFF& STAFF

ARE YOU READY?ARE YOU READY?

PurposePurpose

It is the policy of the State of South Carolina is to be prepared for any emergency or disaster. South Carolina State Regulations 58-1 and 58-101 require contingency plans and implementing procedures.

Persons with special needs or functional needs need to take extra care in preparing for an emergency. From making sure you have adequate medication, medical supplies and equipment to knowing what special resources you may require to make it safely through a disaster.

This guide was developed to help clients and staff alike prepare for natural disasters and unexpected emergencies.

How Would You How Would You Define a Disaster?Define a Disaster?

Disasters are…Disasters are…

Events that causes great

harm or damage or an

incident that causes

widespread destruction

and distress.

They can strike quickly

and without warning and

can force you to evacuate

your neighborhood or

confine you to your home.

Categories of DisastersCategories of Disasters

Disasters can be categorized into three groups:

1. Natural

2. Accidental

3. Intentional

• Hurricanes• Tornadoes• Floods• Droughts• Extreme Heat• Fires• Blizzards

Disasters Can Be Natural, Disasters Can Be Natural, Examples Include:Examples Include:

• Earthquakes• Volcanoes• Tsunamis• Ice Storms• Disease • Epidemics

Hurricane HugoHurricane Hugo

Hugo crossed into South Carolina coast near the Isle of Palms in

September of 1989. The surface winds were recorded at 138 miles

per hour and gusts of more than 160 miles per hour.

The damage to coastal and inland properties, utilities, agriculture,

timber and commerce exceeded $6 billion. 50-70,000 people were

left homeless and 26 people were killed (SCDNR).

Types of Disasters - NaturalTypes of Disasters - Natural

Hurricane Hugo

Charleston, SC 1989

Disasters Can Be Accidental, Disasters Can Be Accidental, Examples Include:Examples Include:

• Explosions• Toxic spills• Transportation

Accidents • Structural Failure • Building Collapse

• Disease• Oil Spills• Global Warming• Floods• Droughts• Fires

Types of Disasters – Types of Disasters – AccidentalAccidental

Train Derailment

Graniteville, SC

2005

Intentional Disasters include:Intentional Disasters include:

• Hijackings• Riots• Demonstrations• Stampedes• Bombings• Shootings

• Kidnappings• Assassinations• Bombings• Cyber Attacks• Threats of Terrorism• Wars

Getting Ready

Planning &

Preparation

PlanPlan

All too often in emergency situations the needs of people

with disabilities are overlooked or swept aside.

People with functional needs need to take extra care in

preparing for an emergency.

The services you rely on daily may not be available in the

event of an emergency.

14

PlanPlan

Disaster and emergencies

often disrupt routines.

They can change when

and where you eat, sleep,

play, work, study, go to

school, how you get

around, when you see

your family and friends.

Plan Plan

The stress caused by having

to think about what you

might do in an emergency

much less actually having to

cope with a disaster is a

common experience.

Disaster planning can be

overwhelming for anyone

but it doesn’t have to be.

PreparePrepare

1. Know the hazards and emergencies that may affect you and your family.

2. Develop an emergency plan.

3. Collect and assemble disaster supplies kit.

4. Learn where to seek shelter from all types of hazards.

PreparePrepare

5. Identify the community warning systems and evacuation routes.

6. Include in your plan required information from community and school plans.

7. Learn what to do for specific hazards.

8. Practice and maintain your plan.

PreparePrepare

Know the difference between Watches and Warnings:

In a Watch conditions are right for something to happen.

For example, during thunderstorms tornados may form,

streams and rivers may flood.

In a Warning the event has happened. The tornado has

been sighted or the streams and rivers are flooding.

You can cope more successfully with an emergency or a disaster by preparing in advance.

You are in the best position to plan for your own safety.

Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

Are You Ready? Are You Ready?

Common & Not So Common & Not So Common Common

SC Weather Events: SC Weather Events:

What You Should Do…What You Should Do…

ThunderstormThunderstormss

Thunderstorms are very

common, especially during the

summer. Severe storms usually

have heavy rain, strong winds

and, lightning.

Some storms produce hail

and create conditions that can

cause tornadoes to form.

In Thunderstorms, you should...

• Get out of the water if you are swimming or boating.

• Hurry to a low open place, and crouch down so your body is like a little ball if you can’t find shelter, or your hair feels like it is standing on end.

• Stay way from downed high voltage lines down and call the • utility company.

Always seek shelter during severe weather!

TornadoeTornadoes s

Tornados are among nature’s most dangerous storms.

They can strike with little warning & cause serious destruction in seconds.

The average number of tornadoes per year in SC is 28 ( SC DNR).

In Tornadoes, you should…In Tornadoes, you should…

Take shelter immediately if you see or hear a tornado.

If You Are Outside…Lie flat on the ground in a low area covering your head with your arms and hands if you are outside, in a car, or in a mobile home with no shelter nearby.

If You Are Inside… Go to the basement or storm cellar if you have one. If you don’t, then move to the center of the lowest floor.

Get under a sturdy piece of furniture. .

Hurricanes and Tropical StormsHurricanes and Tropical Storms

Hurricanes are giant,

spiraling tropical storms and

the most destructive natural

weather occurrences on

earth.

When they come onto land,

the heavy rain, strong winds

and heavy waves can

damage buildings, trees and

cars.

In Hurricanes & Tropical Storms, In Hurricanes & Tropical Storms, you should…you should…

The hurricane season runs from

June to November, peaking

mid-August to late October.

Tune in the radio or television for weather updates. Follow the

instructions given on:•Personal Safety & Evacuation•Securing your home & car•Safeguarding pets & livestock•Stocking emergency supplies

Floods Floods

Any source of water, river,

lake, pond or stream has

the potential to overflow,

and flood the surrounding

area.

All areas of the South

Carolina are prone to

flooding.

In A Flood, you should…In A Flood, you should…

Never travel in flooded

areas.

Never swim in or let

children play in standing

flood water.

Watch out for snakes, and

other hazards that have

moved to higher ground.

Winter StormsWinter Storms

In SC snow is rare and it can be

great fun but winter storms can

cause severe problems.

They often have strong winds,

sleet, freezing rain, heavy

snowfall and bitter cold as

components.

In a Winter Storm, you should…

• Stay inside if possible.

• If you go outside dress in several layers of warm clothing. If you start to get too cold, or your nose, hands, feet or ears start to feel numb, go inside and warm up for a few minutes.

• Stay away from frozen ponds – the ice usually won’t hold.

• Stay from any high voltage lines that may have fallen during the storm.

Earthquakes

On August 31, 1886, the Great Charleston Earthquake struck in Summerville and Charleston. It was the largest, most destructive, and most lethal earthquake ever to strike east of the Mississippi. Over one hundred twenty-four people were killed and hundreds more severely injured.

To this day, it dominates the seismic history of the entire East Coast. This earthquake struck without warning and caused far more deaths, injuries, and property damage than Hurricane Hugo, a Category IV hurricane (1989).

SC is home to one of the most active earthquake-producing regions in North America, a twenty-five by fifteen-mile oval known as the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone, whose center lies about twenty-two miles northwest of Charleston.

“People running from the Quake."

(SC State Museum Exhibit)

"Broad St., south side, looking east."

(South Caroliniana Library Archives)

SC State Museum Exhibit

The 1886 Charleston Earthquake

Earthquakes

On January 1, 1913, an earthquake registering 5.5 on the Richter Scale in occurred in Union SC. The earthquake affected an area of 43,000 square miles. Although no deaths were reported, it caused chimneys to fall, machinery to move, windows to break and goods to fall from shelves.

Pickens County was the apparent center of an October 20, 1924, earthquake which shook most of South Carolina and western North Carolina, northeastern Georgia, and eastern Tennessee. The area affected was approximately 90 miles.

Moderately strong shocks occurred near Charleston on November 19, 1952, August 3, 1959, March 12, 1960, July 23, 1960, and October 23, 1967.

EarthquakesEarthquakes

An earthquake is the shockwave that occurs when plates beneath the Earth’s crust shift.

This movement causes the ground to become unstable and shake.

South Carolina is on a earthquake fault line and we have several quakes each year. They are usually small ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 in magnitude.

Since 2006, SC has more than 35 measurable earthquakes.

In an Earthquake, you In an Earthquake, you should…should…

Identify danger areas and stay

away from things that break or

fall on you like glass or heavy

furniture.

Move to a safe place where you

can get under a table, desk, or

against an interior wall.

Evacuation, Evacuation, Emergency Emergency Supplies & Supplies &

SheltersShelters

When Should You Evacuate?When Should You Evacuate?

1. If a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for your area then you should leave.

2. If you live in a mobile home you should always evacuate if the emergency is weather related.

Hurricanes are not the only reason we evacuate. Evacuation orders were issued for the train derailment in Graniteville, fires in Myrtle Beach, toxic spills flood warnings, and factory fires among others.

Evacuation KitsEvacuation Kits

1. What items do you want in your evacuation kit?

2. Are they the same as the items you think you need to pack?

3. How long should you plan for?

Evacuation Evacuation KitsKits

It is a good idea to have a “go bag”. That is a bag that ready to grab if you have to go to a shelter. You can use a backpack, duffle bag or laundry bag.

Your name should be clearly written on it.

Your supplies should last for a minimum of three days.

You shouldn’t “over pack” your kit – take only what you need and what you carry easily.

Remember, there isn’t a lot or room or privacy in shelters.

EMERGENCY EMERGENCY SUPPLIESSUPPLIES

What to What to Pack?Pack?

The Red Cross recommends that The Red Cross recommends that for each person you for each person you packpack::

• 2 blankets and a pillow a, lawn chairs or cot2 blankets and a pillow a, lawn chairs or cot• Prescription medication and necessary over-the-Prescription medication and necessary over-the-

counter medications(s) counter medications(s) • 3 Gallons of water3 Gallons of water• Special dietary needs, favorite non-perishable Special dietary needs, favorite non-perishable

snacks snacks • Flashlights & batteries Flashlights & batteries • Important papers - home owners insurance, Important papers - home owners insurance,

medical information etc. medical information etc.

Packing Packing continuedcontinued

• Personal hygiene items such as soap, towel, Personal hygiene items such as soap, towel, toothbrush, etc. toothbrush, etc.

• Books, small toys & games - try for quiet Books, small toys & games - try for quiet things! things!

• Baby Supplies - diapers, bottles, formula, etc.Baby Supplies - diapers, bottles, formula, etc.• A Patient & Cooperative Attitude!!A Patient & Cooperative Attitude!!

SHELTERSSHELTERS

ShelteringSheltering

You don’t always have to go to a

shelter. If you can, stay with friends or

relatives or have them stay with you

whichever is the safest location. Go to

a hotel/motel. You should always have

more than one option, more than one

plan. Needs during disaster differ,

choose the best plan for that situation.

Staying in a shelter should be your

last choice.

Sheltering in Place - SuppliesSheltering in Place - Supplies

Because not everyone has to, can, or will evacuate in the event of an emergency. If you stay home here are the basics you should consider stocking:•Food & Water

•First Aid & Special Items for Medical Conditions

•Clothing & Bedding

•Tools & Emergency Supplies

SheltersShelters

If the safest place to stay is a shelter then go. It will help if you are prepared – most shelters are runs by the Red Cross. They do not allow you to bring in weapons, drugs, alcohol, pets or smoking inside the building.

Shelters are not spacious, private, or quite, and there isn’t always electricity and a bed for everyone.

Don’t expect hot showers or meals, they are not always available.

There will be lines to use the bathroom and other stressful situations

In general medical services are not available and it will be up to you to keep you and yours safe.

Shelter Realities

Luxuries don’t exist during an emergency.

Expect Shelter RulesExpect Shelter Rules

In most shelters you will be expected to: 1.Register when you arrive and sign in and out when entering or leaving.

2.Keep your area clean and help keep the shelter clean.

3.Keep food and beverages in designated areas.

4.Respect quiet hours, watch your children.

5.Be careful with your valuables as they are your responsibility.

6.Smoke in designated areas only.

Katrina Survivors at a Red Cross Shelter Katrina Survivors at a Red Cross Shelter Houston Astrodome, Houston, TexasHouston Astrodome, Houston, Texas

Shelters Open in Preparation for Tropical Storm Shelters Open in Preparation for Tropical Storm

Ernesto August 29, 2006 in Miami, FloridaErnesto August 29, 2006 in Miami, Florida

Emergency Red Cross shelter just inland from Myrtle Emergency Red Cross shelter just inland from Myrtle

Beach, S.C - Hurricane Fran 1996Beach, S.C - Hurricane Fran 1996

Staying Well During an Staying Well During an EmergencyEmergency

Shelters & Mental Shelters & Mental IllnessesIllnesses

Emergency shelters are set up to provide a secure environment for a lot of people for a short period of time, typically 3 to 7 days.

In order to reduce the risk of relapse and/or lessen symptom development it is a good idea to do a self assessment to prepare in case you need to evacuate to emergency shelter.

It’s a good idea to develop a plan for how you will manage if a disaster disrupts your routine.

How Well Do You Manage How Well Do You Manage When You Experience:When You Experience:

• Loud noises

• Crowded rooms

• Lights on all the time

• Storms• Being away from your own

bed

• Children and strangers

• Not being able to smoke when you want

• Not being able to go to bed when you want

• Having your daily routine interrupted or altered

Do You…?Do You…?

• Have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

• Does the chaos that accompanies emergencies increase flashbacks or your depression?

• Hear voices? What makes it worse? Are those things likely to happen in a shelter?

• Have symptoms of depression, mania or anxiety when your daily routine changes?

Staying Well During a Staying Well During a DisasterDisaster

• Are you able to identify the things that trigger your symptoms? Do you know what your early warning signs are

• Can you work on a plan to help you manage?

• Try practicing what you would say to someone if you need help: For example, you may want to tell a friend or someone at the shelter “I have anxiety or panic disorder. If I panic and need assistance, I have emergency medicine in my evacuation kit. It’s called __________________.”

Staying Well During a Staying Well During a DisasterDisaster

• For your meds you should – know what your medications are and if you go to a shelter take them with you

in the original bottles. – Keep a separate list of medication names and doses in case you lose or run

out of medicine.

• Develop a support system of friends who can help you and whom you can help.

• Keep important papers and information with you. – Your Medicaid or Medicare card – Your Doctors names and contact information

Staying Well During a DisasterStaying Well During a Disaster

Create a Comfort Box or BagTry placing items that are familiar and bring you comfort in a box to take with you to a shelter. The box should contain items that are easy for you to transport and keep up with when in an evacuation shelter.

For example, if people, strangers, and/or having to talk to others bothers you, it maybe a good idea to take a portable music player and headphones or ear plugs to block out noise.

Staying Well During a DisasterStaying Well During a Disaster

Remember people with special needs need to take extra care in preparing for

an emergency.

Make sure you have enough medication, medical supplies and equipment and

know what special resources may be required for you and your family to make

it safely through a emergency.

Staying Well During a Staying Well During a DisasterDisaster

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health has Planning Guide

to help you prepare.• Personal emergency information forms - 2 copies• Evacuation kits and guides• Sheltering information• Information specific to persons with mental illnesses• Information for persons with other disabilities or special needs• Caring for your pets• County offices of emergency management • Web resources

Exam is NextExam is Next

Test Your KnowledgeTest Your Knowledge

1.) Disasters are?A) Events that causes great harm or damage or an incident that causes

widespread destruction and distress.B) Accidental, Natural, IntentionalC) Strike quickly and without warningD) All of the Above

2.) Disasters can be categorized into ___ groups.A) 1 B) 3C) 5 D) 7

3.) In emergency situations the needs of people with disabilities have priority consideration.

TrueFalse

Test Your KnowledgeTest Your Knowledge

4.) The difference between Watch and Warning is - in a Watch conditions are right for something to happen - in a Warning the event has happened. True or False

5.) In preparing a good response plan you need only worry about those emergencies that are most likely to happen in your area.True or False

6.) It is okay to be in a boat but not swim during a thunderstorm.True or False

7.) All areas of the South Carolina are prone to flooding.True or False

8.) There is no need to worry about earthquakes in South Carolina.True or False

9.) You only need to evacuate a mobile home in the case of a tornado warning.True or False

Test Your KnowledgeTest Your Knowledge

10.) Evacuation shelters are often crowded and noisy, they may or may not have

electricity, cots are not always available and sometimes people have to sleep on

the floor.

True or False

11.) Evacuation kits should contain supplies for ___ days.

A) 1 B) 3

C) 5 D) 7

12.) To help you stay well during an emergency you should Identify the things that

trigger your symptoms, know what your early warning signs are and work on a

plan to help you cope.

True or False

Test Your Knowledge

13.) If you have to go to a shelter it is important to take a list of the medications you

take so that shelter staff can make sure to stock them.True or False

14.) Having a support system of friends who can help you and whom you can help

during an emergency can be an important part of your wellness plan.True or False

15.) Knowing what to do during an emergency is your best protection and your

responsibility. True or False

Answers

1.) Disaster are? D Events that causes great harm or damage or an incident that causes widespread destruction and distress, can be accidental, natural or intentional, can strike quickly and without warning.

2.) Disasters can be categorized into B- 3 groups; natural, accidental or intentional.

3.) False - In emergency situations the needs of people with disabilities do not have priority consideration.

4.) True The difference between a Watch and Warning is - in a Watch conditions are right for something to happen - in a Warning the event has happened.

5). False In preparing a good response plan you need to worry about all emergencies that are happen in your area.

Answers

6.) False It is not okay to boat or swim during a thunderstorm.

7.) True All areas of the South Carolina are prone to flooding.

8.) False South Carolina sits on a earthquake fault line.

9.) False If you live in a mobile home you should always evacuate if the

emergency is weather related.

10.) True Evacuation shelters are often crowded and noisy, they may or may

not have electricity, cots are not always available and sometimes people

have to sleep on the floor.

Answers

11.) B Evacuation kits should contain supplies for a minimum 3 days.

12.) True You should identify the things that trigger your symptoms, know what your

early warning signs are and work on a plan to help you cope in an Emergency.

13.) False if you go to a shelter take medications with you in the original bottles and

keep a separate list of medication names and doses in case you lose them or run

out.

14.) True Having a support system of friends who can help you and whom you can

help during an emergency can be an important part of your wellness plan.

15.) True Knowing what to do during an emergency is your best protection and

your responsibility.

Thank You!!!

For More Information Please Contact: Katherine Roberts, MPH, Director, SCDMH Office of Client

Affairs (803) 898-8304 /kmr50@scdmh.org

For the Disaster Planning Guide go to:http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/preparing_for_disaster.pdf