wright state university – miami valley college of nursing and health the next disaster: are you as...

Wright State University – Miami ValleyCollege of Nursing and Health

The Next Disaster: Are You As A Nurse

Prepared?

Welcome to the Ohio Nurses Association


Why are we concerned about disasters?• According to FEMA, Major Disaster Declarations have steadily increased since

1953

• #13 in 1953

• #81 in 2010

• #99 in 2011

• #47 in 2012

• #11 in 2013 as of 2 Apr 2013 and climbing (Oklahoma – May 20, 2013)

Are You Prepared?


#1 Disaster in Ohio


#1 Disaster in Ohio – Severe Storms


Objective

• Objective – Describe steps nurses can take to be better prepared both personally and professionally for a disaster


Preparing Your Home/Work

• Getting Informed – know the warning systems and signals for your area

– National weather service

– Television announcements

– Radio announcements


Preparing Your Home/Work• Evacuating yourself and your family. Hold a family

meeting to discuss where you would all meet to evacuate from these locations:

– Your home and community

– Your children’s schools

– Your place of work



• Evacuating yourself and your family out of the community – Escape Routes

– Near the home

– In the local community

– Outside the community



• Evacuating yourself and your co-workers out of the workplace – Escape Routes, i.e. which stairwell do you use? What if it’s blocked?

– Near your workplace – have you identified a gathering place? i.e. a certain corner of the parking lot

– In the local community – i.e. another facility, a certain building?

– Outside the community – another town or city?


Preparing Your Home/Work• Family Communications • Complete a contact card for each family member

– Set cell phones with “ICE” cell phone numbers

ICE = In Case of Emergency


Preparing Your Home/Work• Locate Utility Shut-offs

– Natural Gas

– Water

– Electricity

Find these items in your home – know how to shut them off



• Insurance and Vital Records

• Flood Insurance – Do you need it?– Inventory Home/Work Possessions– Important Documents– Money

Keep important items in a safe and secure location, i.e. safe,

safe-deposit box



• Special Needs

– Disability/Special Needs, i.e. sight and/or hearing impaired, mobility impaired, etc



• Caring for Animals– Shelter for Pets– Pet Supplies including food, medications– Pet ID tags– Pet Carriers/leashes



• Caring for Animals

– Veterinary records (most kennels will require records)– What hotels/motels allow pets?– Emergency Shelters may not allow pets

Check these out BEFORE a disaster!



• Safety Skills

– Learn CPR and Basic First Aid

– Obtain and Know How to use a Fire Extinguisher



• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

– Home, Work, Vehicle

Keep it simple – food, water, basic first aid supplies, clothing



Home Disaster Kit



Home/Work Disaster Kit



• Water– How much? One gallon per person per day– How should it be stored? Best – commercially bottled

water– Remember: even bottled water has an expiration date.

Rotate bottled water as necessary– Store in containers you can lift and move



• Food– Avoid foods that make you thirsty (i.e.

choose low sodium foods)– Stock foods that require no

refrigeration– Canned goods, dry mixes (don’t forget

the can opener and don’t forget that dry mixes will require water to reconstitute)

– Store items in pest-proof containers



Food Quiz

Which of these foods would you choose to have in your disaster kit?



Food Quiz - AnswersThere is no perfect food to put in your disaster kit. Consider the following:1) What foods will you and/or your family eat? – no

sense putting items in your disaster kit that no one will eat

2) Food allergies – keep this in mind as your decide on food items

3) Does a food item require special preparation?



Food Quiz - AnswersThere is no perfect food to put in your disaster kit. Consider the following:4) Is the food item too heavy to carry long distances?5) Cost – can you afford special survival foods?6) Food items expire – keep track and rotate

Bottom line: Pack what you and your family can and will eat


Preparing Your Home/WorkIssues to consider when choosing food items: 1) Size 2) Cost 3) Weight 4) Shelf life 5) Movement 6) Likes/dislikes by family members 7) Ease of use/Food preparation requirements 8) Medical concerns of family members, i.e. allergies



• Food– What foods should you store?

• Best determined by family needs and desires, i.e. allergy issues, diabetic foods

• Based on family use, provide a 3-day supply of food items

• Commercially available ‘disaster’ foods are good – but costly and some do not taste very good. Sold at sporting goods stores, some grocery stores

Remember: Food items have expiration dates!!


Preparing Your Home/WorkBasic Disaster Supplies Kit

Three-day supply of food and waterPortable, battery operated radio/TVFlashlight/extra batteries (rotate every 6 months)First aid kit and manualHygiene itemsMatches/lighterWhistleExtra Clothing


Preparing Your Home/Work• Basic Disaster Supplies Kit Kitchen accessories/cooking utensils

– Photocopies of credit cards/ID cards

– Cash and coins (how much?)– Special needs items (prescription

meds, eye glasses)– Items for infants– Other items as needed



• Basic Disaster Supplies Kit– Clothing:

• Needs to be seasonal• Cold weather items

– Coats/sweaters if power goes off– Long pants/shirts– Extra sturdy shoes– Hats, mittens, gloves– Sleeping bag or blankets for each person



Maintaining Your Disaster Supplies Kit

Store food items in climate controlled conditionsStore food items in pest-proof containers (metal if possible)Discard canned goods that swell, get dented or corrodedWatch for expiration dates on food items – keep a listRotate food/water every 6 months (per expiration dates)Update items as family needs changePlace items in containers that are easy to carry/move, i.e. ice

chest on wheels, boxes that fit on a small cart or dolly, backpack



• Shelter – be prepared to move to appropriate shelters– Manage water carefully– Obtain water from reliable sources– Manage food supplies carefully– Cook safely– Store food safely


Preparing Your Home/Work• Don’t forget your

motor vehicles!!!– First Aid Kit– Non-Latex Gloves– Emergency Tool– Seasonable supplies

$15-$20 at most automotive or discount stores



Practice Your Home/Work Safety

Plan!!!!!!!!!!!


Natural & Man-Made Disasters


Natural Hazards

Natural hazards are natural events that threaten lives, property, and other assets. Often natural hazards can be predicted. They tend to occur repeatedly in the same geographical locations because they are related to weather patterns or physical characteristics of an area.


Natural HazardsTornadoes

Forrest FiresBlizzardsFlooding

Hurricanes


Natural Hazards

EarthquakesDust storms

TsunamisVolcanoes


Natural Hazards• Floods: the most common hazard in the United States.

Some floods develop slowly, others can happen very quickly with devastating effect. Flash floods are

particularly dangerous. Not just from the wall of fast moving water but also from the debris, rocks and mud that often accompany flash floods.


Natural Hazards• Flood terminology:

– Flood watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to a NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information

– Flash flood watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather radio, commercial radio or television for information

– Flood warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately

– Flash flood warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately


Lesson 2 - Natural Hazards


Natural Hazards


Natural Hazards

• If a flood is likely in your area:

– Listen to the radio or television for instructions– Be aware of the potential for flash flooding

near your home– Be aware of the potential for flash flooding in

areas you might be traveling through as you evacuate


Natural Hazards

• Evacuation tips:– Do NOT try to walk through moving water!!! Six

inches of fast-flowing water can knock you down. If you must walk through water, stick to non-moving water and use a stick to probe the ground ahead of you.

– Do NOT drive into flooded areas or across flooded streets - Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most cars

– A foot of water will float most vehicles– Two feet of moving water can sweep your car away


Natural Hazards


Natural HazardsAfter a flood:

Don’t drink tap water until instructed it is safe to do soAvoid floodwaters – may be contaminated by raw

sewage, gasoline, oil, etc Be aware of areas where floodwaters may have

receded – roads may be weakenedStay away from downed power linesReturn home when told it is safe to do soClean and disinfect anything that got wet – water and

mud may contain chemicals, raw sewage, etc.


Natural Hazards

• Be aware of the following:– Flood losses are generally NOT covered by your

homeowners insurance – you need to check before a flood happens to you

– Flood insurance can be obtained through selected insurance agents

– There is usually a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect


Natural Hazards• Flood Quiz – True or False

1. Flood emergencies occur in only 12 states.

2. A “Flood Watch” announcement on the radio indicates that a flood is possible.

3. Flash floods may occur with little warning.

4. Flood risk varies from one region to another.

5. National flood insurance is available only for buildings within an identified flood-prone area.

6. It is safe to walk through floodwater if you can see the ground under it.

7. It takes at least 3 feet of floodwater to make a motorized vehicle float.

8. After flood waters recede from a roadway, the road could still be dangerous.

9. To prepare for a flood emergency, you should have a NOAA Weather radio as well as a commercial radio.


Natural Hazards• Flood Quiz – True or False

1. Flood emergencies occur in only 12 states. FALSE

2. A “Flood Watch” announcement on the radio indicates that a flood is possible. TRUE

3. Flash floods may occur with little warning. TRUE

4. Flood risk varies from one region to another. TRUE

5. National flood insurance is available only for buildings within an identified flood-prone area. FALSE

6. It is safe to walk through floodwater if you can see the ground under it. FALSE

7. It takes at least 3 feet of floodwater to make a motorized vehicle float. FALSE

8. After flood waters recede from a roadway, the road could still be dangerous. TRUE

9. To prepare for a flood emergency, you should have a NOAA Weather radio as well as a commercial radio. TRUE


Natural Hazards

• Tornadoes: nature’s MOST violent storms. Tornadoes have occurred in ALL 50 states.

• Some tornadoes allow for advance warning due to observed weather systems – i.e. storm cells developing in an area

• Some tornadoes give little to no warning


Natural Hazards

• Additional tornado facts:– Tornadoes may appear transparent until they pick up

debris– The average tornado moves SW to NE but tornadoes

have been known to move in any direction– Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and

hurricanes– Peak tornado season in the midwest is late spring

through early summer


Natural HazardsTornado terminology:

Tornado watch: tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Tune in to radio, TV for info

Tornado warning: a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately!!


Natural Hazards

During a tornado:

Seek shelter immediatelyIf in a building – go to the designated shelter area – avoid windows

– avoid unsupported brick or masonry walls – get under a sturdy table

If in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home – get out! Get to the lowest area possibly – preferably a building

If outside with no shelter – lie flat in a ditch – avoid overpasses or bridges

Never try to outrun a tornadoWatch out for flying debris


Natural Hazards

• Preparing a tornado safe room:

– Can be built in a basement, atop a concrete slab or garage floor or in an interior room on the first floor

– Safe rooms below ground offer the most protection

– See: “Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your House”


Natural HazardsHurricanes

Hurricane Ike was the third costliest hurricane ever to make

landfall in the United States. Early on Sept. 14, 2008 Ike merged with

a large cold front moving from west to east over the central U.S.

and became extra tropical.

Who says we don’t have hurricanes in Ohio???


Natural Hazards• Hurricanes

– Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

• Category 1 74-95 MPH Winds Minimal• Category 2 96-110 MPH Winds Moderate• Category 3 111-130 MPH Winds Extensive• Category 4 131-155 MPH Winds Extreme• Category 5 More than 155 Catastrophic


Natural HazardsThunderstorms and Lightning

All thunderstorms are dangerous and produce lightning

In the US, 300 people injured and 80 killed/year

Thunderstorms are often associated with tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding

Flash Flooding kills more people (140/year) than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard http://blogs.sundaymercury.net/brummie-broad/2008/07/struck-by-lightning.html


Natural Hazards• Thunderstorm Facts:

– Lightning is extremely unpredictable– Lightning can occur as far as 10 miles away from rain– Most lightning deaths and injuries occur in the

summer months during the afternoon and evening– Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and

should be treated immediately


Natural Hazards• Thunderstorm Terms:

– Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur

– Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings include imminent danger to life and property


Natural Hazards

• Protective Measures for Thunderstorms:

– Prior to thunderstorms remove dead branches from trees that could fall and cause injury during a storm

– Remember the 30/30 rule: go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.


Natural Hazards• Protective Measures for Thunderstorms in your area:

– Postpone outdoor activities– Get inside– Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause

damage– Avoid showering or bathing – can conduct electricity– Don’t use corded phones – use cell phones– Protect electrical items from power surges


Natural Hazards

• Lightning Quiz – True or False

1. Every thunderstorm produces lightning.

2. Never touch a person struck by lightning.

3. Dry, cold conditions favor development of a thunderstorm.

4. If you can count to 25 after seeing lightning and before hearing thunder, it is safe to stay outdoors.

5. It is safe to use a cordless phone during a thunderstorm.

6. Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide protection from lightning.


Natural Hazards

• Lightning Quiz – True or False

1. Every thunderstorm produces lightning. TRUE

2. Never touch a person struck by lightning. FALSE

3. Dry, cold conditions favor development of a thunderstorm. FALSE

4. If you can count to 25 after seeing lightning and before hearing thunder, it is safe to stay outdoors. FALSE

5. It is safe to use a cordless phone during a thunderstorm. TRUE

6. Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide protection from lightning. FALSE


Natural HazardsWinter Storms and Extreme Cold - Terminology

Freezing Rain: rain that freezes when it hits the ground creating a coating on the ground

Sleet: rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground

Winter Storm Watch: a winter storm is possible Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurringBlizzard Warning: sustained winds or gusts to 35

MPH and large amounts of snowfall for 3 >hrsFrost/Freeze Warning: <freezing temperatures


Natural HazardsWinter Storms and Extreme

Cold – Protective Measures:

Keep rock salt to melt ice on walkways

Use sand to improve tractionHave snow shovels or other snow

removal equipmentMake sure your home survival kit is

winterized


Natural HazardsWinterize your vehicles:

Keep car battery clean and operationalEnsure antifreeze levels are adequateReplace windshield wipers as necessaryEnsure windshield washer fluids are adequateEnsure car thermostat works properlyCheck car lights and hazard lights Check brakes – consider snow tiresKeep emergency supplies in car to include food, water

and cold weather clothing – especially if traveling


Natural Hazards

Winterize yourself!!!Dress appropriatelyKeep your head coveredMittens are warmer than gloves (why?)Avoid overexertionWatch for signs of hypothermia, i.e. uncontrollable

shivering, slurred speech, disorientation, drowsiness


Natural HazardsDuring a winter storm:

Listen to weather channels for advisories – don’t go out if the weather is bad!!

Don’t get dehydratedStay with your vehicle if you get stranded – it’s much

easier to find by rescue personnelLet friends, family know your itinerary if traveling

during bad weather


Natural Hazards

Extreme Heat:

High heat with high humidity is a killer!Don’t get dehydratedEven in Ohio – heat can kill!


Natural HazardsExtreme Heat Terminology:

Heat Wave - Prolonged period of excessive heatHeat Index – A number in degrees Fahrenheit that tells how

hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature

Heat Cramps – Muscular pains/spasms due to heavy exertion. A first signal the body is in danger from heat

Heat Exhaustion – combination of dehydration and a warm environment; cool, pale, moist skin, rapid pulse

Heat Stroke – can follow untreated heat exhaustion. Bodies cooling system fails leading to excessive body heat – death if untreated


Natural Hazards

Extreme Heat Protective MeasuresStay indoors as much as possibleDrink plenty of waterLimit intake of alcoholDress in loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothingNever leave small children or pets in closed vehiclesBottom line – don’t go out into extreme heat unless

absolutely necessary and then stay hydrated!!!


Natural HazardsFirst Aid for Heat Induced Illnesses:

Take cooling showers for sunburn and overheatingLoosen or remove clothingGive sips of cool (not cold) water – consume slowlyDiscontinue water if nausea developsSeek immediate medical attention if nausea developsCall 911 or get victim to a hospital if body temp >105


Natural Hazards

Earthquakes:

YES – they can and have happened in Ohio!!!


Natural HazardsEarthquake Terminology:

Earthquake – a sudden slipping or movement of a portion of the earth’s crust followed by vibrations

Aftershock – an earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that follows the main earthquake

Fault – a fracture across the earth’s surface during an earthquake

Epicenter – the point above the actual earthquakeSeismic Waves – vibrations that travel from the quakeMagnitude – the amount of energy released. Richter

Scale.


Natural HazardsEarthquake Preparation:

Locate safe spots in your home/work to seek shelter – before an earthquake occurs

Place large and heavy objects on lower shelvesSecure items that could fall during an earthquakeHold earthquake drills in your home (along with all

the other drills, i.e. tornadoes, floods – make a party of it!!)


Natural Hazards

During an Earthquake: If indoors

Take cover under sturdy objects, i.e. desk, table or against an inside wall

Stay away from glass, i.e. windows, mirrorsStay away from outside walls, light fixtures or anything

that could fall on youStay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go

outDo NOT use elevators


Natural HazardsDuring an Earthquake: If outdoors

Stay outside!Move away from buildings, light poles, utility wiresDon’t go inside any structures until they are deemed

safe to enter


Natural HazardsDuring an Earthquake: If in a vehicle

Stay there!Stop as quickly as possible – don’t stop under

overpasses, light poles, trees or under utility wiresProceed cautiously once an earthquake has stopped

but watch carefully for road and/or bridge damage

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cypress_collapsed.jpg


Natural HazardsDuring an Earthquake: If trapped under debris

Don’t move! You may cause more debris to fall Do NOT light a match or lighterTap on a wall or pipe to alert rescuers to your

presence (…---… = SOS)


Natural Hazards

After an Earthquake:

Be prepared for aftershocks

Open cabinets carefullyStay away from damaged

areas

Haiti Earthquake, 2010


Natural Hazards

Volcanoes:

Not very likely in Ohio or the mid-west – but if traveling to areas that do have volcanoes – follow local guidance

http://www.centennial.k12.mn.us/BHE/Archives/Activities/Disaster/volcano2.jpg


Natural HazardsLandslides and Debris Flows:

Can occur in all 50 statesBe aware of surrounding areas near your home that

could develop into landslides

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pictures+of+landslides&view=detail&id=C79EB11753F9E49B7773634AF4EC41B48DF5DE48&first=0


Natural HazardsTsunamis:

Not very likely in Ohio or the mid-west – but if traveling to areas that do have Tsunamis – follow local guidance

http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Everyone%20Else/pages-3/New-Zealand-comes-within-richter-points-of-a-tsunami-Scrape-TV-The-World-on-your-side.html


Natural Hazards

Fires:Each year 4,000 people die in

fires and 25,000 are injured. Property loss estimated at $8.6 Billion annually

Fire moves very swiftlyMore people die from

asphyxiation than the fire itselfBottom line – get away from fire

ASAP!!


Natural Hazards

Fires: Protective Measures

Install smoke detectors at every level in your home

Change the batteries at least once a year and test them


Natural Hazards

Fires: Escaping a fire

Review escape routes with your family – know where to meet

Make sure you have escape methods out of your house – windows, doors you can get out of

Consider escape ladders – especially if bedrooms are on a second or higher floor


Natural Hazards

Fires: Flammable Items

Never use flammable liquids indoorsStore flammable liquids in approved containers in well-

ventilated areasNever smoke near flammable liquids (you’d be surprised

how many people actually do this!!)Discard oily rags or materials in safe, fire-proof

containersMake sure chimneys are properly cared for


Natural HazardsFires: Heating Sources

Be VERY careful using alternate heating sources

Keep heaters away from flammable materials

Store fireplace ashes in metal containers – outside – not in the house

Have heating units inspected and cleaned as needed

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pictures+of+portable+heaters&view=detail&id=C020F1BEB8765844C2E83B553014DB0331A1F726&first=0


Natural Hazards

Fires: Other concerns

Keep lighters/matches away from children

Don’t smoke in bed or if drowsySleep with bedroom doors closedInstall fire extinguishers in house –

know how to use them


Natural Hazards

Fires: If you catch on fire

Stop, Drop, and RollDo NOT run

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pictures+of+people+on+fire&view=detail&id=52FBDE8C2D79F8E4CEDB958766B843F73895AADD&first=0&FORM=IDFRIR


Natural HazardsFires: During a fire

Check doors for heat before you open themHot door – don’t open!Cool door – open very slowly and carefullyCrawl low to escapeCall 911


Natural Hazards

Wild Fires:

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pictures+of+forrest+fires&view=detail&id=DBCD317341BAFA2A6B8D3A777D0AE5830D17BD36&first=0&FORM=IDFRIR

http://stephenleahy.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/forest-fire.jpg


Man-Made Hazards

Intentional or Accidental?


Intentional Hazards

• WMD:– Chemical (i.e. Sarin gas attack in Tokyo, 1995)– Biological (i.e. Salmonella poisoning, Oregon, 1984)– Radiological (i.e. “Dirty bombs”)– Nuclear (i.e. Hiroshima and Nagasaki, WWII)– Explosive (Boston Marathon bombing, 2013)


Accidental Hazards• Chemical Spills (i.e. Bhopal, India, 1984)• Building Collapse (i.e. Kansas City, MO, 1981)• Oil Tanker Spill (Exxon Valdez, 1989)• Air Ship (Hindenberg, 1937)• Aircraft disasters (Canary Islands, 1977)


Are You Prepared???


Questions?

wright state university – miami valley college of nursing and health the next disaster: are you as...

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