- CHEMICAL
ACCIDENTS
-
- A. General Information:
- The likelihood of this city suffering a major
disaster caused by a chemical accident has
escalated because of the increase in everyday use
of chemicals by all segments of our population as
well as the movement of hazardous materials by
all types of transportation.
-
- B. Citizen Cooperation with Authorities:
- Prompt reporting of a chemical accident is every
citizen's responsibility. Local authorities, and
particularly the emergency services i.e., police
and fire, need timely and accurate information
upon which to base decisions on how to respond to
an incident. Authorities must also be able to
correctly answer questions from the news media so
that erroneous reports are prevented.
-
- Citizens should not spread rumors. If they
witness an incident, they should tell the
authorities exactly what they saw. If not a
witness, the citizen should keep posted via radio
or TV but not rush to the scene since this causes
serious obstructions to the emergency services
who are attempting to save lives and property. A
citizen at the scene is needlessly exposing
himself to injury, particularly if chemical
reactions take place.
-
- C. Emergency Treatment of Casualties:
- A citizen may find themselves administering
emergency first aid to a victim of a chemical
accident or to themselves. The treatment
described in this section is limited to emergency
procedures which anyone can administer. The
first-aid measures suggested emphasize the use of
water because it is available most anywhere and
will remove chemicals by solution, dilution, and
mechanical action. These measures cover four of
the principal types of chemical threats to
people; (1) Inhalation; (2) Skin Exposure; (3)
Swallowing; and (4) Eye Exposure.
-
- Inhalation
- 1. Remove person(s) to an uncontaminated area. If
the person(s) have been overcome, do not attempt
a rescue without the protection of proper
respiratory equipment. Use some form of
self-contained breathing apparatus. Remember, a
gas mask does not protect against atmospheric
oxygen deficiency, nor is it effective in high
concentrations (2 % by volume is the usual limit)
of chemical vapors. Remember also that even
though a self-contained air supply mask is worn,
injury can occur through exposed skin surfaces if
the air contaminant is an irritant or can be
absorbed through skin.
-
- 2. Have the person(s) lie down and keep them
warm. If breathing is difficult, a sitting
position may be more comfortable. If unconscious,
see that their tongue does not fall back and
obstruct breathing. If vomiting starts, turn on
side or face downward to prevent inhaling vomited
material.
-
- 3. If breathing has stopped, shout for help and
start an effective means of artificial
respiration. Continue until breathing is restored
or a physician or other competent person arrives
to take charge. An effective means of artificial
respiration is one which the rescuer knows best
how to perform. Mouth-to-mouth breathing is the
most effective method now known. The back
pressure-arm lift method is next most efficient.
The Schafter prone-pressure method may also be
used.
-
- 4. If breathing becomes difficult or color of the
patient becomes blue-grey, check for an
obstructed airway. If the airway is clear, oxygen
may be given by face mask, but only by someone
familiar with the use of the equipment and
authorized to do so.
-
- 5. Call a physician as soon as possible or send
someone to do this. Make sure the physician knows
where he is needed and why he is needed.
-
- 6. Whenever possible never leave an unconscious
person unattended.
-
- 7. Never attempt to give an unconscious person
anything by mouth.
-
- Skin Exposure
- 1. Small exposures of the skin should be promptly
flooded with water and followed by thorough,
gentle scrubbing with soap and water.
-
- 2. Contaminated clothing should be removed and
the underlying skin flushed with running water
followed by soap and water washing.
-
- 3. If large skin or clothing contact occurs, the
person(s) should be taken to the nearest shower
and clothing removed while standing in the
shower. The skin should be thoroughly washed with
water in the shower followed by gentle scrubbing
with soap and water.
-
- 4. Contaminated clothing should not be worn again
until properly decontaminated.
-
- 5. A physician should see those cases which show
skin effects from the exposure or in whom
symptoms of systemic illness appear.
-
- Swallowing
- 1. Cause the victim to vomit as quickly as
possible. This may be done by having him drink a
lot of water then sticking a finger down his
throat. Another effective means of causing
vomiting is to drink a glass of warm water in
which a tablespoon of salt has been dissolved.
- CAUTION: If strong caustic chemicals have
been swallowed, vomiting may rupture
damaged tissue. Never give an unconscious
person anything by mouth. CONTACT A LOCAL
POISON CONTROL CENTER.
-
- 2. Call a physician or other emergency medical
assistance at once.
-
- 3. Keep the victim lying down and keep him warm
and comfortable.
-
- Eye Exposure
- 1. Take the victim immediately to the nearest
clean water source, spread the eyelids with the
fingers and allow the water to flush the eye.
-
- 2. Have victim roll the eye about so that the
water may contact all eye surfaces.
-
- 3. Take the victim to a first aid station or
other medical facility as soon as possible after
emergency washing.
-
-
- FLOODS
-
-
- A. General Information and Definitions
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, NOAA, through its Weather
Service's River Forecast Centers and River
District Offices, issues flood forecasts and
warnings when rainfall is enough to cause rivers
to overflow their banks and when melting snow may
combine with rainfall to produce similar effects.
-
- Flood warnings are forecasts of impending floods,
and are distributed to the public by radio,
television and through local government emergency
forces. The warning message tells the expected
severity of flooding (minor, moderate, or major),
the affected river, and when and where flooding
will begin. Careful preparations and prompt
response will reduce property loss and ensure
personal safety.
-
- Flash flood warnings are the most urgent type of
flood warning issued, and are also transmitted to
the public over radio, television, and by other
signals (e.g., sirens) established by local
government to meet local needs.
-
- B. Local Government Instruction
- Area radio and television stations usually
broadcast the latest flood information and
warnings. However, local government should give
more specific advice and instructions over local
stations, preferably by the chief executive or
his emergency public information representative.
Turn to local radio stations for up-to-date
information.
-
- C. Suggested Flood Safety Instructions for Citizens
As land is converted from fields or woodlands to roads and parking lots,
it loses its ability to absorb rainfall. Urbanization increases runoff 2 to
6 times over what would occur on natural terrain. During periods of urban
flooding, streets can become swift moving rivers, while basements can become
death traps as they fill with water. Torrential or prolonged rains can
produce flooding along rivers or other waterways or areas where water
naturally drains. Flash Floods occur within a few minutes or hours of
excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water
held by an ice jam. Floods are longer in duration and could last a
week or more. Most flood deaths are due to flash floods, but any flood
has the potential to cause property damage, personal injury, or loss of
life.
Stay informed about weather conditions by listening to NOAA weather
radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest flash flood/flood Watches,
Warnings, and Advisories. NOAA weather radio allows you to
receive continuous, updated weather information from the National Weather
Service.
- TORNADOES
-
- A. General Information
- A tornado is a violent local storm with whirling
winds of tremendous speed. It appears as
a revolving, funnel-shaped cloud which extends
toward the ground from the base of the
thundercloud. It varies from gray to black in
color. The tornado spins like a top and may
sound like the roaring of an airplane or
locomotive. These small short-lived storms are
the most violent of all atmospheric phenomena,
and over a small area, most destructive.
TORNADO WATCH - means tornadoes
are expected to develop.
TORNADO WARNING - means a
tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar. -
- B. Warnings
- The National Weather Service issues severe
weather warnings to the public over radio and TV
stations. Sirens will also be used to notify
residents of a tornado warning.
-
- C. Actions
- Knowing what to do when a tornado is approaching
may mean the difference between life or death. If
you see any revolving, funnel- shaped clouds on a
cloudy day, report them by telephone immediately
to the local police department, sheriffs office,
or National Weather Service Office. Do not use
the phone to get information and advice; depend
on radio or TV as indicated above.
-
- D. Tornado Safety Rules
- When a TORNADO WATCH is announced:
- a. Keep your radio or television on and
listen for the latest Weather Service
warnings and advisories. If power fails,
use a portable battery radio or your car
radio.
-
- b. Keep watching the sky, especially to
the south and southwest.
- When a TORNADO WARNING is announced:
- a. Your best protection is an underground
shelter or cave, or a substantial
steel-framed or reinforced concrete
building. (If none is available, take
refuge in other places as indicated
below.)
-
- b. If your home has no basement, take
cover under heavy furniture on the ground
floor in the central part of the house,
or in a small room on the ground floor
that is away from outside walls and
windows. The bathroom may also be a safe
location since the fixtures are firmly
connected and can protect you from flying
debris. (As a last resort, go outside to
a nearby ditch, excavation, culvert or
ravine.)
-
- c. Doors and windows on the sides of your
house away from the tornado may be left
open to help reduce damage to the
building, but stay away from them to
avoid flying debris.
-
- d. Do not remain in a trailer,
recreational vehicle or mobile home if a
tornado is approaching. Take cover
elsewhere.
-
- e. If advised that you are likely to be
in the path of a tornado, and if time
permits, electricity and fuel lines
should be cut off.
-
- f. If you are outside in open country,
drive away from the tornado's path, at a
right angle to it. If there isn't time to
do this, or if you are walking, take
cover and lie flat in the nearest
depression, such as a ditch, culvert,
excavation, or ravine.
-
- g. SCHOOLS - If the
school building is of good steel
reinforced construction stay inside away
from the windows and remain near an
inside wall on the lower floor if
possible.
-
- h. AVOID AUDITORIUMS AND
GYMNASIUMS with large,
unsupported roof spans.
-
- i. In rural schools that do not have
reinforced construction, move school
children and teachers to areas providing
best available protection within the
building if storm shelters are not
available.
-
- j. FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL
PLANTS - When possible shut off
electrical circuits and fuel lines if
tornadoes approach plant. Workers should
be moved to sections offering the best
possible protection, in accordance with
advance plans.
-
- k. SHOPPING CENTERS - Go
to a designed shelter area NOT to your
parked car.
l. OFFICE BUILDINGS - Go
to an interior hallway on the lowest
floor, or to a designated shelter area.
Stay away from windows. -
- E. Examples of Safety Measures after the
Passage of the Tornado
- 1. Use extreme caution in entering or working in
buildings that may have been damaged or weakened
by the disaster, as they may collapse without
warning. Also, there may be gas leaks or
electrical short circuits.
-
- 2. Don't take lanterns, torches or lighted
cigarettes into buildings that have been damaged
by a natural disaster since there may be leaking
gas lines or flammable material present.
-
- 3. Stay away from fallen or damaged electric
wires--they may still be dangerous.
-
- 4. Check for leaking gas pipes in your home. Do
this by smell; don't use matches or candles. If
you smell gas, do this: (1) Open all windows and
doors; (2) Turn off the main gas valve at the
meter; (3) Leave the home immediately; (4)
Noti1~" the gas company or the police or
fire department; (5) Don't re-enter the house
until you are told it is safe to do so.
-
- 5. If any of your electrical appliances are wet,
first turn off the main power switch in your
house, then unplug the wet appliance, dry it out,
reconnect it, and finally, turn on the main power
switch. (Caution: Don't do any of these things
while you are wet or standing in water.) If fuses
blow when the electric power is restored, turn
off the main power switch immediately and inspect
for short circuits in your home wiring,
appliances and equipment.
-
- 6. Check your food and water supplies before
using them. Foods that require refrigeration may
be spoiled if electric power has been off for
some time.
-
- 7. Stay away from disaster areas. Sightseeing
could interfere with first aid or rescue work and
may be dangerous as well.
-
- 8. Don't drive unless necessary, and if you must,
drive with caution. Watch for hazards to yourself
and others, and report them to local police or
fire departments.
-
- 9. Report broken sewer or water mains to the
Water Department.
-
- 10. Keep tuned to your radio or TV stations for
advice and instructions of your local government
on:
- a. Where to go to obtain necessary
medical care in your area.
-
- b. Where to go for necessary emergency
assistance for housing, clothing or food.
-
- c. Ways to help yourself and your
community recover from the emergency.
WINTER
STORMS 
- A. Warning Responsibility
- The National Weather Service is
responsible for the timely issuance of
weather warnings to the public, including
the approach of winter storms.
-
- B. Definitions
- Ice Storm - Freezing
rain or drizzle is called an ice storm.
Moisture falls in liquid form but freezes
upon impact. The term "heavy"
is used to indicate an ice coating
sufficiently heavy to cause significant
damage to trees, overhead wires, and
similar objects.
-
- Snow - Snow is a
forecast that without a qualifying word
such as "occasional" or
"intermittent' means that the fall
of snow is of a steady nature and will
probably continue for several hours
without stop.
-
- "Heavy snow warnings"
are issued to the public when a fall
of four inches or more is expected in a
12-hour period, or a fall of six inches
or more is expected in a 24-hour period.
Some variations on these rules may be
used in different parts of the country.
Where four-inch snowfalls are common, the
emphasis on heavy snow is generally
associated with six or more inches of
snow. In other parts of the county where
heavy snow is not so frequent, or in
metropolitan areas with heavy traffic, a
snow fall of two or three inches may
justify a heavy snow warning.
-
- "Snow Flurries"
are defined as snow falling for short
durations at intermittent periods;
however, a snowfall during the flurries
may reduce visibilities to an eighth of a
mile or less. Accumulations from snow
flurries are generally small.
-
- "Snow squalls" are
brief, intense falls of snow and are
comparable to summer rain showers. They
are accompanied by gusty surface winds.
-
- "Blowing and drifting
snow" generally occur
together and result from strong winds and
falling snow or loose snow on the ground.
"Blowing snow" is defined as
snow lifted from the surface by the wind
and blown about to a degree that
horizontal visibility is greatly
restricted.
-
- "Drifting snow"
is used in forecasts to indicate that
strong winds will blow falling snow or
loose snow on the ground into significant
drifts. In the northern plains, the
combination of blowing and drifting snow,
after a substantial snowfall has ended,
is often referred to as "ground
blizzard."
-
- "Blizzards" are
the most dramatic and perilous of all
winter storms, characterized by low
temperatures and by strong winds bearing
large amounts of snow. Most of the snow
accompanying a blizzard is in the form of
fine, powdery particles of snow which are
whipped in such great quantities that at
time visibility is only a few yards.
-
- "Blizzard warnings"
are issued when winds with speeds of
at least 35 MPH are accompanied by
considerable falling or blowing snow and
temperatures of 20 degrees F or lower are
expected to prevail for an extended
period of time.
-
- "Severe blizzard
warnings" are issued
when blizzards of extreme proportions are
expected and indicate wind with speeds of
at least 45 MPH plus a great density of
falling or blowing snow and a temperature
of 10 degree F or lower.
-
- A "cold-wave warning" indicates
an expected rapid fall in temperature
within a 24-hour period which will
require substantially increased
protection to agricultural, industrial,
commercial, and social activities. The
temperature falls and minimum
temperatures required to justify cold
wave warnings vary with the changing of
the season and with geographic location.
Regardless of the month or the section of
the country, a cold wave warning is a red
flag alert to the public that during a
forthcoming forecast period a change to
very cold weather will require greater
than normal protective measures.
-
- "Hazardous Driving
(Travelers') Warnings" are
issued to indicate that falling, blowing
or drifting snow, freezing rain or
drizzle, sleet or strong winds will make
driving difficult.
-
- "Stockman Warnings" alert
ranchers and fanners that livestock will
require protection from a large
accumulation of snow or ice, a rapid drop
in temperature, or strong wind.
-
- "Wind Chill Factor" -
Strong winds combined with low
temperatures cause a very rapid cooling
of exposed surfaces. Unprotected portions
of the body, such as the face or hands,
can chill rapidly and should be protected
as much as possible from the cold wind. A
very strong wind combined with a
temperature slightly below freezing can
have the same chilling effect as a
temperature nearly 50 degrees F lower in
a calm atmosphere. Arctic explorers and
military experts have developed a term
called the "wind chill factor,"
which states the cooling effect of
various wind and temperature
combinations. In certain areas, the
Weather Service issues this information
as the "wind chill index."
-
- The following descriptive scale compares a 20
degree F temperature with different wind speeds.
- Wind with Wind-Chill Index Forecast
Temperature (Equivalent Descriptive
20 Degree F Temperature) Terms
- 10 MPH 2 Degrees F Very Cold
20 MPH -9 Degrees F Bitter Cold
35 MPH -20 Degrees F Extreme Cold
-
- Winter Storm Safety Rules - Keep
ahead of a winter storm by listening to the latest
National Weather Service warning and bulletins on radio
and television.
-
- · Check battery powered equipment before the storm
arrives. A portable radio or television set may be your
only contact with the world outside the winter storm.
Also check emergency cooking facilities and flash-lights.
-
- · Check your supply of heating fuel. Fuel carriers may
not be able to move if a winter storm buries your area in
snow.
-
- · Check your food and stock an extra supply. Your
supplies should include food that requires no cooking or
refrigeration in case of power failure.
-
- · Prevent fire hazard due to overheated coal,
oil-burning stoves, fire-places, heaters or furnaces.
-
- · Stay indoors during storms and cold snaps unless in
peak physical condition. If you must go out, avoid
over-exertion.
-
- · Don't kill yourself shoveling snow. It is extremely
hard work for anyone in less than prime physical
condition, and can bring on a heart attack, a major cause
of death during and after winter storms.
-
- · Rural residents: Make necessary trips for supplies
before the storm develops or not at all. Arrange for
emergency heat supply in case of power failure. Be sure
camp stoves and lanterns are filled.
-
- · Dress to fit the season - If you spend much time
outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing
in several layers; layers can be removed to prevent
perspiring and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be
tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. The hood
should protect much of your face and cover your mouth to
ensure warm breathing and protect your lungs from the
extremely cold air. Remember that entrapped, insulating
air, warmed by body heat, is the best protection against
cold. Layers of protective clothing are more effective
and efficient than single layers of thick clothing, and
mittens, snug at the wrists, are better protection than
fingered gloves.
-
- · Your automobile can be your best friend--or worst
enemy--during winter storms, depending on your
preparations. Get your car "winterized" before
the storm season begins. Everything on the checklist
shown below should be taken care of before winter storms
strike your area:
- ignition system lubrication defroster battery
tight exhaust snow tires lights heater
chains cooling system brakes antifreeze
fuel system wiper blades winter-oil
- Be equipped for the worst. Carry a winter storm car kit,
especially if cross country travel is anticipated or if
you live in the northern states. The kit should contain
blankets or sleeping bags, matches and candles, empty
3-pound coffee can with plastic cover, extra clothing,
high-calorie, non-perishable food, compass and road maps,
knife, first aid kit, shovel, sack of sand, flashlight or
signal light, windshield scraper, booster cables, two tow
chains, fire extinguisher, axe, etc.
-
- Winter travel by automobile is serious business. Keep
these points in mind, especially for severe storms:
- 1. If the storm exceeds or even tests your
limitations, seek available refuge immediately.
2. Plan your travel and select primary and
alternate routes. -
- 3. Check latest weather information on your
radio.
-
- 4. Try not to travel alone; two or three persons
are preferable.
-
- 5. Travel in convoy with other vehicles, if
possible.
-
- 6. Always fill gasoline tank before entering open
country, even for a short distance.
-
- 7. Drive carefully, defensively.
-
- Trapped by a Blizzard in a vehicle.
- Avoid overexertion and exposure. Exertion from
attempting to push your car, shoveling heavy
drifts, and performing other difficult chores
during the strong winds, blinding snow, and
bitter cold of a blizzard may cause a heart
attack--even for persons in apparently good
physical condition.
-
- Stay in your vehicle. Do not attempt to walk out
of a blizzard. Disorientation comes quickly in
blowing and drifting snow. Being lost in open
country during a blizzard is almost certain
death.
-
- Don't panic. Keep fresh air in your car. Freezing
wet snow and wind-driven snow can completely seal
the passenger compartment.
-
- Beware the gentle killers: Carbon monoxide and
oxygen starvation. Run the motor and heater
sparingly, and only with the downwind window open
for ventilation.
-
- Exercise by clapping hands and moving arms and
legs vigorously from time to time, and do not
stay in one position for long. Turn on dome light
at night, to make the vehicle visible to work
crews.
-
- Keep watch. Do not permit all occupants of car to
sleep at once.
-
- Livestock
- Blizzards take a terrible toll in livestock. For
both humane and economic reasons, stockmen should
take necessary precautions in advance of severe
winter storms.
-
- Move livestock, especially young livestock, into
sheltered areas (frequently called "shelter
belts") properly oriented and laid out.
These provide better protection for range cattle
than shed-type shelters, which may cause cattle
to overcrowd, with consequent overheating and
respiratory disorders.
-
- Haul extra feed to feeding areas before the storm
arrives. Storm duration is the largest
determinant of livestock losses; if the storm
lasts more than 48 hours, emergency feed methods
are required. Range cattle are hardy and can
survive extreme winter weather providing they
have some non-confining type of shelter from the
wind and are able to feed at frequent intervals.
-
- Autopsies of cattle killed by winter storms have
shown the cause of death to be dehydration, not
cold or suffocation. Because cattle cannot lick
enough snow to satisfy their thirst, stockmen are
advised to use heaters in water tanks to provide
livestock with water and feed after prolonged
exposure to winter storms conditions.
-
-
- NUCLEAR ATTACK
-
- A. General Information
- The first step in preparing for a possible
nuclear attack is to understand the hazards you
would face if attack should come.
-
- When a nuclear bomb or missile explodes, the main
effects produced are intense light (flash), heat,
blast, and radiation. The strength of these
effects depends on the size and type of the
weapon; how far away the explosion is; the
weather conditions (sunny or rainy, windy or
still); the terrain (whether the ground is flat
or hilly); and the height of the explosion (high
in the air or near the ground).
-
- In a nuclear attack, people near a nuclear
explosion would be killed or seriously injured by
the blast, heat, or initial nuclear radiation.
People a few miles away would be endangered by
the blast, heat, and fires. A high percentage of
people in the lighter damage areas would probably
survive those hazards, but they could be further
endangered by radioactive fallout.
-
- B. Fallout
- When a nuclear weapon explodes near the ground,
great quantities of pulverized earth and other
debris are sucked up into the nuclear cloud.
There the radioactive gases produced by the
explosion condense on and into this debris,
producing radioactive fallout particles which
give off invisible gamma rays similar to x-rays.
-
- Generally, the first 24 hours after fallout
begins to settle would be the most dangerous
period to a community's residents. The heavier
particles falling during that time would still be
highly radioactive and give off strong rays. The
lighter particles falling later would have lost
much of their radiation high in the atmosphere.
-
- It is important to understand that fallout is not
a mysterious, invisible or unrecognizable
substance that strikes without warning. Fallout
particles range in size from those like grains of
sand, which can be seen easily, to very small
particles that appear as fine dust.
-
- The distribution of fallout particles after a
nuclear attack would depend on wind currents,
weather conditions, and other factors. No area in
the United States could be sure of NOT getting
fallout, and it is probable that some fallout
particles would be deposited on most of the
country.
- Areas close to a nuclear explosion might receive
fallout within 15-20 minutes, but it might take
5-10 hours or more for the particles to drift
down on a community 100 or 200 miles away.
-
- THE ATTACK WARNING SIGNAL - This
will be sounded only in case of enemy attack. The
signal itself is a 3 to 5 minute wavering sound
on the sirens, or a series of short blasts on
whistles, horns or other devices, repeated as
deemed necessary. The Attack Warning Signal means
that an actual enemy attack against the United
States has been detected, and that protective
action should be taken immediately. This signal
has no other meaning, and will be used for no
other purpose.
- 1. If you hear the Attention or Alert
Signal, turn on a radio or TV set, tune
it to any local station, and follow the
official instructions being broadcast.
-
- 2. If you hear the Attack Warning Signal,
unless your local government has
instructed you otherwise, go immediately
to the public fallout shelter or to your
home fallout shelter. Turn on a radio,
tune it to any local station that is
broadcasting, and listen for official
information. Follow whatever instructions
are given.
-
- C. Evacuation
- If an international crisis should threaten to
result in a nuclear attack, people living in
areas more likely to be nuclear targets may be
advised to move temporarily.
-
- These areas are generally considered to be areas
with significant military, industrial or economic
importance. The designation of such an area does
not constitute a prediction that the area will be
attacked, but only indicates the potential for
attack.
-
- D. Shelters
- To protect themselves from the radiation given
off by fallout particles, people in affected
areas would have to stay in fallout shelters from
two or three days to as long as two weeks. Many
people would go to public fallout shelters, while
others-through choice or necessity-would take
refuge in private or home fallout shelters.
-
- A fallout shelter does not need to be a special
type of building or underground bunker. It can be
any space, provided the walls and roof are thick
and dense enough to absorb the rays' given off by
the fallout particles outside. A fallout shelter
should not be confused with a blast shelter.
Blast protection requires a shelter strong enough
to resist blast pressure, initial radiation,
heat, and fire as well as radioactive fallout.
-
- Most of the existing public shelters are located
in larger buildings and are marked with the
standard yellow and black fallout shelter signs.
Other public shelters are in smaller buildings,
subways, tunnels, mines and other facilities.
These also are marked with shelter signs or would
be marked in a time of emergency.
-
- In many places-especially suburban and rural
areas-there are few public shelters. If there are
none near you, a fallout shelter may save your
life.
-
- If your home basement-or one corner of it-is
below ground level, your best and easiest action
would be to prepare a permanent type family
shelter there. If you have basic carpentry or
masonry skills, you probably could buy the
necessary shielding material and do the work
yourself in a short time.
-
- Many materials are suitable for fallout shelter
construction, some offering more shielding
protection than others. Varying thicknesses of
bagged sand, gravel or earth; bricks; concrete
blocks, and wood are all acceptable materials
which are easily accessible to most people.
-
- If you have no basement or would prefer a shelter
separate from the house, an outside fallout
shelter can be built either above or below
ground. Construction plans for Permanent Shelters
(H- 12 Series) can be obtained by writing FEMA,
P.0. Box 8181, Washington, D.C. 20024.
-
- E. Improving Fallout Shelter
- If an enemy attack should occur and you have made
no advance shelter preparations, you still might
be able to improvise a shelter either inside or
near your home or in the open. In an emergency,
radio broadcasts will tell you whether you have
time to improvise a shelter or should take cover
immediately.
-
- An improvised shelter probably would not give you
as much protection as a permanent or a
pre-planned family shelter, but any protection is
better than none and might save your life.
-
- The best place to improvise a shelter would be in
a basement or other underground area.
-
- F. Shielding Material Needed
- To improvise a shelter you would need shielding
materials such as concrete blocks, bricks, sand
or earth. Other things could also be used as
shielding material or to support shielding
material, such as:
- - House doors that have been taken off
their hinges especially heavy outside
doors.
-
- - Dressers and chests filled with sand or
earth after they are placed in position,
so they
may be too heavy to carry and won't
collapse while being carried.
-
- - Trunks, boxes and cartons filled with
sand or earth after they are placed in
position.
-
- - Tables and bookcases.
-
- - Books, magazines and stacks of firewood
or lumber.
-
- - Flagstones from outside walks or
patios.
-
- G. Improving a Basement Shelter
- Set up a large, sturdy table or workbench in the
corner of your basement that is most below ground
level.
- On the table, pile as much shielding material as
it will hold without collapsing. Then put as much
shielding material around the table as possible.
-
- When family members are "inside the
shelter" - that is, under the table, block
the opening with other shielding material.
-
- If a large table or workbench is not available,
or if more shelter space if needed, place
furniture or large appliances in a corner of the
basement to serve as the "walls" of the
shelter. As a "ceiling," use doors from
the house that have been taken off hinges.
-
- Pile as much shielding material on top of the
doors as they will support. Stack other shielding
material around the "walls" of the
shelter.
-
- When all persons are inside the shelter, block
the opening with shielding material.
-
- H. Using a Storm Cellar for Fallout
Protection
- A below ground storm cellar can be used as an
improvised fallout shelter, but additional
shielding material may be needed to provide
adequate protection from fallout radiation.
-
- If the existing roof of the storm cellar is made
of wood or other light material, it should be
covered with one foot or more of earth or an
equivalent thickness of other shielding material
for overhead shielding from fallout. The greater
the thickness of shielding materials, the lower
the danger to radiation exposure in the shelter.
More posts or braces may be needed to support the
extra weight.
-
- After the roof has been shielded, better
protection can be provided by blocking the
entrance way with 8-inch concrete blocks or an
equivalent thickness of sandbags, bricks, earth
or other shielding material after all occupants
are inside the shelter.
-
- I. Using Crawl Space
- Some homes without a basement have a "crawl
space" between the first floor and the
ground underneath the house. If you have this
space under your house-and if the house is set on
foundation walls, rather than on pillars-you can
improvise fallout protection for your family
there.
-
- First, gain access to the crawl space through the
floor or through the outside foundation wall. (A
trap door or other entry could be made now,
before an emergency occurs.)
-
- As the location for your shelter, select a crawl
space area that is under the center of the house,
as far away from the outside foundation walls as
possible.
-
- Around the selected shelter area, place shielding
material - preferably bricks or blocks, or
containers filled with sand or earth - from the
ground level up to the first floor of the house,
so that the shielding material forms the
"walls" of your shelter area. On the
floor above, place other shielding material to
form a "roof" for the shelter area.
-
- If time permits, dig out more earth and make the
shelter area deeper, so that you can stand erect
or at least sit up in it.
-
- J. Living in a Shelter
- People gathered in public and private shelters to
escape fallout radiation after a nuclear attack
might have to stay there-at least part of the
time-for up to two weeks.
-
- During this time they would need certain supplies
and equipment in order to stay alive and well and
to cope with emergency situations that might
occur in their shelters.
-
- To augment the supplies of water and food which
may be found in or near large structures where
public fallout shelter is usually located, you
should plan to take the following with you:
- - As much drinkable liquids (water, fruit
and vegetable juices, etc.) and
ready-to-eat food as you can carry to the
shelter.
-
- - Special medicines or foods required by
members of your family, such as insulin,
heart tablets, dietetic foods or baby
food.
-
- - A blanket for each family member.
-
- - A battery-powered radio, flashlight,
extra batteries for each, and writing
materials for taking notes or information
given over the radio.
-
- - Non-prescription medications, basic
first aid items such as bandages,
antiseptics, thermometer, baking soda,
petroleum jelly, and medications for
headaches, waste elimination problems,
and respiratory symptoms.
-
- - Ready-to-eat food from home to
supplement supplies stocked in shelter.
-
- - Drinking cups and plastic jugs of
water.
-
- If you intend to use a home fallout shelter, you
should gather together now all the things you and
your family would need for two weeks, even though
you probably wouldn't have to remain inside the
shelter for the entire period.
- The absolute necessities you would need in a home
shelter include water, food, sanitation supplies,
and any special medicines or foods needed by
family members such as insulin, heart tablets,
dietetic food and baby food.
- Other items you may wish to stock are: Cooking
and eating utensils, clothing, bedding fire
fighting equipment, general equipment and tools,
miscellaneous items such as matches, candles and
personal convenience items.
-
- Other links for more
information
-
- Ohio Department of Health
- CDC
Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response
- How Things Work - Anthrax
E-Mail toledo.police@ci.toledo.oh.us
