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GRANBY, CT
DISASTER PLANNING
The damage caused by natural disasters and man-made events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and terrorism can affect all elements of society and government. These events severely restrict or overwhelm our emergency response resources, communications, transportation, and utilities. They can leave many individuals and neighborhoods cut off from outside support.
It takes time for emergency response agencies to set up and prepare for an organized response, and damaged roads and disrupted communications systems may restrict their access into critically affected areas. Thus, for the initial period immediately following a disaster – often up to three days or longer – individuals, households, and neighborhoods may need to rely on their own resources for: Food, Water, First-Aid, and Shelter.
Individual preparedness, planning, survival skills, and mutual aid within neighborhoods and worksites during this initial period are essential measures in coping with the aftermath of a disaster.
It is important to become informed on the probable impacts of likely events, including the potential for terrorist activity. The more information you have, the better you will be able to plan adequately and respond reasonably. In Granby these types of disasters are likely to happen: Home Fires, Tornados, Hurricanes, Severe Ice Storms, Wildfires, and Severe Winter Snow Storms. The Granby warning system includes the Everbridge System, a Reverse 911 System. It provides warning to natural and man-made disasters.
Regardless of the event or the amount of warning offered, there are safety precautions that you can take to reduce or prevent injury. Appropriate personal safety measures are determined by: the type of event, the amount of warning that you have, and whether you are inside, outside, or driving. Home preparedness includes: structural and nonstructural hazard mitigation, individual preparations, such as; assembling a disaster supply kit, developing a disaster plan, and developing a safe room in a secure area of your home (in case authorities ask you to stay indoors). It is prudent to know the location and operation of utility shutoffs: electrical, water, and gas (as appropriate) for your residence.
Developing a Disaster Plan could mean the difference between life and death. For example, ask yourself the following questions: How will you escape your home?, Where will you meet family members?, What route will you take out of your neighborhood if evacuation becomes necessary?, Do you have an alternate route in case your route is blocked or otherwise impassable?, What will you take with you?, What will you need to shelter-in-place?.
Creating a Family Disaster Plan
Meet with your family to discuss the types of disasters that could occur, explain how to prepare and respond, discuss what to do if advised to evacuate and practice what you have discussed. Additionally, if your family is separated by disaster pick two meeting places, 1) a location that is a safe distance from your home in case of fire and a place outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. You should also choose an out of state friend or relative as a “check-in contact” for everyone to call.
Complete the following steps: 1) Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone, 2) Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at main switches, 3) Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home and in every bedroom; test them monthly and change the batteries two times a year. (Change batteries when you change your clocks in the spring and fall.) Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
There are a number of supplies (see list below) that you should assemble in your disaster supply kits that you will need for shelter-in-place and for evacuation, in some instances you will may need the same supplies for both.
Evacuation-only supplies: supplies (e.g., prescription medications) that are required for evacuation should be stored where they can be accessed quickly in an evacuation situation.
Shelter-in-place-only: (e.g., three days of water for each family member) should be stored in an accessible location within the home.
To Prepare Your Kit
You can cope best by preparing for a disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supply Kit. After disaster strikes, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies, but if you’ve gathered in advance, you and your family can endure an evacuation or home shelter.
Review the checklists below, gather the supplies from the list and place the supplies you’re apt to need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*) and are bold, which are recommended for evacuation.
Water
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles and avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that requirement. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
Store 1 (one) gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation). Keep at least a 3-day supply of water for each person in your household.
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food items. Select foods that require no refrigeration, no preparation, or no cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of cooking fuel. Select Food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your disaster supply kit:
READY TO EAT FOODS |
HIGH ENERGY FOODS |
SPECIAL FOODS |
Canned meats |
Peanutbutter, jelly, |
Foods for infants, the elderly, and those with special needs |
Canned fruits and vegetables |
Crackers, granola bars, and trail mix |
Salt, pepper, and sugar |
Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water) |
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Comfort/Stress foods – such as cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, and lollipops |
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Instant coffee and tea bags |
Kitchen Items
You may also need such items as a manual can opener, all-purpose knife, paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils. Aluminum foil and plastic wrap as well as re-sealing plastic bags. If food must be cooked, a small stove and a can of cooking fuel. You should also have a First Aid Kit* that includes a first aid manual stored in your disaster kit.
Tools and Supplies
Because there may be a possibility of loss of electrical power you should have a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries for both*. Such tools as pliers, hammer, wrench and screwdrivers should be in your kit. Some other items to consider; duct tape, matches in a waterproof container, paper and pencil, needles and thread, work gloves, medicine dropper, whistle, plastic sheeting and a shutoff wrench to turn off household gas and water if appropriate. Sanitation: things to consider in this category are, toilet paper*, towelettes*, soap and liquid detergent*, feminine supplies*, personal hygiene items*, plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses), plastic bucket with lid and disinfectant.
Clothing and Bedding
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person that should include sturdy work shoes* or work boots*, rain gear*, blankets* or sleeping bags*, hat* and gloves*, thermal underwear*, and sunglasses*.
Household Documents* and Contact Numbers*
Include personal identification, cash (including change) and a credit card. In a watertight container store copies of important documents: birth certificates, marriage certificate, driver’s license, social security cards, passports, wills, deeds, inventory of household goods, bank and credit information and stocks and bonds if not stored in secured storage, such as a bank. You should have a copy of an emergency contact list and phone numbers as well as a map of the area and phone numbers of places to go. Consider having an extra set of car and house keys in the container.
Special Items
Items for a Baby* - such as formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk (and bottled water), and medications. Items for Adults* - such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin, prescription drugs, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eye glasses and entertainment - games and books. Items for Pets* - water, food, medications, two bowls, litter as necessary, and a cage if available.
Items marked with an asterisk (*) and are in bold, are recommended for evacuation.
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