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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-Y2K-rpt Home Guide to Emergency Preparedness.pdf uS wog, 1775 �o �;ry�0r,: Town of Lexington HO vIE GUIDE TO E vlERGE \ICY PREPARED \JESS ,+ ,its mi n y � T Preparing a Plan for Emergency Events and Y2K F Home Guide To Emergency Preparedness . . .preparing for emergency events This past winter's ice storm and the widespread power outages that resulted demonstrated that many New Englander's were residents unprepared for an emergency While there were few injuries and no reported deaths associated with the incident, hundreds of thousands of persons were without electricity and heat for several days. In many respects, this incident served as a reminder that home emergency preparedness is a must for everyone, and it should be carefully planned. Even though no one actually knows when the next emergency might occur, it makes sense to be prepared. Begin planning and communicating with family members now Regardless of the type of event -- ice storm, hurncane, blizzard, etc -- there are things that you can do to minimize the effect on you and your family This Home Guide to Emergency Preparedness is designed to help you plan for such an emergency Although it does not cover every conceivable emergency, it does offer information and resources to help you plan for most home emergency situations. Check on Relatives and Neighbors During storms and other emergency events, check to see how your relatives and neighbors are coping, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities. If possible, consider helping them plan or locate resources in which to obtain assistance. The Town's Council on Aging and Human Services office can be reached at 861-0914 Preparing Your Home for an Emergency Planning for any emergency requires considering all likely scenarios that could result when things that you rely on daily-- like electricity,water,heat, air conditioning, telephone service and transportation-- are disrupted or lost for a considerable amount of time. Consequently, you should plan on having enough food, water and other essentials, to get you through the emergency Most emergency management planners suggest having enough supplies to last you and your family for three to five days. However, many things may impact your decision, including storage space, special needs, number of people in the household and available resources. 1 What To Include In Your Home Emergency Preparedness Kit The six basic items that should be stored in your home are water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and specialty items. Keep the items that you would most likely need at home in one easy-to-carry container, such as a trash can, camping backpack or duffel bag. Store it in a convenient place and put a smaller version in your car Keep items in airtight plastic bags Remember to change the stored water and rotate the food supplies every six months (place dates on containers) Check the supplies and re-think your needs every year Consult your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications, and maintain a list of your prescriptions needs. WATER Store water in plastic containers or purchase bottled water, avoiding using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk or glass bottles. Plan for one gallon of water per person per day Water should be stored in a cool, dark place with the date labeled on the container This is a good use for two liter soda bottles, rinse clean and refill with tap water FOOD Store a supply of three to five days of nonperishable food per person. Foods should require no refngeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water Examples include ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, canned or boxed juices, milk and soup, condiments such as sugar, salt and pepper; high-energy food like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars and trail mix, vitamins, foods for infants or persons on special diets, cookies, hard candy, instant coffee and sweetened cereals. Bulk food items such as rice, powdered milk, and grains can be stored for long periods of time Some camping and outdoor suppliers have available MREs (meals ready to eat) that store for long periods and require no cooking. FIRST-AID KIT Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and each vehicle. Items should include sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, gauze pads, hypoallergenic adhesive tape, triangular bandages, sterile roller bandages, scissors, tweezers, needle, moistened towelettes, antiseptic, thermometer, tongue blades, tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant, safety pins, cleansing soap (preferably waterless), latex gloves, aspirin, anti-diarrheal medication, activated charcoal (for poisoning) and laxatives. 2 TOOLS AND SUPPLIES Keep the following items handy for all-around use. extra batteries of assorted sizes (check shelf life before purchasing),paper cups,plates and plastic utensils, battery-operated radio, flashlight, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, cash (include change) and/or traveler's checks, non-electric can opener and utility knife, small ABC fire extinguisher; pliers and other small tools you might need, waterproof matches, plastic storage containers, signal flares, paper and pencil, needles and thread, and medicine dropper For sanitation make sure you have a sufficient supply of the following toilet paper, soap and liquid detergent, feminine supplies, plastic garbage bags with ties, disinfectant and household chlorine beach. CLOTHING AND BEDDING If you have to utilize the emergency shelter, assemble at least one or two complete changes of clothing per person, sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, sleeping pad, hat and gloves, and thermal underwear (during cold weather) SPECIALTY ITEMS 1 BABIES - formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk and medication 2 ADULTS -medications, prescriptions, denture needs, eye glasses and/or contact lenses and related supplies 3 ENTERTAINMENT—games, books and several quiet toys for children 4 IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS - wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, passports. stocks and bonds, immunization records, important phone numbers, credit card accounts, social security cards and other personal family records. All should be stored in a safe and secure place. Public Emergency Shelters When conditions warrant, Lexington's Emergency Management may establish community-based shelters for local residents. Normally, shelters are setup in public schools, Cary Hall or other appropriate facilities where residents can seek refuge from the event. Persons in need of shelter are asked to bring food (as outlined previously), a change of clothing,bedding (blankets or sleeping bag and pad,bathing, and sanitary supplies,pre-filled prescnption and other medical needs, denture and eye care materials and special dietary supplies or requirements. With the exception of guide dogs, pets are not permitted in the shelters.Alcoholic beverages will not be allowed. 3 What To Do For Pets in Emergencies Emergency planning should include all members of the family, including pets. If your family must re-locate to a shelter or other site, confine your pet to a specific room in the house and provide plenty of food and water to sustain the animal while you are away If possible, arrange for someone to board the animal, or locate a relative or friend who can check on its well being on a regular basis Put together a basic disaster kit for your pets, in case you must leave your residence quickly Recommended items would include. • An extra supply of pet food(for dogs a lower protein dog formula will produce less stool, a benefit when kept indoors) • Plenty of clean water • Bowls (disposable containers if you must leave your residence), can opener, kitchen trash bags, bleach, disinfectant, blankets, towels, paper towels, and other waste disposal supplies. For more information on emergency preparedness for pets, a call to the Humane Society of Boston, or the Humane Society of the United States at 202-452-1100 What To Do When Electrical Power is Lost Disruption of electncal service can occur as a result of many things, including lightning, high winds, ice and heavy snow, and equipment failure. For the most part, service is normally restored within a short period. However, major power outages can happen for extended periods from time to time When power is lost, you should • Check to see if your neighbors have power It may be only in your home, a blown fuse or a tripped circuit. If your neighbors are also without service, call your local power company(see phone numbers) If you must go outside to assess the situation, take a flashlight and watch for downed power lines that could still be energized. If downed lines are located, don't go near them or touch anything that they may be in contact with. Report downed power lines immediately Call 911 or Fire Department emergency at 862-0270 • Turn off all major appliances. Leave just a couple of light switches on in the home and the front porch light. When major appliances—refrigerators, electric water heaters, air conditioners and pumps— are left on, they could overload electric lines when power is restored causing a second outage, • Refrigerators and freezers. Food can be kept cold enough for a day or two, if the doors are kept closed. During the winter, you may be able to store some items outside in a proper container If temperatures are below freezing, it's possible to freeze water outside in containers and place them inside your refrigerator to help keep food cold. Try to consume perishable foods first. Some partially frozen foods can be refrozen as long as they contain ice crystals or are no warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider purchasing a thermometer for both the refrigerator and freezer Don't refreeze meat, seafood, poultry, ice cream, cream sauces or anything susceptible to spoilage. When in doubt... throw it out! 4 • Flashlights or Battery-operated Lanterns -- should be used to illuminate the home Candles and kerosene lanterns are not recommended for lighting because of the inherent fire safety hazards. • Portable Emergency Generators—can be used to provide limited electrical power during an outage. But, take care to ensure that they do not pose a threat to you and your family. Never fuel or run a portable generator or store extra fuel in the home or attached garage. Gas-powered generators pose a senous fire and carbon monoxide threat. Never connect the generator directly to the house electrical service, unless approval has been granted by the power company and the generator is equipped with a double-throw transfer switch that protects your equipment and prevents feedback on power lines. Always operate according to the manufacturer's instructions. For additional information on the proper use of emergency generators, call your power company or the Town's electrical inspector • Water Systems and Waste Water Systems with Electric Pumps —such as wells or sewer ejector pumps -- will not operate when the power is out. Alternate sources of water and/or waste disposal will have to be used until power is restored. • Gas Appliances—may not work if the electricity is off because the equipment may require electricity for ignition or valve operation. • Water Heaters —that are drained to prevent damage from freezing, must have their power circuit shut off as well. Failure to do so could result in loss of the heating element when power is restored. Never turn on a water heater unless the tank is full. • Plumbing—can freeze when power is lost during cold weather periods. Drain supply lines, water heaters, boilers and traps in drains of tubs, sinks, commodes, washing machines and dishwashers. Special environmentally safe anti-freeze is available to winterize drains To avoid major flooding when temperatures rise, you should also turn off supply lines to outside spigots. Leaving a cold water line running (just slightly) may keep the supply line from freezing during a prolonged period without heat. • Life Support Equipment—required for family members who depend on these devices (respirators, ventilators, oxygen equipment or other life-sustaining devices) should be listed with the power company If the power outage is not widespread, power companies attempt to restore power to these homes first. Regardless, you should have a contingency plan that always includes an alternate power source for the device and relocating the person. • Trees— While power companies have a regularly scheduled program for trimming trees away from power lines, they do not go on private property Consider this when planting and/or trimming trees on your property, and always seek professional help in trimming limbs or branches that are close to power lines. 5 Keeping Warm Select a single room in the home in which the entire family can live; ideally a room, which gets sunlight during daylight hours. Use fireplaces and wood-burning stoves with care and always supervise them when in use. Make sure the fireplace is in proper working condition and has been inspected before use. Wear layers of clothing, including sweaters and coats, which entraps warm air and helps to maintain body heat for longer penods For homes with natural gas heaters, homeowners are reminded to keep meters and vents clear of ice and snow SAFETY NOTE—Never use gas ovens or stovetops to heat homes; charcoal or propane grills should never be used inside the home. They pose a serious threat of fire and the creation of poisonous carbon monoxide. When removing ashes from the fireplace, make sure that the ashes are cool, and are placed in a metal container outside and away from the home. Keeping Updated on an Emergency Getting information during an emergency situation is vital, especially at the height of the event, when evacuation may be required. Radio and television stations provide the quickest means to obtain information. If you have electncal power and cable television, turn to the local access channel for frequent updates. Have a battery-operated radio tuned to a local all-news or talk-radio station. In situations requiring immediate action by residents, the Town's Emergency Manager will transmit messages over the cable television system. Important Phone Numbers Emergencies (Police, Fire/Medical ) 911 Non-emergency Police - 862-1212 Fire - 862-0270 Boston Edison 617 424-2200 Bell-Atlantic (telephone repair) 617 555-1611 Crisis Center (24-hour hotline) 800 540-5806 Poison Center 617 232-2120 800 682-9211 Boston Gas (to report gas leaks) 617 323-9360 American Red Cross 617 375-0700 6 Year 2000 contingency planning is a must The Y2K technology problem, or bug, as it is sometimes called, was created in the early days of computer development when memory in the electronic equipment was scarce and expensive. Whenever possible,programmers used shortcuts to save space. Instead of using a four-digit code for year dates, a two-digit entry was used. This practice persisted long after the need for saving space was eliminated. The two-digit code also was used in embedded chips, which exist in many devices that control processes, functions (like cars), building ventilation systems and elevators. In short, if any computer program includes time-sensitive calculations or comparisons, results are unpredictable. No one knows what problems may occur, how widespread they may be, or how long they will last. The good news is that federal, state, and Lexington's government are addressing the problem, in addition to utility companies, banks and other financial institutions, retail businesses, and many others. For information on what Lexington is doing to prepare for the century date change visit the Lexington Year 2000 home page at http //patriot ci.lexingtonana.us and click on y2k update. Y2K Planning At Home Homeowners should make a list of all electrical appliances that are date sensitive, such as computers, televisions and VCR's, microwave ovens, digital alarm clocks, fax machines, pagers, cell phones, and computerized systems in vehicles. It's important to point out that not all electronic items that displays or uses a date for various functions will not work properly on January 1, 2000 and thereafter However, you should check with the manufacturer to determine if the appliance is Y2K compliant, especially if it's more than five years old. If not, ask what can be done -- if anything-- to prevent or minimize failure. If you are planning to purchase new electronic equipment before January 1, make sure that the equipment has been Y2K certified and tested before leaving the store. 7 At Work Ask your employer what preparations are in place for the Year 2000 rollover Have computer systems, software, and embedded microprocessors been fully tested? Will they properly handle the century date change? Have all cntical suppliers been contacted, and are they ready to provide those cntical supplies after the year 2000 rollover? Answers to questions such as these will help you and your employer better prepare for the date changeover Regardless, every business should have a Business Continuity and Contingency Operating Plan,which assumes that there may be computer and embedded chip glitches. These plans provide a road map for ways to get around problems should they occur Finally, inquire if your company has a policy in place regarding your status as an employee should disruptions result in temporary closing of your employer's business. Financial and Personal Records Keep all your financial records in order and up-to-date. Bank statements, credit and debit cards, investment portfolios, medical and prescription, insurance infoiiiiation, taxes and other records show transactions related to your account may be susceptible to any Y2K glitches Should a problem exist with any of these records because of a computer or software problem, your records may be the sole source for validating the correct information. Travel If you plan to travel over the New Year's Day holiday, check to see how the community you are planning to visit is prepared to deal with Y2K issues. If your plans include transportation by airplane, train or ship, inquire about the earner's Y2K planning efforts, including contingency plans for alternate travel means should a problem develop Also, consider taking some extra cash or travelers checks (preferred) in case of problems related to ATM machines and credit card venfication systems. 8 Testing Your Personal Computer Your Personal Computer's (PC)hardware and software are vulnerable to the Year 2000 date problem. But, with some planning and attention to detail, you can protect yourself from Year 2000 disruption. The first step to take is to test the PC's hardware. The Town does not endorse any specific tool,but you can use TEST2000 (The RighTime Company) to test your PCs. This small program is available for free on the World Wide Web and performs two tests. (1) The automatic transition test checks to see if the PC will correctly roll over to the Year 2000 without user intervention. (2) The reboot test checks to see if the PC will hold the date if manually entered after the Year 2000 Even if it fails the automatic transition test, most PCs will hold the correct date when manually reset. Only if your PC fails both tests do you need to consider replacing it. The Year 2000 problem also can affect software -both vendor-provided and user-written. Many vendors have tested their products and found some to be non-compliant. Some offer free patches that fix their software and bring it into compliance; some recommend that you just upgrade to the latest (compliant) version. The information and patches are available on the World Wide Web on the vendors' sites. Some government and commercial web sites offer lists of commercial software and whether they are compliant. We recommend that users inventory their systems and spend some time researching and gathering information from the vendor's web site. Many PC users create applications such as spreadsheets and databases which may be date sensitive Making your software compliant does not necessarily make your applications compliant. Again, many tests and tools are available to test your applications - some free, some at a modest cost. These tools look at your software and applications for Y2K issues. Some offer fixes and other suggestions on how to correct any date problems that may exist. There is plenty of good information available on the World Wide Web regarding Y2K. A search for information will find software and technical information as well as information regarding what governments and businesses are doing to "fix" the date problem Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure This information is provided as a public service for the citizens,leaders of business,local government, educational institutions,and other organizations within the Town of Lexington,Massachusetts. Although all reasonable efforts have been made to present accurate information,no guarantees,including expressed or implied warranties,are made with respect to this information by the Town of Lexington,Massachusetts, its Departments or Agencies,directors,employees or agents,who also assume no legal responsibility for the accuracy of presentations,comments,or other information in this publication. In addition,no liability is assumed and all liability is expressly declined. 9 i l