January 2012

Our recent windstorm and lessons to be learned

Although last December's windstorm did not affect us severely here in Syracuse as in other parts of the county, it should be a clear wake up call of what could very easily happen here to us. Interestingly, our last Syracuse City emergency drill dealt with a microburst disaster. Do we actively participate in our city emergency drills or are they a bother to our busy schedule? Today I would like to list lessons learned from our recent windstorm and other things we can do to prepare  for this realistic disaster:

1.      Always keep your car at least half full of gas. When power is out, so are our gas stations.
2.      Stores may not help you out if they are out of power too.
3.      The city or county may not address your emergency problems right away.
4.      Prepare immediately for a long haul while you can. Find your flashlights, things to keep you warm and
      how you will deal without power for a while. Don't wait until night or when they are needed.
5.      Have several flashlights and batteries handy.
6.      Know how to check up on your family and loved ones if power is out.
7.      Keep you cell phones fully charged.
8.      Flashlight apps on cell phones were very handy but drain your battery down faster.
9.      Some people went without power for 5 days. Think of all the ways that would affect you in your home in
      December (food, refrigerators, stoves, furnaces, lights etc.)
10.  Having heavy duty visqueen plastic for roofs or windows on hand. Plywood pre-fitted for windows that
      blew out would have been nice for many people. 2x4's on hand could also be helpful.
11.  Duct tape, have lots of duct tape on hand.
12.  Know how to shut off your utilities and have numbers handy to call the gas, electric or water companies.
13.  Some people would benefit in having chainsaws with extra gas.
14.  Give a helping hand if you can, it's always appreciated.
15.  There are many other lessons that could be listed, but this is a start in getting one to think.
16.  Count your blessings. Things could have always been worse.

I challenge you to take some time in a family home evening and discuss how your family would handle such an event and work towards being better prepared.

January 2010

JANUARY 2010 – Shelter / Warmth

Purchase: Emergency blankets, tents, tarps, wool blankets, wool socks, gloves, wrench to shut off gas.

Rotate: Summer to winter clothes, check sizes for kids

Organize: Add shoes, socks, underwear, sweatpants/shirt, gloves, and hat to emergency kit.

Learn: Where to turn off gas, electric, water to your home.

Consider: Kerosene Heaters as a back-up heat source for your home.

Natural Gas

Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following disasters. It is vital that all household members know how to shut off natural gas. Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter configurations, it is important to contact your local gas company for guidance on preparation and response regarding gas appliances and gas service to your home. When you learn the proper shut-off procedure for your meter, share the information with everyone in your household. Be sure not to actually turn off the gas when practicing the proper gas shut-off procedure. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.

CAUTION - If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must turn it back on. NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself. See Shut-Off Utilities article.

Water

Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. It is vital that all household members learn how to shut off the water at the main house valve. Cracked lines may pollute the water supply to your house. It is wise to shut off your water until you hear from authorities that it is safe for drinking. The effects of gravity may drain the water in your hot water heater and toilet tanks unless you trap it in your house by shutting off the main house valve (not the street valve in the cement box at the curb—this valve is extremely difficult to turn and requires a special tool).

Locate the shut-off valve for the water line that enters your house. Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be rusted open, or it may only partially close. Replace it if FOR YOUR SAFETY: Always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.

necessary. Label this valve with a tag for easy identification, and make sure all household members know where it is located.

Electricity

Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. It is wise to teach all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity. Locate your electricity circuit box. Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the entire house.