Preparing for Emergencies
in Jefferson County

Snow and Ice Storms, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Fires, Floods, Y2K

For your Family
your Neighborhood
your Community

- Prepared by:American Red Cross -
Jefferson County Chapter -

In cooperation with:

  • Jefferson County Commission
  • Jefferson County Office of Emergency Services
  • Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
  • West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources
  • The Mayors of Charles Town, Ranson, Harpers Ferry, Bolivar and Shepherdstown
    •



     
    Message from the 
    Jefferson County Commission
    As you may already be aware, we have a major focus on Emergency Preparedness in Jefferson County this fall. We are not immune from severe weather-related disasters and there is the unique Y2K event coming up in just a few short months. Though much has been done already to prepare, no one really knows whether Y2K will cause problems or not. We do know, however, that we will be exposed sooner or later to unpredictable problems, weather-related or otherwise.

    The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Services, the County Chapter of the American Red Cross and many other organizations in our county are working to improve our overall emergency readiness. It is important that neighborhoods and families focus on preparedness too. Your County Commission is pleased to support this undertaking, which can provide you with useful information and guidelines to help your own preparedness. We need the help of everyone working together to minimize the effects of any disruptions that might occur.

    James K. Ruland, President 

    Introduction:

    This booklet provides basic information on emergency preparedness for the residents of Jefferson
    County, West Virginia. It is important for everyone to prepare in advance for natural disasters such as ice storms, tornadoes, forest fires and floods, or possibly train accidents or chemical spills, as well as for the transition from the year 1999 to 2000. The year 2000 transition may cause some disruptions in our computers and in our infrastructure, such as power, communications and transportation. No one can predict whether this Y2K problem will have serious effects or not. The preparations that can be taken, however, are similar to those for natural disasters, so both are covered in this booklet.




    Much of the material in this booklet comes from the Family Emergency Preparedness materials published by the American Red Cross and FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency). Specific information about Jefferson County has been added. Other material was supplied from the Montgomery County, MD. "Home Guide to Emergency Preparedness" and internet sites specializing in Community Preparedness. A list of helpful web sites and other material is found at the end of this booklet.

    Family and Neighborhood
    Emergency Preparedness Summary

    Storms or other emergencies may happen at any time. It's best to be prepared with supplies for 7 to 14 days.

    Water:

    Food: Medicines: Bank records: If the power goes off: If you don't have heat: The pages that follow have more suggestions for getting your family and neighborhood ready --

    Table of Contents

    1. What to prepare for - Natural Disasters and Y2K
    2. Building a Neighborhood and Family Disaster Preparation Plan
    3. Y2K - What You Should Know
    4. Your Home in an Emergency
    5. If You Have to Go to a Shelter
    6. Where to Find Additional Information
    7. Where to find help in Jefferson County
    8. Conclusion - Message from Senator Robert C. Byrd
    1. What to prepare for - Natural Disasters and Y2K
    Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere - at work, at school or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe?

    A disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to leave your neighborhood or make you stay in your home. What would you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones - were cut off?

    The phrase "When in doubt, hope for the best but prepare for the worst" is also good advice for Y2K, just as it is for weather-related disruptions.

    After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they may not be able to reach everyone right away. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. Will your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?

    Preparing for worst doesn't mean you believe it will happen. It means only that you believe that it might happen. You don't have to prove your house will burn down before you buy fire insurance, nor that you will have an automobile accident before purchasing car insurance. In the same way, you don't need to believe that natural disasters or serious Y2K problems will happen to prepare for emergencies.

    The Jefferson County Emergency Services Office (728-3290) has more information about how communities in our county are preparing for potential problems. You can help by preparing your family and home. You can also support the efforts of your local police, fire and emergency management officials to make sure that their systems will operate at all times.

    Section 3 of this booklet describes the unique Y2K problems that might happen at the beginning or later in the year 2000. Getting ready for Y2K, however, is much like preparing for natural disasters. The recommendations in this booklet are the same for both kinds of disruptions.
     

    "There are no emergencies for those who are truly prepared." - James Talmadge Stevens

    1. Building a Neighborhood and Family Disaster Preparation Plan
    Families can cope best with disasters by preparing in advance and working as a team. Make this a routine part of your life, the way school fire drills are regular, orderly events. This teamwork can and should be extended to your neighborhood, so that you can help others and they can help you. Follow the steps listed to create your family's disaster plan and then work with neighbors to see how to support each other. Knowing what to do is your responsibility and your best protection.

    Step 1: Find out what could happen to your family and neighborhood.
    Read this booklet through. It can provide a good start.

    Step 2: Create a Disaster Preparation Plan.
    Meet with your family to discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and floods to children. Talk together about how to prepare and respond. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
    Fill out, copy and distribute to all family members to carry with them:

    Step 3: Complete This Checklist.
    Keep this booklet handy in case of an emergency.

    Step 4: Practice and Maintain Your Plan. What to Tell Children.
    Tell children that a disaster is something that happens that can hurt people, cause damage, or cut off utilities like water, telephones, or electricity. Explain to them that fire, rain, wind and snow can all cause disasters. For Y2K, explain that some computers and some electronic equipment may stop working for awhile when the date changes from 1999 to 2000. Talk about effects that children can relate to, such as loss of electricity, water and telephone service. Suggestions: Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
    Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how you can work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity. Let them know that you are preparing. If they wish to talk about it, they're welcome to talk to you any time. Discuss how you can work together to handle natural disasters or Y2K problems. Talk about how you can share resources. Know your neighbors' special skills (medical, technical and others). Consider how you can help neighbors with special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons. Make plans for child care, in case parents can't get home.

    Emergency Supplies.
    Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for about 7 to 14 days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an evacuation (see Section 5 for recommended content). Store these supplies in sturdy easy-to-carry containers like backpacks, duffel bags or covered trash containers. Replace these supplies periodically.

    Keep important family documents in a waterproof and fireproof container.

    Utilities:
    Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.

    Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.

    Home Hazard Hunt:
    During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a home hazard - for example, an unsteady bookshelf. People can trip over loose electric cords or toys on stairways. Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards. Have your children tell you if they find any hazards.

    Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.

    If Disaster Strikes:
    Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.

    As Appropriate to the Situation . . . Evacuation: Leave your home immediately if told to do so: If you're sure you have time: Check for injuries.
    Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.

    Check for damage in your home ...

    Remember to ...

    1. Y2K - What You Should Know
    What is "Y2K" and why are people concerned?
    The Year 2000 technology problem, or "Y2K bug", as it is sometimes called, was created in the early days of computers, when computer memory was limited and expensive. Programmers took shortcuts whenever possible to save space. Instead of using four digits for year dates, they used just two, just as most of us use this same shorthand when we write dates: 10/13/99. The two-digit format also was used in "embedded chips", tiny computers that are in many machines that are part of our everyday lives. A few examples are building ventilation systems, elevators and fire and security alarm systems.

    When the year 2000 comes, computer programs that use two-digit years will not be able to distinguish between the years 2000 and 1900. While we will know that "00" will mean "2000" in most cases, computers must be told to put a "20' in front of the "00". This simple problem is costing businesses and governments hundreds of billions of dollars to repair and test.

    The problem is that not all of these errors will be caught before the end of 1999. If the program includes important information about dates, results are unpredictable. Errors may occur in computer hardware, microchips, computer software, applications or spreadsheet. Errors may "cascade" like dominoes falling. Fixing one error may bring another to the surface. Problems somewhere else may affect computers that have been successfully fixed and tested. For example, the lack of one set of GM parts shut down 14 GM plants not too long ago. American companies dependent on foreign goods may be seriously affected, since many countries are behind the U.S. in fixing their systems.

    No one knows what problems may occur, where they may be, or how long they will last. The good news is that; banks and other financial institutions; most retail businesses, federal, state and local governments and nearly every other group in this country affected by this problem have been working hard to resolve it. A great deal of progress has been made, but it is smart to prepare for the worst.

    When could Y2K problems happen?
    Most people anticipate Y2K problems may start to happen December 31, 1999, at midnight. However, many experts predict that the problem may pop up unexpectedly here and there for several months, rather than occur as a single big "crash".

    What kinds of things could happen as a result of Y2K problems?
    The President's Council on Y2K Conversion established by the White House, as well as a special Senate Committee chaired by Senator Robert Bennett of Utah, have focused on the following eight areas:

    The possible effect of the Y2K technology problem on any of these areas is unknown. The situation continues to change as federal, state and local governments, industries, business organizations and the general public take actions to reduce the problem. Experts who spoke at the Senate hearings believe that there may be local disruptions. For example, breaks in the supply chain of food and other resources may disrupt manufacturing and service industries. Deliveries of raw materials for medicines and food from overseas may be delayed. Roads may be closed or gridlocked if traffic signals are not operating correctly. Truck and train schedules may be affected. Telephone systems may not always work.

    Because no one can know what the effects of the Y2K problem will be, the American Red Cross has developed the following checklist. These are easy steps you can take to prepare for possible disruptions. Each of these items makes good sense, regardless of what happens with Y2K. It is best to prepare for the worst.
     
     

    Y2K Checklist. What You Can Do to be Prepared:

    1. Your Home in an Emergency
    1. Water
    During an emergency, you might be cut off from food, water and electricity for days. If power is out, food stores may be closed and your water supply may not work.

    Having a supply of clean water is very important. A normally active person needs to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. During hot weather you will need double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and sick people will need more. You will also need water to fix meals and to wash. Keep at least one gallon per person, per day. You should keep a 7 to 14 day supply of water for each member of your family. Don't forget water for pets.

    If supplies run low, drink what you need today and try to find more for tomorrow. You can use less by doing less and staying cool.

    How to Keep Water:
    Keep your water in very clean plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held poison. Plastic soft drink bottles are best. You can also buy food-grade plastic buckets or drums. Close water containers tightly, date them and keep in a cool, dark place. Change this water with fresh water every six months.

    Hidden Water Sources in Your Home:
    If a disaster catches you without a supply of clean water, you can use ice cubes and the water in your hot-water tank or pipes. You can also clean water from the reservoir (back) tank of your toilet (not the bowl).

    To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your house at the highest point. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then get water from the lowest faucet in the house.

    To use the water in your hot-water tank, cut off the power to your heater and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn the power back on when the tank is empty.

    Emergency Outdoor Water Sources:
    If you need to find water outside, you can use these, if you clean the water before drinking it.

    Don't use water with floating material, smells or is a dark color. Use saltwater only if you distill it first. You should not drink floodwater.

    Three Ways to Purify Water:
    In addition to having a bad smell and taste, bad water can have germs that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis. You should clean water before drinking, cooking or washing.

    There are many ways to clean water. None is perfect. Often the best way is to do two things: This will kill most germs but will not get rid of heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. Before cleaning, let the water settle, or pour it through layers of paper towels or clean cloth.

    1. Boiling.

      2. Boiling is the safest method of cleaning water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking. Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This will also make the taste of stored water better.
    2. Disinfection:

      3. You can use household liquid bleach to kill germs. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains only 5.25% sodium hypochlorite - check the label. Do not use scented bleaches, colorsafe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach smell, do it again and let stand another 15 minutes.
    The only item used to clean water should be household liquid bleach. Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that do not contain 5.25% sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.

    Distillation:
    While the two ways shown above will kill most germs in water, distillation will remove those and will also get rid of heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals.

    Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not include salt and other impurities. To distill, fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot's lid so that the cup will hang right side up when the lid is upside-down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. Let it cool. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.

    Keep Bad Water from Entering Your Home:
    Do you know where your incoming water valve is? You'll need to shut it off to stop bad water from coming into your home if you hear news of broken water lines.
     
     

    B. Food:

    Short-Term Food Supplies:
    Even though an emergency might not cut off your food supply for 7 to 14 days, you should try to have that much on hand. The easiest way to get 7 to 14 days of food is to buy more of the basic foods you usually keep on your shelves, a little at a time.

    Storage Tips:

    Nutrition Tips:
    During and right after an emergency, it will be important that you keep up your strength. So remember: When Food Supplies Are Low:
    If you do less, healthy people can get along on half their food for a long period and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children, pregnant women and those who are frail or ill.

    If your water supply is low, eat fewer foods that are high in fat and protein and don't eat salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with lots of liquid.

    You don't need to go out and buy strange foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods and other staples on your cupboard shelves. In fact, familiar foods are important. They can lift spirits and give a feeling of security in time of stress. Also, many canned foods don't need cooking, water or special preparation. Consider multivitamins and supplements also.

    Special Considerations:
    People with special diets and allergies will need more attention, as will babies, toddlers and elderly people. Nursing mothers may need to give their baby liquid formula in case they can't nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people.

    Make sure you have a hand-operated (not electric) can opener and disposable utensils. And don't forget foods for your pets.

    How to Cook if the Power Goes Off:
    In case the power is cut off, plan to use other ways of cooking. Don't use open flames or charcoal grills indoors. For emergency cooking you can use a fireplace or wood stove. You can also heat food with candle warmers, chafing dishes and fondue pots. A charcoal grill or camp stove can be used outdoors. Canned foods can be eaten right out of the can. If you heat it in the can, be sure to open the can and remove the label first.

    Food Storage:

    Shelf life of Foods for Storage:
    Here are some general rules for rotating common emergency foods:

    If the Electricity Goes Off . . .

    First, use perishable foods from the refrigerator

    Then, use the foods from the freezer. To lessen the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer contents on it. In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their centers (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least three days. In winter, if the outside temperature stays 32F or below, you can store frozen foods in an unheated garage or other protected cold location.

    Finally, begin to use non-perishable foods and staples.

    When the power is out for a long time, you may be able to use dry ice if you can find it at a local store. Bring an ice cooler or other container to transport it back home. As a rule of thumb, 25 pounds of dry ice will keep a 10-cubic-foot freezer at the right temperature (below 32F) for three or four days.

    1. Power:
    First, check to see if your neighbors have power. The problem may only be in your home, a blown fuse or a tripped circuit-breaker. If they are also without service, check with the power company to see when power may be back on. If the outage seems widespread, turn your battery-powered radio to WEPM 1340 AM or WXVA 98.3 FM for more news. Then, turn off all major appliances. When appliances ( refrigerators, electric water heaters, air conditioners and pumps) are left on, they could overload electric lines when power is turned back on, causing a second outage.

    Plumbing can freeze when power is lost during cold weather periods. You can turn off the water supply at the main intake pipe, drain your system and leave a faucet open to avoid air lock, if you feel this might be a problem.

    Be ready to go to a shelter if warmth and protection are a problem during a long power outage, or if for any reason local officials request or require that you leave your home. Listen to a battery-operated radio (WEPM 1340 AM or WXVA 98.3 FM) for information about where shelters will be available. See Section 7 for a list of possible shelters in Jefferson County.

    Other Power Sources:
    Generators for home use may be difficult to find in late 1999. Even if you find one, generators can be expensive, temperamental and noisy. The power generated is often not 'clean' with frequent spikes and surges that can damage equipment. Fuel needs to be stored for it. This can be hazardous and many fuels don't store well for a long time. Because of these reasons, unless there is a clear medical need for a generator, try using wood stoves, kerosene heaters, propane refrigerators, etc. Solar power can also be used, but is a long-term solution.
     
     

    1. Heat and Light:
    In cold climates, lack of heat can be life threatening. The ill, the elderly and small children are especially at risk. Use extra blankets, coats, socks, hats and gloves to keep warm. Close drapes and close off rooms you don't need. If heat is cut off, a fireplace, wood stove, or freestanding kerosene or propane heater may be used as another heat source. Do make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide, other gases or smoke. Buy a battery powered carbon monoxide detector.

    Please do not plan to use gas-fueled appliances like an oven as another heating source. The same goes for wood-burning or liquid-fueled heating devices that are not made to be used inside a house or apartment. Camp stoves and heaters should only be used out of doors in a well-ventilated area. If you do purchase another heating source, make sure it is approved for use indoors and is listed with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

    Have lots of flashlights and extra batteries and bulbs on hand. Keep one next to your bed. Check batteries often. Don't use open flame candles for emergency lighting.

    Examine your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms now. If you have alarms that are hard-wired into your home's electrical system (most newer ones are), check to see if they have battery back-ups. If not, buy battery-operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you already have detectors, clean and test them. A working smoke detector can double your chances of survival. Replace all batteries in all alarms each year as a general fire safety precaution. If you rent your home, ask your landlord about doing this.
     
     

    1. Fire Danger:
    Make sure any open flame is well away from children, pets, or flammables. Make sure that freestanding heaters or lamps cannot be knocked over by active children or pets and that fire screens are in place. Always keep an ABC fire extinguisher close at hand. For safety, use a flashlight when using the stairs or going into darkened cabinets or rooms. When filling a kerosene heater or lamp, do it outdoors and make sure the appliance is cool.

    Practice home fire drills. Find two exits from every room, make sure all family members know of the outside meeting place and how to get out quickly. If your house catches fire, DO NOT TRY TO PUT IT OUT. Fire spreads faster than you can possibly imagine -- a matter of seconds. Leave immediately.

    Call the local fire department AFTER you have left the building. Even if you can't reach the fire department, do not try to put out the fire yourself. NEVER go back into a burning building to get belongings or pets.
     
     

    1. Pharmacies and Medication:
    Your drugstore keeps its records on computers, as do most businesses and many doctors; and they may be subject to Y2K problems. If you take medication regularly, ask your doctor to write you an additional prescription so you have an extra supply on hand. Pharmacies may have problems or delays in filling prescriptions.

    Keep a family medical inventory:

    1. List all medications, over the counter and prescription that all family members use. Don't forget emergency items such as medication for allergic reactions to bee stings.
    2. List any supplies used with them, such as needles, alcohol swabs, lancets, etc.
    3. List all medical conditions, allergies, surgeries, etc.
    4. List all devices used at home or at a medical facility (e.g. dialysis machine, pacemaker, glucose testing equipment, inhalers, respirators, etc.). This includes wheelchairs (and, if they are battery powered), stair lifts, automatic door openers, etc. (According to FEMA, anyone requiring any type of life support that uses electricity should register with his or her local Office of Emergency Services -- regardless of possible circumstances. The telephone number of the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Services is 728-3290).
    5. List last dates of all immunizations such as tetanus.
    Once you've made your lists, talk to your doctor about: Medical and Dental Care:
    Try to schedule needed exams, lab tests, etc., with results returned well before the end of 1999. If your doctor has not paid attention to the Y2K problem, he may "lose" your medical records. Get paper copies of your medical file, x-rays, etc. If you need medication, ask if the doctor will give you a prescription ahead of the usual expiration. Some HMO's or health insurance companies will not take advance prescriptions - check yours. You'll need to talk about this with your provider and local drugstore.

    Try not to have any elective surgery just before or just after 1/1/2000. Elective surgery means surgery not needed for treatment of a life or health threatening or sustaining condition.

    To prepare for medical situations in advance, we suggest the following:

    1. Stock up on needed medications.
    2. Get copies of all medical and dental records, including x-rays.
    3. Make sure family shots are up to date for such things as flu, tetanus, children's immunizations, etc.
    4. If you have any medical or dental problems that you've been putting off taking care of, do so now.
    5. Make sure you understand any medical conditions you have and know how to take care of yourself in an emergency when services are not readily available.
    Medical Conditions:
    The frail elderly, people with special medical problems, those that are temporarily incapacitated, needing a caregiver, or people with handicaps --must make special plans for their safety in any emergency or if Year 2000-related emergency service failures happen.
     
     
    1. First Aid Kit:
    YOU CAN BUY BASIC FIRST AID KITS FROM THE RED CROSS (Tel. 725-5015), OR FROM YOUR LOCAL DRUG STORE. Or you may assemble your own. Have a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. The first aid kit should include: Non-prescription drugs
    1. General Emergency Tools and Supplies:
    Sanitation Special Items Entertainment - toys, games and books

    Important Family Documents -
    Keep these records or copies in a waterproof, fireproof portable container.

    1. Sewage:
    If you are on a public sewage line, be aware of possible back flow, especially in floods. Report problems immediately. If you have your own septic system, make sure your treatment schedule is kept up to date.

    Flush home toilets only when necessary. Put used toilet paper in plastic bags to avoid clogging problems. Use disinfectant freely. Fill your bathtub with water and use a bucket to take it to the toilet for flushing. Gray water or water from the outside, such as swimming pools or streams, may be used if free from debris.
     
     

    1. Garbage and Trash:
    Expect delays in garbage and trash collection. Rodents can be a major health threat where garbage piles up. Make sure you have enough sturdy, idded containers to hold 7 to 14 days of trash. Store paper and other flammables away from any heat sources or open flames. If waste builds up, consider burying bags in pits and use lime to cut down on smell and contamination.

    Don't allow garbage to pile up outside your home. In some rural areas, trash can attract dangerous animals.
     
     

    1. Communications:
    1. Telephones: Communication is extremely important. During an emergency, do not tie up the lines. Use the phone only when absolutely necessary. If there is no phone service, you could be cut off from emergency medical, police and fire services. One way of staying in touch is with a CB Radio and/or a family channel walkie-talkie.
    2. Radio: During any sort of an emergency, information becomes very important. Radio is the most easily available source. Make sure you have a portable battery operated AM/FM radio with good reception and enough batteries to last for at least a week of continuous play. Your local emergency stations are WEPM 1340 AM and WXVA 98.3 FM.
    1. Financial:
    1. Banks/Financial Records:

      2. Keep hardcopies of all bank statements, Social Security earnings profile, mortgage, car, utility and rent payments, IRA's, etc. Keep canceled checks or carbons.
    2. Cash, Credit and Debit Cards:

      3. Expect to use cash for most purchases if electric power is not available or if you have Y2K concerns. Have some extra cash or travelers checks on hand in case ATM cards, credit cards and the like cannot be processed. Plan to keep cash or travelers checks in a safe place. Emergency cash should be in small bills so stores can make change more easily. It is not advisable, however, to withdraw large amounts of money from your bank. Even if the bank is temporarily closed because of a power outage, your money is safe there and it is FDIC insured. It is not FDIC insured if it is at home in your mattress!.
    1. Weapons:
    Whether or not to 'arm' yourself for crisis situations is a hotly debated topic. We recommend as an alternative working with your neighbors and local police department to establish block watches. Plan with your neighbors for possible security situations. The best security is often the simplest -- watchful neighbors, secure doors, locks, lights, a dog, etc.
     
     
    1. Transportation:
    1. Cars:

      2. Keep your automobile gas tank more than half full and oil at the proper level. Gas stations may experience a variety of electrical problems or delays in fuel delivery. Storing gasoline can be extremely expensive and hazardous. We don't recommend it. Arrange neighborhood car pools for local errands. Use extra caution at intersections. In storms, be alert for downed wires and debris.
    2. Traffic Systems:

      3. Many traffic systems are computer controlled. If driving, treat every light as if it were a stop sign -- even if green. If walking, don't trust lights. Look both ways.
    3. Public Transportation:

      4. Busses will have the same problems as cars. Allow extra time or have backup car pool plans.
    4. Trains:

      5. Trains have had some computer problems not related to Y2K. Don't expect trains to run on time. Use extra caution at railroad crossings.

     
     
     
    Senator John Glenn on preparedness

    "...The greatest antidote to worry, whether you're getting ready for a space flight or facing a problem of daily life, is preparation. The more you prepare, the more you study, the more you think, the more you try to envision what might happen and what your best response and options are, the more you are able to allay your fears about the future...

    Obviously, there's a limit to how well you can prepare for everything, because our lives are continually made up of unforeseen events. That's why I stressed so much to my own children the value of education -- this encapsulated experience of everyone who has lived before us. It enables them to have as much preparation as possible for the unknowns that are in the future for all of us." 

    - Senator John Glenn, 25 Oct 1998, Parade

     
    1. If You Have to Go to a Shelter
    Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit

    It's 2:00 a.m. and a flash flood forces you to evacuate your home - fast. There's no time to gather food from the kitchen, fill bottles with water, grab a first-aid kit from the closet and snatch a flashlight and a portable radio from the bedroom. You need to have these items packed and ready in one place before disaster strikes.

    Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. A highway spill of hazardous material or a brush fire could mean instant evacuation. A winter storm, earthquake, flood or tornado or any other disaster could cut off basic services - gas, water, electricity and telephones - for days, and you may need (or be ordered by authorities) to move to a shelter or other temporary location.

    Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have much time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family will be more comfortable at a shelter.

    To prepare your kit:

    Supplies:
    There are six basics that should be part of your Disaster Supplies Kit that you may need if you have to evacuate: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items such as critical medications. (While many of these items are also listed in Section 4, they are repeated here so that you may have a specific, portable list of what is suggested if you need to evacuate.)

    1. Water:

      2. Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation) You may need several days supply, since you can't be certain ample water will be available in your temporary new location.
    2. Food:

      3. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your disaster supplies kit:
    3. First Aid Kit:

      4. Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. See Section 4.G for a list of what the first aid kit should contain.
    4. Clothing and Bedding:

      5. Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
    5. Tools and Supplies:
      6. Sanitation
    6. Special Items:

      7. Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Entertainment - quiet games and books

      Pets -
      Emergency planning should include all members of the family, including pets. If your family must go to a shelter or other site away from home, confine your pet (if appropriate) 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 your pet, or find a relative or friend who can check on its well-being on a regular basis. If you place your dog or cat in a kennel, make sure that the facility can provide good long-term care and that they are prepared for disasters themselves. Insulate fish tanks with pillows or blankets.

      Put together a basic disaster kit for your pets, in case you must leave your home quickly. Recommended items would include:

      Important Family Documents -
      Keep these records or copies in a locked waterproof, fireproof, portable container. Remember to take the key.
    - Remember to practice and maintain your plan -
    Replace supplies as needed and keep documents updated.
    "Inside every human there's a hero."

    Between hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and wars, the Red Cross is busy just the same, just down the street from you. We're in your community, providing information on disaster preparedness. We're also teaching classes in first aid, water safety and lifesaving, open to anyone and everyone.

    We believe a little knowledge, taught in a lot of neighborhoods, can help keep families safer. We also believe every human has the ability to step up and save a life.

    For us to continue our work, we need you to believe in the Red Cross. Please call now with a contribution.

    American Red Cross

     

     
    1. Where to Find Additional Information
    For more information on general Emergency Preparedness and Y2K and how you might prepare, try these web sites:


    1. Where to find help in Jefferson County
    Red Cross Shelters planned: Some of the Red Cross emergency shelters planned are listed below. Please check first to see which of these will be opened in emergencies, or by listening to emergency radio bulletins on WEPM 1340 AM or WXVA 98.3 FM.



     
     
    1. Conclusion - Message from Senator Robert C. Byrd
    United States Senate
    COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
    WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510-6025
    October 1, 1999
    Dear Friends,

    Unfortunately, unexpected events that disrupt our lives can and do happen. West Virginians need to be prepared for these types of emergencies.

    For example, West Virginians are no strangers to the perils of flooding. I have seen the destruction caused by flooding in West Virginia. In many cases, victims never imagined that a flood would strike their home. It is important to be ready before an emergency strikes. People should follow the common sense suggestions contained in this booklet to safeguard their families and property in case of an emergency. 

    Emergency preparedness is a timeless message. Putting food by is a long-cherished skill practiced by our hardy citizens in many parts of West Virginia. Please use the guidelines in this pamphlet to help your household prepare for an ice storm, a flood, a Y2K outage, or any other unpredictable event which could interrupt power, communications, or the flow of fuel, water and food. 

    With warm regards, I am 

    Sincerely yours, 

    Robert C. Byrd


     
     
     
    Top 10
    Reasons to Believe
    in the American Red Cross
    1. We help you save lives
    2. We're there when you need us.
    3. We do things you care about.
    4. We help you protect your family.
    5. We're in your neighborhood, every day.
    6. We're volunteers.
    7. We keep people in touch during emergencies.
    8. We use your money wisely.
    9. We're neutral and independent - not a government agency.
    10. We're YOUR American Red Cross.

    American Red Cross
    Disclaimer:

    This publication was prepared by the American Red Cross - Jefferson County Chapter to provide general information on preparing for emergencies. It is distributed with the understanding that neither the publisher nor authors are engaged in rendering legal, medical, or other professional services; it is not be utilized as a substitute for professional legal, medical, nor technical advice or services. The American Red Cross - Jefferson County Chapter will permit individuals to copy or distribute this document - in whole or in part - with accompanying credits. It is not to be sold. 

    All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7525 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.