Safety First

Safety Tips

Health Safety

 

Carbon Monoxide

CO is called the "silent killer" because it is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-irritating gas. If the early signs of CO poisoning are ignored, a person could lose consciousness and be unable to escape danger. More people die from CO poisoning than any other kind of poisoning.

Where does Carbon Monoxide (CO) come from?

  • Any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning or improperly installed.
  • Furnaces, gas range/stove, gas clothes dryer, water heater, portable fuel-burning space heaters fireplaces, generators and wood burning stoves.
  • Vehicles, generators and other combustion engines running in an attached garage
  • Blocked chimney or flue.
  • Cracked or loose furnace exchanger.
  • Back drafting and changes in air pressure.
  • Operating a grill in an enclosed space.

Symptoms may include:

  • headaches
  • dizziness
  • nausea and weakness
  • loss of muscle control
  • shortness of breath
  • chest tightness
  • visual changes
  • sleepiness
  • fluttering of the heart
  • redness of the skin
  • confusion

At high levels or continued exposure, CO can cause loss of consciousness, brain damage or death.

Early symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu.

With CO poisoning, symptoms may occur or get worse when you turn on the fuel-burning device. Also, more than one person in the house gets sick at the same time, unlike flu that takes time to pass from person to person. Lastly, symptoms are worse in a certain location but them get better when you leave that area.

If you suspect CO poisoning:

  • Open all windows and doors.
  • Get outside immediately to get fresh air.
  • Call 911 if you suspect that you or someone else has CO poisoning.
  • Contact the fire department and gas company from outside the building.

Are some people more sensitive to the effects of CO? Yes. Even low levels of CO can be a concern for the elderly, infants, the unborn, those with anemia, or those with heart or breathing problems.

During a power outage be careful about the use of these appliances as they can cause a buildup of toxic CO gas.

  • Never use a gas range or oven for warmth.
  • Never use a charcoal grill or barbecue grill in your home or garage.
  • Never run generators in indoor spaces, such as garages, basements, porches, crawlspaces or sheds, or in partly enclosed spaces such as carports or breezeways. Generators should only be operated outside, far away from (25 feet or more if possible) and downwind of buildings.
  • Never use a stove or fireplace unless it is properly installed and vented.
  • Never start up or run any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, generators, or other small motors) in enclosed spaces.
  • Never leave your car idling in a closed garage or use fuel-powered appliances or tools in enclosed, attached areas such as garages or porches. Carbon monoxide can seep into your home through vents and doors.

 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Every home with at least one fuel-burning appliance/heater, attached garage or fireplace should have a CO alarm.
  • If the home has only one CO alarm, it should be installed in the main bedroom or in the hall- way outside of the sleeping area.
  • An alarm should be installed on every level of the home and in sleeping areas.
  • Place the alarm at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.
  • Make sure nothing is covering or obstructing the unit.
  • Do not place the unit in dead air sp
  • Every month, unplug the unit and vacuum with a soft-brush attachment or wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove accumulated dust.
  • aces or next to a window or door.
  • Test the CO alarm once a month by pressing the test/reset button.
  • Don't let having a CO detector lull you into a false sense of security. Preventing the problem is better than relying on an alarm.

Being Prepared Makes Sense for Senior Citizens

 

The likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency tomorrow often depends on the planning and preparation done today. While each person's abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies from fires and floods to potential terrorist attacks. Evaluate your own personal needs and make an emergency plan that fits those needs.

 

Step 1 - Make a Plan

The reality of a disaster situation is that you will likely not have access to everyday conveniences. To plan in advance, think through the details of your everyday life. If there are people who assist you on a daily basis, list who they are, and how you will contact them in an emergency. Think about what modes of transportation you use and what alternative modes could serve as back-ups. If you require handicap accessible transportation be sure your alternatives are also accessible. Keep a copy of your plan in your emergency kit. Your plan should include how you will contact family members.

 

Step 2 - Prepare a Kit

The first step is to plan to make it on your own for at least 7 - 10 days. It is crucial that you and your family think about what kinds of resources you use on a daily basis. Always keep copies of important documentation in waterproof container. Your kit should include:

Basic Supplies: Think first about the basics for survival - food, water, clean air and any life-sustaining items you require. See our complete list of basic supplies.

Medications and Medical Supplies: If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need on hand to make it on your own for at least a week. You should also keep a copy of your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information. If you are unable to have a week-long supply of medication or require routine treatments, contact your service provider and pharmacist on how to best prepare.

Additional Items: In addition, there may be other things specific to your personal needs that you should also have on hand. If you use eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, and oxygen, be sure you always have extras in your home.

 

Step 3 - Be Informed

It is important to stay informed about what might happen and the different types of emergencies that could affect you. Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstance. Follow instructions received from authorities on the scene and stay calm.

Information for People with Disabilities

 

 

The likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency tomorrow often depends on the planning and preparation done today. While each person's abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies. Preparing makes sense for people with disabilities, other with access and functional needs. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan that fits those needs, you can be better prepared.

Step 1 - Make a Plan

The reality of a disaster situation is that you will likely not have access to everyday conveniences. To plan in advance, think through the details of your everyday life. If there are people who assist you on a daily basis, list who they are, and how you will contact them in an emergency. Think about what modes of transportation you use and what alternative modes could serve as back-ups. If you require handicap accessible transportation be sure your alternatives are also accessible. Keep a copy of your plan in your emergency kit. Your plan should include how you will contact family members.

Step 2 - Prepare a Kit

The first step is to plan to make it on your own for at least three days. It is crucial that you and your family think about what kinds of resources you use on a daily basis. Always keep copies of important documentation in waterproof container. Your kit should include:

Basic Supplies: Think first about the basics for survival - food, water, clean air and any life-sustaining items you require. See our complete list of basic supplies.

Medications and Medical Supplies: If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need on hand to make it on your own for at least a week. You should also keep a copy of your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information. If you are unable to have a week-long supply of medication or require routine treatments, contact your service provider and pharmacist on how to best prepare.

If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services at home such as home health care, meals, oxygen or door -to -door transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers within your area and the areas you might evacuate to. If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity to operate, talk to your health care provider about what you can do to prepare for its use during a power outage.

Additional Items: In addition, there may be other things specific to your personal needs that you should also have on hand. If you use eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, and oxygen, be sure you always have extras in your home.

Step 3 - Be Informed

It is important to stay informed about what might happen and the different types of emergencies that could affect you. Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstance. Follow instructions received from authorities on the scene, and stay calm.

Planning For Your Business

 

 

It is important for businesses to prepare for the impact of hazards and disasters. Up to 40% of businesses affected by disasters never reopen.

The planning process should take an 'all hazards' approach. There are many different threats or hazards to consider as well as the likelihood they will occur. In developing an all-hazards plan, potential hazards should be identified, vulnerabilities assessed, and potential impacts analyzed. Your risk assessment will identify opportunities for hazard prevention and mitigation efforts. You should also identify scenarios to consider for emergency planning.

A preparedness policy should be written and disseminated by management defining roles and responsibilities and outlining goals and objectives.

A business continuity plan that includes recovery strategies to overcome the effects of a disaster should be developed.

Typical business continuity should include the following:

  • Safety of employees, visitors and others at your facility. Plan for persons with disabilities and functional needs.
  • Minimize disruption of business operations.
  • Identify and protect mission critical functions
  • Internal and external notification to customers and employees
  • Protect facilities, assets, electronic information, and vital records
  • Identify alternate work site
  • Ensure technology redundancy and offsite backup
  • Create general awareness of the disaster recovery process
  • Timeframes for expected recovery from the event
  • Test, train and exercise your plan regularly

 

Keeping Your Pets Safe in an Emergency

 

 

You may face a number of emergencies or disasters in your lifetime - fire, flooding, windstorm, ice or snowstorm, power outage, or exposure to hazardous materials, to name just a few. Emergency planning is crucial. The steps you take now to prepare your loved ones and your pets could save their lives. If it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets.

Should a disaster occur or appear imminent, and if emergency officials recommend that you stay in your home, it is crucial that you keep your pets with you. Always bring them inside at the first sign of danger. Keep your Pet Kit (see below) close at hand. Your pets may become stressed during their in-house confinement, so consider crating them for safety and comfort. Crating your pets may also make it easier if evacuation becomes necessary. Do not evacuate and leave your pets behind in a crate because they will be rendered helpless until you return or until someone else reaches them.

Control & Confinement
  • On the carrier and harness, write your pet's name, your name and contact information with a permanent marker; include a picture of your pet
  • Extra harness for safety
  • Post your pet's behavioral or medical issues on the carrier and harness
Food
  • Seven (7) days’ worth of pet food in a plastic, airtight container
  • Consider purchasing collapsible water and food dishes at your local pet supply store for easier travel
Water
  • Store seven (7) days’ worth of drinking water for each pet
  • Before impending disruption in water service, fill tubs and sinks with potable water
Sanitation
  • A week's worth of litter
  • Cage liner and/or bedding for your pet
  • Garbage bags (for clean-up)
First Aid Kit
  • Ask your veterinarian for recommendations about what to include in your pet's first aid kit
  • Prepackaged first aid kits and manuals are available at pet supply stores
Medical Records & Photographs
  • Keep a copy of your pet's medical records, feeding and medication requirements, and a recent photo of your family with your pet in a zip-lock bag
Additional Supplies
  • Dogs: long leash, blanket, yard stake, toys, chew toys, newspaper
  • Cats: pillowcase or "EvackSack," harness, leash, blanket, toys, small litter pan
Identification

Cats, dogs and other large pets should wear identification. Collar, tags, microchips and tattoos are forms of identification that will increase the chances of your pet's safe return home should they become separated from you.

Helpful Links

 

Safety Tips for Kids

Welcome to Ready Kids!

Disasters happen everywhere, and every member of the family can prepare. Preparedness for the future starts today.

Whether you’re a kid or teen yourself, a parent or loved one, or work with youth, Ready Kids has tools and information to help before, during and after disasters.

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