June 25, 2009
Disaster tip of the month: Plan for temporarily reduced public services
Editor’s note: The Emergency Management Division of the Washington Military Department is offering a tip a month to help people get prepared for a disaster. University Week will carry these monthly tips.
June’s tip has to do with providing for an extended period of time with reduced services after a disaster such as an earthquake. Emergency Management recommends that the following items be stored:
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Camping lanterns with extra fuel, wicks, mantles and matches
• Lightsticks
• Camp stoves, sterno stoves or barbecues with fuel (but never burn charcoal indoors)
• Paper plates and cups
• Plastic utensils
• Paper towels
• A tent or waterproof tarp
• Sleeping bags or blankets and pillows
• Rain gear
• Mylar blankets
Food storage is a problem if the power is out for an extended period. Emergency management recommends that refrigerator and freezer doors be closed as much as possible. Food in a refrigerator is safe for up to four hours without power. Food in a full freezer will be fine for two days; food in a half full freezer for one day. Refrigerated foods should be thrown out if they warm up to more than 40 degrees. If possible, use a thermometer to check their temperature.
If water lines are damaged, toilets should not be flushed. If this is the case, drain the water from the toilet and line it with a heavy duty plastic bag. After use, add disinfectant and seal, then put the bag inside a trash can with a lid that has also been lined with a bag. Eventually, the city will provide a means to dispose of these bags. To provide for this, store a large quantity of heavy-duty plastic bags, twist ties, disinfectant and toilet paper.
Other tips:
• Keep a week’s supply of food and water for your pet on hand. Toilet bowl water can be used for pets.
• Obtain a battery-powered radio and a supply of extra batteries. Identify the Emergency Alert Station for your area, write it down and keep the information with the radio.
Click here to download a PDF with this information.
Click here to go to the UW’s Emergency Management Web site.
