Unit Objectives

 Describe the types of hazards to which your

community is vulnerable.
 Describe the functions of CERTs.
 Identify preparedness steps.
 Preparing for a Disaster

CERTs should prepare by:

 Identifying potential hazards in their homes and
workplaces.
 Reducing hazards, where possible.
 Developing a disaster supply kit.
 Responding To a Disaster

CERTs should respond by:

 Locating and turning off utilities, if safe.
 Extinguishing small fires.
 Treating injuries.
 Conducting light search and rescue.
 Helping to relieve survivor stress.
 Nondisaster CERT Roles

CERT members can:

 Distribute preparedness materials.
 Staff first aid booths at special events.
 Assist with installation of smoke alarms.
 Citizen Corps

 The President has encouraged Americans to

volunteer to improve and safeguard the nation.
 Areas of emphasis for volunteer efforts:
 Crime
 Natural Disasters
 Terrorism
 Citizen Corps Mission

To have everyone participate in

making America safer

Everyone can do something to be safer from the

dangers we all face – natural disasters, terrorism,
crime, public health issues and other medical
emergencies – and to help our communities be safer
too.

Visual 1.7
 Citizen Corps Mission

Every American can participate through:

• Personal responsibility: preparedness plans and

disaster supplies kits - home health and safety practices -
disaster mitigation measures - crime prevention and reporting

• Training: emergency preparedness - response capabilities - first

aid - fire suppression - search and rescue procedures -
public health and safety

• Volunteer service: law enforcement - fire - emergency medical

services - community public health - emergency management -
disaster relief & community safety organizations

Visual 1.8
  Mission Statement
To make Harris County
and the surrounding
area communities safer,
stronger and better
prepared through
service and
volunteerism that
focuses on emergency
preparedness and
public safety.
Visual 1.9
 Promoting a culture of service, citizenship
and responsibility

Visual 1.10
  Register on to the
website.
 You can log your
volunteer hours for the
class.
 Receive additional
volunteer & training
information.

281-JOIN-NOW

www.harriscountycitizencorps.com
Visual 1.11
 Additional CERT Training Opportunities

 Shelter management
 Community relations
 Donations management
 Special needs concerns
 Debris removal
 Utilities control
 Advanced first aid
 Automated External Defibrillator use
 CPR Skills
 Course Preview

The scope of this course includes:

 Fire safety.
 Disaster medical operations.
 Light search and rescue.
 CERT organization.
 Disaster psychology.
 CERTs and terrorism.
 Review & CERT Drill
 Types of Disasters

 Natural
 Manmade
 Technological
 Potential Hazards

 Hurricane  Earthquake
 Tornado  Oil Spill
 Flood/Flash Flood  Economic Loss
 Winter Storm  Communications
 Power Outage  Urban Fire
 Water Shortage  Building Collapse
 Wildfire  Subsidence
 Mass Fatality  Utility Outages
 HazMat or Chemical  Drought
 Terrorist Act  Disease
 Civil Disturbance  Rail Accident
 Others?

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Visual 1.15
 HARRIS COUNTY STATISTICS

 54 FIRE DEPARTMENTS
 2ND LARGEST PORT BASED ON EXPORTS
 ± 4 MILLION PEOPLE - unincorporated areas - 1.6 mil
 29 CITIES
 1777 MILES (GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES)
 125 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
 22 MAJOR WATERSHED’S
 8800 MILES OF PIPELINE THROUGH OUT HARRIS COUNTY
 3rd LARGEST COUNTY IN U.S. BY POPULATION
 34 PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATIONS OF DISASTERS - MORE THAN ANY
OTHER COUNTY IN TEXAS

Visual 1.16
 PREPARING FOR THE WORST

Visual 1.17
 A Hurricane Is . . .

A violent area of low pressure forming in the tropical

Atlantic Ocean from June to November.
 Risks Posed by Hurricane and Coastal Storms

Intense winds and rain can:

 Damage or destroy structures.
 Lift and move unstable structures and objects.
 Damage utility lines.
 Be accompanied by tornadoes.
 Cause coastal erosion.
 Cause floods.
 Threaten lives.
 Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

 Five categories of storms

 Measures wind speed
 Includes expected barometric pressure and storm
surge
 Hurricane Statistics

Nearly 100 million Americans are at risk:

 14 million live in the zone where winds over 125
mph have been recorded.
 More than 6 million live in storm surge areas.
 Preparing for a Hurricane/Coastal Storm

 Know your risk and evacuation routes.

 Develop a plan.
 Secure needed supplies.
 Floodproof property.
 Secure mobile homes and outdoor items.
 Before a Hurricane

 Board up all windows and glass doors.

 Check batteries.
 Stock up on nonperishable food.
 Listen to EAS.
 During a Hurricane

 If not advised to evacuate, stay indoors.

 Be aware of the “eye.”
 Be alert for tornadoes.
 After a Hurricane or Coastal Storm

 Do not reenter the area until it is safe.

 Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.
 Stay away from downed power lines.
 Turn off utilities, if necessary.
 Reserve telephones for emergencies.
 Listen to EAS.
 A flood occurs . . .

Any time a body of water rises to cover what is

usually dry land.
Visual 1.27
 Causes of Floods

 Heavy rain
 Spring snowmelt
 Dam and levee failure
 Low absorption or no soil percolation
 Factors Contributing to Flooding

 Rainfall intensity
 Rainfall duration
 Topography
 Soil conditions
 Ground cover
 Flood Hazards

 Heavy rainfall exacerbates problems with runoff,

absorption, and flood-control measures.
 Riverine flooding can potentially inundate a city or
downstream areas when protection fails.
 In rocky areas, lack of absorption can cause flash
flooding.
Visual 1.31
Flood of 1994

Visual 1.32
Visual 1.33
Visual 1.34
Visual 1.35
Visual 1.36
 2001

Visual 1.37
Visual 1.38
 SAN JACINTO RIVER-1994

Visual 1.39
Visual 1.40
 Flood Risks

 4,000 communities and 100 million people are at

risk.
 Damage increases with development in:
 Coastal areas.
 Floodplains.
 Flood Preparations

 Know the flood risk for the area.

 Prepare a flood evacuation plan.
 Obtain flood insurance.
 Keep documents in a water-proof box.
 Check a portable radio for current information.
 HARRIS COUNTY
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

www.hcoem.org
Visual 1.43
Visual 1.44
Visual 1.45
Visual 1.46
 Protecting Property From Flooding

 Elevate furnace, water heater, and electric panel.

 Move furniture and other items to a higher level.
 Install check valves.
 Waterproof basements and walls.
 If You Must Evacuate

 Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.

 Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
 Heed barricades.
 Keep away from waterways.
 Avoid storm drains and irrigation ditches.
 After a Flood

 Stay out of flooded areas.

 Reserve the telephone for emergencies.
 Avoid driving, except in emergencies.
 A Severe Thunderstorm Is . . .

One that produces hail at least three-quarters of an

inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour
or higher, or produces a tornado.
 Risks Posed by Thunderstorms

 Lightning
 Hail
 Downbursts and straight-line winds
 Flash floods
 Tornadoes
 Thunderstorm Preparedness

 Understand the risk.

 Learn to make a small target.
 Pay attention to warnings.
 During a Thunderstorm

Avoid:
 Water sources.
 The telephone.
 The outdoors.
 If You Are Outdoors . . .

 Get away from water sources.

 Seek shelter in a substantial building.
 If necessary:
 Take shelter in a car or.
 Go to low-lying area and make a small target.
 Avoid natural lightning rods.
 A Tornado Is . . .

A powerful, circular windstorm that may be

accompanied by winds in excess of 250 miles per
hour.
 Risks Posed by Tornadoes

Tornadoes can:
 Rip trees apart.
 Destroy buildings.
 Uproot structures and objects.
 Send debris and glass flying.
 Overturn cars and mobile homes.
 Fujita Wind-Damage Scale

 Measures tornado strength

 Six levels:
 F0: Light damage
 F1: Moderate damage
 F2: Considerable damage
 F3: Severe damage
 F4: Devastating damage
 F5: Incredible damage
 Tornado Preparedness

 Know the risk.

 Identify a “safe” room.
 Learn the community’s warning system.
 Conduct family tornado drills.
 Tornado Clues

 High winds
 Very large hail
 During a Tornado . . .

 Keep windows and doors closed.

 Go to the “safe” room.
 Listen to EAS or NOAA Weather Radio.
 A Heat Wave Is . . .

A prolonged period of excessive heat, often

combined with excessive humidity.
 Risks Associated With a Heat Wave

 Heat cramps
 Heat exhaustion
 Heat/Sun stroke
 Actions to Take During a Heat Wave

 Seek air conditioning.

 Avoid strenuous activities during the heat of the
day.
 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
 Check on family members and neighbors.
 Drink plenty of fluids.
 Preparing the Home

 Install additional insulation.

 Protect windows.
 Use attic fans.
 Dangers of Fire

 Asphyxiation
 Heat
 Smoke
 Developing a Family Fire Plan

 Install smoke alarms.

 Identify escape routes.
 Practice the escape plan.
 Practice alerting family members.
 Learn the fire department’s emergency number.
 If a Fire Starts

 Get out quickly.

 Go to the meeting place.
 Call the fire department.
 If You Can’t Escape

 Stuff wet cloth around doors and vents.

 Call the fire department.
 Stay low and by a window.
 Open windows at top and bottom.
 Wave a bright-colored cloth at the window.

Visual 1.68
 Preventing Fires

 Conduct a home hazard hunt.

 Inspect wood stoves and chimneys annually.
 Purchase only “laboratory-tested” heaters.
 Keep matches and lighters away from children.
 Check electrical wiring.
 Keep combustibles away from the stove.
 Three Classes of Wildfires

 Surface fire
 Ground fire
 Crown fire
 Wildfire Preparedness

 Keep a garden hose that is long enough to reach

any area of the house.
 Obtain a portable gasoline-powered water pump.
 Equip chimneys and stovepipes with spark
arresters.
 Keep fire tools handy.
 Use proper building and landscape design.
 During a Wildfire

 Listen for emergency information.

 Confine pets or arrange for pets to stay with a
friend or relative.
 Move flammable furniture to the center of the
home.
 Remove flammable drapes and curtains.
 Close all doors and windows.
 After a Wildfire

 Use caution when reentering.

 Inspect the roof immediately.
 Have propane or heating oil tanks inspected.
 Check the stability of trees around the home.
 If there is no power, check the main breaker.
 Nuclear Power Plants . . .

Operate in most States and produce about 20

percent of the Nation’s power. Nearly 3 million
Americans live within 10 miles of an operating
nuclear power plant.
 What Is Radiation?

Radioactive materials are composed of unstable

atoms. Unstable atoms give off excess energy
until they become stable. The energy emitted is
radiation.
 Hazards

Major hazards to people in the vicinity of the plume:

 Radiation exposure to the body from the cloud
and particles deposited on the ground.
 Inhalation of radioactive materials.
 Ingestion of radioactive materials.
 Emergency Planning Zones

 Within a 10-mile radius, people could be harmed

by direct radiation exposure.
 Within a 50-mile radius, radioactive materials
could contaminate water supplies, food crops,
livestock.
 Minimizing Radiation Exposure

 Time
 Distance
 Shielding
 Nuclear Emergency Terms

 Notification of Unusual Event

 Alert
 Site Area Emergency
 General Emergency
 Awareness Measures

 Learn community’s warning system.

 Obtain emergency public information.
 Learn emergency plans.
 During a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency

 Listen to warnings.
 Stay tuned to local radio or television.
 Evacuate, if advised to do so.
 If not advised to evacuate, shelter in place.
 During a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency

 Shelter and feed livestock, if time permits.

 Do not use the telephone.
 If you suspect exposure, shower thoroughly.
 Cover or refrigerate food.
 After a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency

 Return home only when advised by authorities.

 If at home, remain inside until advised.
 Get medical treatment, if needed.
 Hazardous Materials Are . . .

Substances that because of their chemical nature,

pose a potential risk to life, health, or property if
they are released or used improperly.

Visual 1.84
 Sources of Hazardous Materials

 Chemical plants
 Service stations
 Hospitals
 Hazardous materials waste sites
 Transport vehicles

Visual 1.85
Visual 1.86
Visual 1.87
Visual 1.88
 Hazardous Materials Incident Preparedness

 Find out what could happen.

 Address the hazards in your family emergency
plan.
 Practice and maintain your plan.
 Learn the warning and information system for
your community.

Visual 1.89
 During a Hazardous Materials Incident

 Leave the area!

 Report the incident.
 If hearing a warning, listen for instructions.

Visual 1.90
 During a Hazardous Materials Incident

 Stay away from the incident site.

 If outside, stay upstream, uphill, and upwind.
 If in a motor vehicle, stop and find shelter.
 If asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
 If requested, stay indoors—shelter in place.

Visual 1.91
 If Asked to Shelter in Place

 Get household members and pets inside.

 Close and lock exterior doors and windows.
 Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems.
 Go to the pre-selected safe room.

Visual 1.92
 Post-incident Actions

 Do not return home until instructed.

 Open windows and vents and turn on fans.
 Follow decontamination procedures.
 Learn how to clean up land and property.
 Report any lingering hazards.

Visual 1.93
 Household Chemicals

Knowing how to handle these products and

how to react during an emergency
can reduce the risk of injury.

Visual 1.94
 Symptoms of Poisoning

 Difficulty breathing
 Irritation of eyes, skin, throat, or respiratory tract
 Changes in skin color
 Headaches, blurred vision, dizziness
 Clumsiness or lack of coordination
 Cramps or diarrhea

Visual 1.95
 Chemical Emergency Preparedness

 Limit
 Isolate
 Eliminate
 Separate

Visual 1.96
 Household Chemical Safety

 Read directions before using.

 Store in safe, secure location.
 Avoid mixing chemical products.
 Never smoke while using chemicals.
 Clean up spills immediately.

Visual 1.97
 During a Household Chemical Emergency

 If poison is consumed:
 Find containers immediately.
 Call poison-control center, follow instructions.
 If chemical gets into the eyes:
 Follow emergency instructions on container.
 Seek medical attention.
 If a fire or explosion occurs:
 Evacuate residence immediately.
 Move upwind to avoid breathing toxic fumes.
 Call the fire department from outside.

Visual 1.98
 Key Elements of Disasters

 They are relatively unexpected.

 Emergency personnel may be overwhelmed.
 Lives, health, and the environment are
endangered.
 Effects on Infrastructure

Damage to transportation:
 Inability to assess damage accurately
 Ambulances prevented from reaching victims
 Police prevented from reaching areas of civil
unrest
 Fire departments prevented from getting to fires
 Interruption to the flow of needed supplies
 Effects on Infrastructure

Damage to structures:
 Damaged hospitals unable to function normally
 Increased risk of damage from falling debris
 Effects on Infrastructure

Disrupted communication:
 Victims unable to call for help
 Coordination of services hampered
 Effects on Infrastructure

Damage to utilities:
 Loss of utilities
 Increased risk of fire or electrical shock
 Loss of contact between victims and service
providers
 Inadequate water supply
 Increased risk to public health
 Effects on Infrastructure

Damage to fuel supplies:

 Increased risk of fire or explosion from fuel line
rupture
 Risk of asphyxiation
 Hazards From Home Fixtures

 Gas line ruptures from displaced water heaters or

ranges
 Damage from falling books, dishes, and other
cabinet contents
 Electric shock from displaced appliances
 Fire from faulty wiring, overloaded plugs, or
frayed electric cords
 Personal Safety

Personal safety measures vary depending on:

 The type of event.
 The amount of warning available.
 Location during the event (i.e., inside, outside,
driving).
 Home/Workplace Preparedness

 Structural and nonstructural hazard mitigation

 Individual preparedness:
 Assemble disaster supplies.
 Develop a disaster plan.
 Develop a safe room.
 Sample Structural Hazard Mitigation

 Bolt older houses to the foundations.

 Strap propane tanks.
 Raise utilities.
 Strap mobile homes to their slabs.
 Ask a professional to check foundation, roof
connectors, chimney, etc.
 Sample Nonstructural Hazard Mitigation

 Anchor heavy furniture.

 Secure appliances and office equipment.
 Secure cabinet doors with childproof fasteners.
 Locate and label gas, electricity, and water
shutoffs.
 Secure water heaters and have flexible gas lines
installed.
 The EOP

 Assigns responsibility to organizations and

individuals
 Sets forth lines of authority
 Describes how people and property will be
protected
 Identifies personnel, equipment, facilities,
supplies, and other resources
 CERTs in a Disaster Setting

 Assist first responders when requested

 Initially assume many of the same functions as
response personnel when necessary until help
arrives:
 Fire safety
 Light search and rescue
 Disaster medical operations
 Unit Summary

 CERTs are among a variety of agencies and

personnel who cooperate to provide assistance in
the aftermath of a disaster.
 CERTs have proven themselves invaluable in the
areas in which they were tested.
 CERTs have become a key component of the
Citizen Corps program.
 CERT Video

Visual 1.113
 Mis ty Gunn
Harr is C ounty C ERT
Coordinator
Mis ty .g unn@oem.hctx .net
281-436-8169