Running head: HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN

Household Disaster Plan Tamara Putney Ferris State University

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN Abstract

A well-defined, timely response plan is essential to ensure the best possible chance of survival in the face of any disaster or emergency situation. It is critical to understand the types of natural, chemical and terrorist disasters that can occur in the local community. Whether confined to or evacuated from the home, survival techniques are crucial. A household disaster response plan must include evacuation techniques, meeting places, communication plans, and supplies for confinement or evacuation. The plan must also include a survival kit that can be utilized for three days or more. Any plan for disaster must be practiced and reviewed often to ensure effective response to disaster. keywords: disaster survival, emergency response, evacuation, survival kit, disaster preparedness

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN Household Disaster Plan

Being prepared in the face of disaster can mean the difference between life and death. In this volatile and ever changing world disasters can present themselves in many forms and occur in many different areas. Disasters can be natural, chemical, or even terroristic or bio-terroristic in nature. Understanding the presentation, impact and implications of each type of disaster is imperative to being prepared and ensuring lives are spared. One of the first steps in being prepared for a disaster is to develop a feasible and realistic survival and response plan based on specific disasters that might occur in specific areas of the country. This paper will identify and discuss natural and chemical disasters and acts of terrorism that could occur in Northern Michigan, specifically, the community of Interlochen, Michigan. The authors personal household disaster plan that will be used in the event one or more of these disasters occurs will also be presented. In response to disasters, the need to confine to a safe area within the house, or evacuate to an immediate local or distant location may be necessary. In either of these circumstances a response and survival plan must be in place, this too will be reviewed. Fortunately, up to this point in time, Northern Michigan has been relatively free from major disasters. Contrary to many parts of the United States, according to Veenema (2007) as of 2004 Michigan has not had a billion dollar disaster, in regards to weather. But, it is very realistic that Northern Michigan could suffer from a natural, chemical or terrorist (biological or manmade) disaster at any time. Being prepared should be the priority of every citizen. Preparedness starts with understanding what disasters could potentially occur, then developing a response plan accordingly (Veneema, 2007). When considering natural disasters, Northern Michigan is very prone to hazardous weather in the form of wildfires, extreme heat or cold, snow and ice storms, power outages,

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN wind, and occasional flooding (Michigan Prepares, 2012a). Understanding how to react to each of these conditions is imperative in ensuring the safety of everyone. Hazardous chemicals and toxins are present in every community and have a place in our everyday lives. Understanding safe handling and what to do in an emergency, in the case of a spill or exposure is critical, and could mean life or death, not only of the individual directly affected, but also for those is the vicinity of the event. Chemicals in many forms exist in and around the homes we live in, the places we work at and in the community. The majority of chemicals are safe if used correctly. Unfortunately, misuse, leaks or spills can mean dangerous

situations that have the potential to harm and even cause death (Disaster Center, 2012). Northern Michigan is especially prone to chemical emergencies that include, natural gas, propane, pesticides, carbon monoxide, mercury, and chlorine (Michigan Prepares, 2012b). Chemical emergencies can result from industry explosions, traffic accidents, spills, leaks and contamination; no area is free from the potential of disaster (Disaster Center, 2012). Interlochen, Michigan is near a railway and a major Michigan highway, which means chemical carrying train or tractor-trailer disasters are possible if an accident occurs. There is also agriculture and manufacturing industry in the immediate area, which is also a potential threat. Being prepared to confine or evacuate is crucial. As our changing world becomes more volatile, it seems no place is free of the risk associated with a terroristic or biological attack. In the State of Michigan it is the Office of Public Health Preparedness [OPHP] that oversees the preparedness of all areas of Michigan, so everyone can be protected, as much as possible, and be informed in the event of a biological event (Michigan Department of Community Health, 2012). Bio-terrorism, or biological emergencies can be intentional or accidental. The illness causing agent can be eaten, inhaled or

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN enter via mucous membranes or by a break in the skin (Michigan Prepares, 2012c). The

Michigan Prepares (2012c) website explains that biological emergencies are usually exposures or outbreaks that have the potential to spread and become pandemics; they may be contained or not contagious. Biological agents can be germs or viruses and can spread via humans or animals (2012c). In Northern Michigan specifically, our government is prepared to respond to attacks or outbreaks from anthrax, smallpox, West Nile virus, chronic wasting disease, rabies, Lyme disease, bovine tuberculosis, avian flu, and various foodborne illnesses (Michigan.gov, 2012). An important consideration for all residents of Michigan when discussing biological acts of terrorism is the fact that the largest supply of fresh water is present here. The waterways all around the state are major routes of resource and food deliveries as well as a huge source of drinking water (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2012). Terroristic attacks on this water source could contaminate or poison hundreds of thousands of residents, animals and effect thousands of businesses. Although the Office of Public Health Preparedness has a plan outlined for the state, each citizen should also have a personal plan prepared and be informed as to how to react to such an event. Pure terrorist attacks not involving a biological weapon could also occur in Northern Michigan, albeit rare, being prepared is a must. Interlochen, Michigan is somewhat isolated. The nearest densely populated city is 2.5 hours to the south (Grand Rapids). This is important because nearly all the service industries, to include food, gas and other goods are delivered via major routes on freeways or by air from the south. If Detroit or Grand Rapids were to experience terrorist attacks (explosions of major suppliers, blockage of major roads or government building disasters) the residents north of those cities would likely suffer also, in the form of lacking delivery of goods and services needed to survive. The ability to confine or

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN evacuate and survive, without the availability of stores and shopping, in the event of such disasters is critical. As Veenema (2007) describes, One of the most important steps you can take in preparing for emergencies is to develop a household disaster plan (p. 632). Luckily, this authors family only consists of two people and one 10-pound dog. Interlochen, Michigan has a siren warning system for emergency notification of the community, the well-advertised main local FM radio station to listen to, in the event of an emergency, is WTCM 103.5. Also all family members are aware that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulated Emergency Alert System is the main source for emergency information via the television. This FCC warning system pipes into the television no matter what service residents have (cable, antenna, or satellite) and notifies of national, state and local emergencies (Federal Communications Commission, 2012). Of the few neighbors in the vicinity, none are special needs and no one requires special

assistance due disability or age. However, this authors family is prepared to assist in nearly any medical emergency and is willing to render any first aid necessary. The local community is close knit and has an established and distributed a paper record of all residents in a 30-acre radius. The record includes names, hometowns, email addresses and phone numbers. In the event of a chemical, natural, man-made or terrorist disaster, if evacuation is necessary, the household plan is very well defined. The ability to escape from the household safely is very important. As Veenema (2007) dictates, all household members are very familiar with the house layout, and two escape routes from each room are established. Every room in the authors small two-story loft type house has a window, as well as a door. A main corridor runs through the center of the house on the ground floor, affording two escape routes, one from any room out the

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN front door and the other, in the opposite direction, out the backdoor. The upstairs loft exits are

the north window or the stairway leading to the front door house exit. Hopefully, the dog will be available and included in any necessary physical evacuation. If for some reason the dog cannot be kept after evacuation has occurred, relatives out of the area are prepared to render care. In the event the dog is alone at home during a disaster, stickers on the window, notify rescue workers that an animal is present in the residence. Emergency numbers are very important and are posted on the refrigerator, programmed in all cell phones, and stored in the car, as well written on paper and kept at work. Relative phone numbers are in cell phone directories and live in the local town of Arcadia and in the state of Wisconsin. The plan is for communication to be made to these individuals, then they will call all family members to let them know the situation, this is the best plan as described by the American Red Cross (2012). According to the American Red Cross (2012) two meeting places should be established, one location near the home and another away from the home. In the event of such things as fire or gas leak, the meeting place near the home is about 100 yards north and is a very large tree. This has been the designated meeting place for years. In the event the author and family are not at home, are separated at the time and cannot return home, the meeting place is a park about five miles from the house. All family members travel with many forms of technology including cell phones, two-way radios, and a portable Internet device. Although not failsafe, hopefully one of these devices will allow for communication. In the unfortunate event the family is separated and cannot communicate personally, the backup communication plan is to contact the relative in Arcadia, Michigan or Wisconsin via cell phone or land line to confirm safety and spread the word. In case the need arises, as described by the American Red Cross (2012) disaster planning website all family members are aware of the location of the main shut off valves for utilities such

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN as gas, electric and water in the event of an emergency. The house side master shut off valves for gas and water enter into and are located in the basement and the electric main is in the main

floor bedroom. In the event of an evacuation, whether immediately outside of the house or if it is required to leave the vicinity, a mobile camper is available and ready for use. This camper will be used if the family cannot stay in the home, or if relocation to a safe area is necessary. This camper has a built in electric generator and utilizes propane for heat (an extra propane container is stowed in the supply compartment. In the event that evacuation to a shelter is necessary and the camper is not an option, a Go Bag, (Emergency Supplies section, para.1) as suggested by the Do 1 Thing (2012) website, is prepared. This bag is kept in the hall closet and contains items usually required for a shelter stay: two small pillows, a blanket, a one week supply of medication, cash, underwear and a phone charger (Do 1 Thing, 2012). It would be this circumstance where relatives would care for the dog, as shelters do not generally take pets (2012). Planning for response to any type of disaster will require having a disaster survival kit (Veenema, 2007). Even though disaster effects can last days, weeks or even months long, the absolute minimum a kit should be prepared for is three days for evacuation circumstances (2007). In the event a home confinement is required the minimum kit should contain enough supplies for two weeks (2007). Utilizing plastic containers, this author has developed two survival kits. One kit is kept in the camper (three day supply) and the other is kept in the basement (two week supply). According to the American Red Cross (2012) and Veenema (2007) the absolute necessity is water. Storing at least one gallon per person per day in a plastic sealed container will provide enough water for drinking and sanitary reasons (Veenema, 2007). The camper has eight 1-gallon sealed plastic jugs (to provide for humans and the dog) while the

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN

basement contains 28 gallons in the form of six 5-gallon sealed Culligan brand containers. As recommended, all water is rotated every six months (2007). As far as food is concerned, nonperishable canned and dry foods stored in metal containers are stocked and rotated every six months according to the recommendations of Veenema (2007). A variety of canned meat, fruit and vegetables not necessarily needing to be heated to eat, as well as granola, powdered milk, crackers and peanut butter are stocked. Being relatively inactive if confined in the basement, means only about half of the usual food intake will be necessary. A ration of about one cup per day of dry container sealed dog food will be stocked for the dog. All food is dated, stored on a rack that is dry and off the floor and will supply at least two meals per person per day. Veenema (2007) suggests every vehicle should have a basic first aid kit as part of a disaster supply kit. Both the camper and the basement have a very extensive commercially stocked first aid kit that contains not only first aid supplies like bandages, tape, gauze, creams and ointments, but has the most common ailment relief, over the counter medications also such as: Ipecac, Benadryl, Imodium, Tylenol, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, vitamin C. These kits also contain: emergency numbers, personal identification information, a two week supply of prescription medication, hygiene products, shot and vet records, some cash and, as the American Red Cross (2012) suggests, photo copies of all major personal documents. Also, a smaller version of this kit is kept in a safe place at work. An extensive first aid kit is also kept in the car along with jumper cables, a flashlight, flares and a small radio. Part of surviving is being informed, for this purpose the camper and basement are stocked with an official National Weather Service battery operated radio (American Red Cross, 2012). Everyone in the family knows CPR, basic first aid and is well versed in weather and emergency related lingo and alert codes. A rotating stockpile of various sized batteries and both an electric and solar phone charger are also part of the three-day

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN and two week survival kits. As are: two flashlights, various pet supplies, eating and cutting utensils, two plates, two bowls, a can opener, blankets, a vent free (battery operated) space

10

heater, clothing, coats, boots, matches, a very small fire extinguisher, 12 garbage bags, rain gear, paper and a pencil. Also, according to the American Red Cross (2012) suggestions, the basement kit contains some magazines for entertainment, a few books (one of which describes types of disaster that could occur, including signs and symptoms of illness), duct tape, plastic sheeting, scissors, and gloves. Last, a very important item that is included in the survival kit a small tool box (2012). The tool kit in the camper and basement contain the basics: a hammer, a screwdriver bit set, an adjustable wrench, a few nails, pliers, and a pry bar. There are two important rules in the household. One rule is that the response plan and kit contents are reviewed discussed and practiced every February 14th. This date is also utilized to update all personal documents such as life insurance and living wills. The other important rule is that household members can never borrow from the emergency supply kit. Most of the items in the kit are kept in a large closed plastic bin. Only rotated items like food and water are ever removed from the basement and camper kits. In conclusion, being empowered with the knowledge of the types of disasters can occur in any given community is of utmost important. Understanding that disaster can occur with or without warning, and can be natural, chemical or due to terrorist actions is crucial. Being informed of what to expect in a disaster, how to respond and having a means for survival, as well as being able to communicate with the world can be the difference between living and dying in the face of an emergency. All family members should be prepared for an emergency and the plan should be practiced.

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN References American Red Cross. (2012). Make a plan. Retrieved from

11

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.53fabf6cc033f17a2b1ecfbf43181aa0/?v gnextoid=537b218c37752210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&currPage=6057d7aada3 52210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD Disaster Center. (2012). Chemical Emergencies: Why talk about chemical emergencies? Retrieved from http://www.disastercenter.com/guide/chemical.html Do 1 Thing. (2012). Be informed. Retrieved from http://do1thing.com/userfiles/file/12_Things.pdf Federal Communications Commission [FCC]. (2012). Emergency alert system. Retrieved from http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/services/eas/ Michigan.gov. (2012). Emerging disease issues: Diseases that may affect humans or animals. Retrieved from http://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases Michigan Department of Community Health. (2012). Office of Public Health Preparedness. Retrieved from http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-54783_54826---,00.html Michigan Prepares. (2012a). Preparing for severe weather. Retrieved from http://www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares/0,4621,7-232-42880_42894---,00.html Michigan Prepares. (2012b). Chemical emergency fact sheets. Retrieved from http://www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares/0,4621,7-232-42878_42886_43063--,00.html Michigan Prepares. (2012c). Biological emergencies in Michigan. Retrieved from http://www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares/0,4621,7-232-42666---,00.html

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). Lake wide management plans. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/lakemich/intro.html Veenema, T. G. (2nd ed). (2007). Creating a personal disaster plan. In disaster nursing and

12

emergency preparedness for chemical, biological, and radiological terrorism and other hazards (pp. 632-635). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. Retrieved June 2, 2012, from http://0site.ebrary.com.libcat.ferris.edu/lib/ferris/docDetail.action?docID=10185600

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN Grading Rubric for the Household Disaster Plan
A. Introduction Below Expectation (2 points) The introduction is below average or missing. The focus of the paper is not clear as well as what will be discussed in the text of the paper (14 points) There is a below average identification of the natural or chemical disasters or acts of terrorism that could occur in the community. All 3 areas are not clearly addressed. (14 points) There is a below average response plan that includes meeting places, a friend or relative to call who lives out of the area; a floor plan with 2 escape routes from each room; availability of emergency numbers; information on how to shut off water, gas, and electricity; a plan for family or neighbors who may need special assistance; arrangements for pets; and a personal communication backup plan. Four or more of these areas are not addressed. (14 points) There is a below average listing of supplies for a disaster supply kit with food, water, and first aid, tools, clothes & bedding, specialty items, and other supplies. Three or more items Needs Improvement (3 points) There is an average introduction to the paper. The focus of the paper may be somewhat unclear as well as what will be discussed in the text of the paper (16 points) There is an average identification of the natural or chemical disasters or acts of terrorism that could occur in the community, but 2 of the 3 areas may not be clearly addressed. Meets Expectations (4 points) There is a good introduction to the paper that includes a clear focus to the paper and what will be discussed in the text of the paper (18 points) There is a good identification of the natural or chemical disasters or acts of terrorism that could occur in the community, but one of the 3 areas may not be clearly addressed. (18 points) There is a good household response plan that includes meeting places, a friend or relative to call who lives out of the area; a floor plan with 2 escape routes from each room; availability of emergency numbers; information on how to shut off water, gas, and electricity; a plan for family or neighbors who may need special assistance; arrangements for pets; and a personal communication backup plan. One or two of these areas may not be addressed. (18 points) There is a good listing of supplies for a disaster supply kit with food, water, and first aid, tools, clothes & bedding, specialty items, and other supplies for at least 3 days. One of the items may not be

13

Exceptional (5 points) There is an excellent introduction to the paper that includes a very clear focus of the paper and what will be discussed in the text of the paper (20 points) There is an excellent identification of the natural or chemical disasters or acts of terrorism that could occur in the community

B. Identification of the natural or chemical disasters or acts of terrorism that could occur in your community

C. Identify a household response plan for these potential disasters and emergencies

(16 points) There is an average household response plan that includes meeting places, a friend or relative to call who lives out of the area; a floor plan with 2 escape routes from each room; availability of emergency numbers; information on how to shut off water, gas, and electricity; a plan for family or neighbors who may need special assistance; arrangements for pets; and a personal communication backup plan. More than 2 but less than 4 of these areas may not be addressed. (16 points) There is an average listing of supplies for a disaster supply kit with food, water, and first aid, tools, clothes & bedding, specialty items, and other supplies. Two items may not be addressed and/or it may not be

(20 points) There is an excellent household response plan that includes meeting places, a friend or relative to call who lives out of the area; a floor plan with 2 escape routes from each room; availability of emergency numbers; information on how to shut off water, gas, and electricity; a plan for family or neighbors who may need special assistance; arrangements for pets; and a personal communication backup plan.

D. Design a disaster supply kit to help you & your family survive for 3 days or more

(20 points) There is an excellent listing of supplies for a disaster supply kit with food, water, and first aid, tools, clothes & bedding, specialty items, and other supplies for at least 3 days.

HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN

may not be addressed and/or it is not clear that the supplies will last for at least 3 days. (2 points) There is a below average summary or conclusion related to the key points in the paper. All new information is introduced or conclusion is missing. (14 points) Less than 3 resources beyond the textbook are used to support your plan. Less than 50% are current within the last 5 years. (4 points) APA format is below average; >15 errors in grammar or spelling; Ideas are not clearly presented clear that the supplies will last for at least 3 days. addressed.

14

E. Conclusion or Summary

(3 points) There is an average summary or conclusion related to the key points in the paper. Mostly new information is introduced.

(4 points) There is a good summary or conclusion related to the key points in the paper. Some new information may be introduced.

(5 points) There is an excellent summary or conclusion related to the key points in the paper. No new information is introduced.

F. Data & Information

(16 points) A minimum of 3 resources beyond the textbook are used to support your plan. 50% are current within the last 5 years. (6 points) APA format is average; 11-15 errors in grammar or spelling; Ideas are almost always clearly presented

G. APA Format; Spelling & Grammar; Clarity of ideas

(18 points) A minimum of 4 resources beyond the textbook are used to support your plan. 75% are current within the last 5 years. (8 points) APA format is good; 5-10 errors in grammar or spelling; Ideas are clearly presented

(20 points) A minimum of 5 resources beyond the textbook are used to support your plan. All are current within the last 5 years. (10 points) APA format is excellent; <5 errors in grammar or spelling; Ideas are clearly presented

Comments: Excellent work on this plan! All criteria met and exceeded. No suggestions for improvement on content, as the plan is well thought out, do-able, realistic, and viable for identified emergencies and disasters. Good writing skills and APA formatting. One formatting suggestion is to use headings between sections. It would make for better readability. +100/100