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| Home > Fact
of the Week > Daylight
Savings - Preparedness Kit |
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3-01-2010
Preparedness
Facts of the Week
by
Elizabeth Hall, Emergency
Response Assistant - Kings
County Office of Emergency
Management |
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Be
Prepared - Daylight Savings Time
Family
Emergency Plan (PDF) |
Family Communications Plan (PDF) | Downlaod
PDF Reader |
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Back
Let's
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Have
a Sound Fire Safety and Escape Plan |
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I
know it sounds repetitive, but it is vitally
important to make and practice escape plans.
In the event of a fire, remember, time
is the biggest enemy and every second counts!
- Involve
the assistance of a building manager,
family member, neighbor or an entrusted
friend when writing and practicing your
fire escape plan. Don't assume you will
be around to assist when an emergency
occurs. You should always have at least
three backups.
- Know
at least two exits from every room.
- If
you use a walker or wheelchair, check
all exits to make sure they get through
the doorways.
- Practice
opening locked or barred doors and windows.
If windows and barred doors are not opened
frequently, it may become difficult to
open during an emergency. Remember also,
the strength of someone in need may not
be what it used to.
- When
a fire occurs, do not waste any time
saving property. Leave the home immediately.
Once out, stay out.
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Develop
a Home Fire Safety Plan |
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If
you are caring for someone in your home with
special needs, you may need to make some
room adjustments. People with mobility difficulties
should be encouraged to have their bedroom
on the ground floor and as close as possible
to an exit.
- Unless
instructed by the fire department,
never use an elevator during a fire.
- Be
sure your street address is clearly
marked and visible from the street.
- Know
which local emergency services are
available and have those numbers posted
or memorized. There are many forms
you can use to write in your emergency
numbers for your area, as well as the
people you have included in your plan.
For your convenience, I have included
two of our most popular forms for personal
emergency planning.
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Inform
Others of Your Special Needs |
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Once
you have your plan put together, it would
be a good idea to share it with those who
either live with or around the person with
special needs in the event they may be called
upon to help assist in evacuation.
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Install
and Maintain Smoke Alarms |
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People
with physical limitations should be aware
of special fire safety devices that are available,
such as smoke alarms with a vibrating pad
or flashing light for the deaf or hard of
hearing. In addition, smoke alarms with a
strobe light outside the house can catch
the attention of neighbors or others who
might pass by. Even though smoke alarms should
be tested every month, and the battery changed
at least once a year, have you ever thought
that the person with special needs may not
be able to reach the smoke alarm to do this?
This is something you should include in your
plan!
I
encourage you to rethink the process
of an evacuation. Don't look at it the
way you would evacuate, think about those
with special needs and run the plan through
your head. Are the steps you would take
feasible for those with special needs?
As creatures of habit, we become accustomed
to our own way of thinking. Expand your
mind and look at emergency situations
from a different point of view. You could
save a life.
In closing, your plan doesn't have to be an elaborate one to be
effective. What is important is that you have a plan, and that
it is tailored to fit your needs. And of course don't forget…practice,
practice, practice!
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Do
your part for safety awareness by passing this
information along to anyone you can think of
who would benefit.
Have
a great week, and remember…… Be
Responsible - Be Ready - Be Prepared!
Teaming Up for Emergency Preparedness
Elizabeth Hall
Office of Emergency Management
280 Campus Drive Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 582-3211, Ext. 2634
www.kingscountyoem.com
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