04 – Resources – The Ready Campaign – Earthquake Preparedness – People with Disabilities – Emergency Planning and Information @ Register for Details

Feb 7 all-day

If you are a disaster survivor, please visit FEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call (800) 621-3362.

EARTH QUAKE PREPAREDNESS

Prepare Before an Earthquake

The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.

Practice how to protect yourself during earthquakes, with family and coworkers.
Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications planthat has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
- Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
- Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
- Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
- Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.

Stay Safe During

If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away:

If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you’re outside, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until shaking stops to protect yourself from flying debris. Learn more at Earthquake Country Alliance.

Protect Yourself During Earthquakes

1. Drop (or Lock)

Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.

2. Cover

Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.

3. Hold On

If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.

Using a Cane?

Using a Walker?

Using a Wheelchair?

Stay Safe After

There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.

Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.
If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.
- If you are sick or injured and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.

Use social media to let people know you’re okay.
Use text messages to communicate, which may be more reliable than phone calls.
Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.

Additional Resources

Videos

When the Earth Shakes
Earthquake Preparedness: How to Stay Safe
Earthquake Safety Video Series (Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills)
Pablo y Paola Terremoto

Social Media and Graphics

Tip Sheets

Earthquake Informational Poster (PDF)
Earthquake Preparedness: What Every Childcare Provider Should Know (PDF)
Earthquake Safety at Home (PDF)
Resources for People With Disabilities (Earthquake Country Alliance)

More Information

Prepare with Disabilities

Plan for your regular needs and know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable.

Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, sex or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.

Get Informed

Know what disasters could affect your area, which ones could call for an evacuation and when to shelter in place.
Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV and radio. Follow mobile alerts and warnings about severe weather in your area.
Download the FEMA App and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

Make a Plan

In the event of a disaster could you make it on your own for several days? After a disaster you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It’s crucial to plan for your daily needs and know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable. Additional planning steps include:

Illustration of a boy in a wheelchair and his grandmother making an emergency supply kit.

Create a support network of people who can help you in a disaster. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kit or on your electronic devices.
Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies. You may want to consider giving a trusted member a key to your house or apartment.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting around during or after disaster. Check with local transit providers as well as with your emergency management agency to identify appropriate accessible options.
Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify in order to receive targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters. Contact your local emergency management office to find out more.
If you are on dialysis or other life-sustaining medical treatment know the location and availability of more than one facility that can help you.
If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you may be able to do to keep it running during a power outage. You can also ask your power provider to put you on a list for priority power restoration.
About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.

Wear medical alert tags or bracelets. Also add pertinent medical information to your electronic devices.
If you have a communication disability consider carrying printed cards or storing information on your devices to inform first responders and others how to communicate with you.
If you use assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed.
Locate and access your electronic health records from a variety of sources by using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ online tool.
Plan for children and adults who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments. Consider your service or support animal or pets and plan for food, water and supplies. If you need to evacuate, you’ll need to know whether your shelter allows pets or not, since some shelters only allow service or support animals.
Keep a list of the nearest medical facilities, local hospitals and nearest accessible transportation.

Get Your Benefits Electronically

A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is an easy way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:

Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. If you get federal benefits you can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or sign up online.
The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at 877-212-9991 or sign up online.

Build a Kit

In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should have items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use every day and which ones you may need to add to your kit.

Tips for Medications

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
Keep a list of your prescription medicines. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs and allergies.
Store extra nonprescription drugs, like pain and fever relievers, antihistamines and antidiarrheal medicines.
Have a cooler and chemical ice packs available to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated.

Tips for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Weather radio (with text display and a flashing alert)
Extra hearing-aid batteries
Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language)
Battery operated lantern to enable communication by sign language or lip reading, especially when the electricity is out and it’s dark.

Tips for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision

Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print. Keep a list of your emergency supplies and where you bought them on a portable flash drive or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
Keep communication devices for your particular needs, such as a Braille or deaf-blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.

Tips for People with Speech Disability

If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if it is lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.).
Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.

Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

Keep handheld electronic devices charged and loaded with videos and activities.
Purchase spare chargers for electronic devices and keep them charged.
Include sheets and twine or a small pop-up tent (to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy).
Consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones to decrease auditory stimuli.
Have comfort snacks available.

Tips for People with a Mobility Disability

If you use a power wheelchair have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup if possible.
Show others how to assemble, disassemble and operate your wheelchair.
Purchase an extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices. If you can’t purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations or local charitable groups can help you buy one. Keep extra batteries charged at all times.
Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter is not puncture proof.
Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker if you use one.
Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires.
If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, consider keeping an extra cushion on hand.
Communicate with neighbors who can assist you if you need to evacuate the building.

Tips for Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia

Do not leave the person alone. Even those who aren’t prone to wandering away may do so in unfamiliar environments or situations.
If evacuating, help manage the change in environment by bringing a pillow and blanket or other comforting items they can hold onto.
When at a shelter, try to stay away from exits and choose a quiet corner.
If there is an episode of agitation, respond to the emotions being expressed. For example, say “You’re frightened and want to go home. It’s ok. I’m right here with you.”

Additional Items

Several days supply of prescription medicines
A list of all medications, dosage and any allergies
Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids and batteries
A backup supply of oxygen
A list of the style and serial number of medical devices (include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed)
Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other supplies for your service or support animal

People Experiencing Extreme Heat

People with disabilities, access and functional needs, and older adults may be at increased risk to extreme heat. For example:

People with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk during extreme heat because they may not be able to cool their body through sweating.

People with severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, are at risk because their medications may interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself.

People with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are at risk because they may have trouble understanding and explaining how the heat affects them. This could prevent them from taking protective actions. It’s important to know that a person’s ability to perceive and communicate physical discomfort may vary with the stage of dementia or disease.

It is important to plan ahead, take precautions, have support, and be aware of the symptoms of heat exposure. Keep these tips in mind during extreme heat:

If you have a support network – caregivers, family and friends – ask them to help monitor and address your heat-related needs; have them check in with you regularly to ensure you are safe and healthy.

Read the side effects of medications and talk with your doctor about how heat exposure will interact with them.

Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath to cool the body if you are experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Ask your local energy utility for priority access in the event of power loss because power restoration is life-sustaining for someone in the home.

Monitor your local weather and emergency information alerts.

Have a plan that includes shade, hydration, sun protection, and limiting exposure time if you’re going to be outdoors.

Identify possible locations with air-conditioning and ensure needed accommodations ahead of time. This could include someone in your support network with air conditioning.

Coordinate accessible transportation to/from cooling options.

People with medical needs who can’t be accommodated at conventional cooling options may have to contact local hospitals or nursing homes to create contingency plans if they can’t stay at home.

Associated Content

Preparing Makes Sense For People With Disabilities
People with Disabilities Bookmarks (Front and Back)
Preparing with Disabilities Social Media Toolkit
Emergency Communication Plan (PDF)
Transit Commuter Emergency Communication Plan (PDF)

Videos (with open captions and ASL)

Personal Disaster Preparedness

I Use a Wheelchair
I am Hard of Hearing
I am Blind
What to Know if You Live with a Disability (:19)
What to Know if You Live with a Disability (1:14)

We Prepare Everyday

Categories: Resources Tags: disaster preparedness earthquake earthquake preparedness emergency emergency support family plann preparation rescources resilience safety

Resources – Tsunami Information – FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency and Others – Resources and Information

Tickets

Feb 7 all-day

Tsunami Preparation and Information

DISCLAIMER: Information in this communication is shared solely as a courtesy, without guarantee or warranty of any kind whatsoever.

After the earthquake initial strike, after shocks can continue but are projected to be closer to 5.0 magnitude.

Be are of what can happen after an earthquake:

Power Outages
Offices may be closed
Roads may have blockages
Some houses reportedly affected
County and Building Departments can Check for Structural Damage before you re-enter your home

After an earthquake, you should stay safe by:

Waiting: Wait a minute before getting up.

Checking for danger: Look for any immediate dangers, like broken glass or debris
Putting on shoes: Put on sturdy shoes to protect your feet.
Exiting the building: If it’s safe, go outside to a clear area.
Avoiding hazards: Check for hazards like power lines, trees, and bricks from buildings.
Anticipating aftershocks: Expect aftershocks and drop, cover, and hold on if you feel shaking.
Caring for injuries: Treat any injuries you have and help others.
Leaving if your home is damaged: If your home is damaged and unsafe, leave and take your supplies.
Planning for self-sufficiency: Emergency professionals recommend planning to be self-sufficient for at least 3 days, but up to 2 weeks.

If you’re trapped, you can protect your mouth, nose, and eyes with a cloth, clothing, or dust mask.You can also signal for help by knocking loudly on a solid part of the building or using a whistle

RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LIVE EVENTS

SMART PHONE APP (recommended by some professionals)

Earthquake Smartphone Application

https://myshake.berkeley.edu/

NEWS Channels & Resources

LIVE INTERACTIVE MAPS

MAP – NOAA / National Weather Service

U.S. Tsunami Warning System

https://tsunami.gov

MAP of Tsunami Evacuation Zones

https://nvs.nanoos.org/TsunamiEvac

TV BROADCAST(s) / STATION(s)

KEZI (www.kezi.com)

https://www.kezi.com/news/tsunami-warning-issued-for-southern-oregon-coast-california/article_58a39a14-b33d-11ef-a534-5f4215c413ca.html

RADIO BROADCAST(s) / STATION(s)

KDOCK 92.9 FM

https://kdockfm.com/oregon-coast-tsunami-information/

READINESS RESOURCES

National Tsunami Readiness

Tsunamis | Ready.gov

Tsunamis

If you are a disaster survivor, please visit FEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, you can call (800) 621-3362, visit disasterassistance.gov or use the FEMA mobile app.

A tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions or asteroids. A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure as waves come in and go out. Tsunamis can:

Travel 20-30 miles per hour with waves 10-100 feet high.

Cause flooding and disrupt transportation, power, communications, and the water supply.

Happen anywhere along U.S. coasts. Coasts that border the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean have the greatest risk.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A TSUNAMI WARNING:

If caused by an earthquake, Drop, Cover, then Hold On to protect yourself from the earthquake first.
Get to high ground as far inland as possible
Be alert to signs of a tsunami, such as a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters.
Listen to emergency information and alerts. Always follow the instructions from local emergency managers.
Evacuate: DO NOT wait! Leave as soon as you see any natural signs of a tsunami or receive an official tsunami warning.
If you are in a boat, go out to sea.

Prepare NOW

Illustration of a tsunami wave nearing a house.

Learn the signs of a potential tsunami, such as an earthquake, a loud roar from the ocean, or unusual ocean behavior, such as a sudden rise or wall of water or sudden draining of water showing the ocean floor.
Know and practice community evacuation plans. Some at-risk communities have maps with evacuation zones and routes. Map out your routes from home, work and play. Pick shelters 100 feet or more above sea level, or at least one mile inland.
Create a family emergency communication plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated.
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Consider earthquake insurance and a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood or earthquake damage.

Survive DURING

Illustration of a person dropping to the ground, covering their head with their hands, and crawling under a table and holding on to it.

If there is an earthquake and you are in a tsunami area, protect yourself from the earthquake first. Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops. Crawl only if you can reach a better cover, but do not go through an area with more debris.
When the shaking stops, if there are natural signs or official warnings of a tsunami, move immediately to a safe place as high and as far inland as possible. Listen to the authorities, but do not wait for tsunami warnings and evacuation orders.
If you are outside the tsunami hazard zone and receive a warning, stay where you are unless officials tell you otherwise.
Leave immediately if you are told to do so. Evacuation routes often are marked by a wave with an arrow in the direction of higher ground.
If you are in the water, then grab onto something that floats, such as a raft or tree trunk.
If you are in a boat, face the direction of the waves and head out to sea. If you are in a harbor, go inland.

Be Safe AFTER

Illustration of a hand holding a smart phone with text messages on it.

Listen to local alerts and authorities for information on areas to avoid and shelter locations.
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris. Water may be deeper than it appears.
Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Underground or downed power lines can electrically charge water. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
Stay away from damaged buildings, roads and bridges.
If you become injured or sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider and shelter in place, if possible. Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.

If you are a disaster survivor, please visit FEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call (800) 621-3362.

EARTH QUAKE PREPAREDNESS

Prepare Before an Earthquake

The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.

Practice how to protect yourself during earthquakes, with family and coworkers.
Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications planthat has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
- Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
- Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
- Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
- Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.