The Division of Emergency Preparedness and Coordination (DEPC) serves as a valuable resource to all of NIH in disseminating information relating to Emergency Preparedness.
In addition to the printed pamphlets, brochures and publications, DEPC offers training tailored to the specific needs of the NIH community. Programs and training classes are designed for your Institute/Center, group or for the specific needs and concerns of the NIH community.
Our Large Awareness events offer a wide variety of information such as:
Our goal is to increase awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. Here are a few steps that you can take right now to get prepared in case of an emergency:
Get Prepared
1. Get a Kit - Have emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive for at least three days in the event an emergency happens. Here is a general list of supplies emergencies and natural disasters:
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Portable, battery-powered radio for receiving emergency communications.
- Waterproof matches, and either long-burning candles or a kerosene-type lamp with extra fuel, all properly stored.
- Fire extinguisher, ABC or dry-chemical type for all classes of fires. Check the expiration date and be sure you practice and know how to use it.
- Escape Rope ladder to hold your weight if you need to exit upper floors of your home to ground level, and some additional length of rope for multipurpose use.
- First aid instruction book.
- Blankets and sheets. These can be used for warmth, for splints, and for transport of injured persons.
- First aid supplies.
- Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged.
- Conduct practice drills.
- Choose an out-of-state friend or relative that separated family members can call to report their whereabouts and conditions.
- Make arrangements for pets.
- Compile an inventory of home contents. Take pictures and/or video. Store in safe place.
2. Make a Plan - Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency. Your plan should include communications, sheltering-in-place and evacuation. Consider what would happen if a parent or another family member were not at home during an emergency. You never know when a disaster will happen, and you don’t know where you will be when a disaster does strike. This may include having a prearranged meeting place, a code word, or a relative’s phone number.
3. Be Informed - Learn about natural disasters and potential terrorist threats and about the emergency plans that have been established in your area. Remember, the best thing you can do during an emergency is listen to messages from your local emergency managers, broadcast on radio or television, who will recommend ways to protect yourself and your family.
4. Get Involved - After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step: get training in first aid and emergency response and get involved in preparing your community. The Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) classes are very good for emergency preparation. Neighbors can participate in emergency training together to share their skills.
Disaster Preparedness Tips
During a Disaster!
If you are evacuated:
If you stay at home:
Listen constantly to a battery-powered radio or television.
Stay inside away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
If power is lost, turn off major appliances and keep refrigerators and freezers closed.
After a Disaster!
Unless there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, do not attempt to use the telephone. Be sure to:
Things You Need:
- Water - You need clean safe water to drink. Store 1 gallon per day for each person in your home for drinking and cooking. Experts say it is best to plan for three days. You can buy bottled water from the grocery store or bottle it yourself. If you bottle it yourself, choose a clean washed container like a soda bottle. Add four drops bleach (sodium hypochlorite) per quart of water. Don’t use the scented bleaches. You may also need water to flush the toilet if your home has a well with an electric pump. If you have any warning time before the power goes off, run your bathtub and your washing machine full of water for flushing the toilet. To flush the toilet when the power is off, just remove the tank lid and fill the tank with water. Now flush and the tank will empty as the water goes out of the bowel. Fill the tank back up for the next trip.
- Food - You will need food that will not spoil or go bad if it is not kept cold. Have several days worth of canned foods on hand that could be eaten without heating if need be. Keep some foods that will keep for several days without heat or cold. Have on hand foods like peanut butter, crackers, fruit, vegetables, bread, and cereal. Food in your refrigerator and freezer will keep for a while depending on many factors. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Remember that you can cook on an outdoor grill if the weather is safe but you must do it outdoors.
- Shelter - Staying dry and warm is most important in the case of winter storms. If your home has a safe fireplace, you have a good source of warmth for your family. Keep a stack of dry firewood in preparation for storm-related power failure. Gas logs will also work without power. Keep warm by dressing in layers. Wrap up in blankets for sleeping or sitting still. If you get wet, get dry as soon as possible. Make sure that your feet and hands stay warm and dry and check the hands and feet of children and older folks.
- Transportation - In case of emergency, you need to be able to get to help, or get a message to help so that they can get you. If it is safe to drive your car, help is available at your community fire department. A Deputy Sheriff will be stationed at fire departments when communications lines are down. If you have to walk to help, remember to take care of yourself so you don’t become the victim instead of the rescuer. Dress in layers, take water and food, and take the safest route even if it may take longer.
- Radio - Most radio stations will broadcast even if your home power is off. Keep a battery powered radio available with extra batteries to receive emergency information.
Escape Routes
Draw a floor plan of your home. Use a blank sheet of paper for each floor. Mark two escape routes from each room. Make sure children understand the drawings. Post a copy of the drawings at eye level in each child’s room.
Where to Meet
Establish a place to meet in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. Record the locations below:
| Near the home |
For example, the next door neighbor's telephone pole |
| Outside the immediate area |
For example, the neighborhood grocery store parking lot |
Planning for Special Needs
If you someone close to you has a disability or special needs, find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be provided.
Additional Steps for Special Needs
If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency.
Caring for Animals
Animals also are affected by disasters. Use the guidelines below to prepare a plan for caring for pets and large animals.
Guidelines for Pets
Plan for pet disaster needs by:
Take the following steps to prepare to shelter your pet:
Know that, with the exception of service animals, pets are not typically permitted in emergency shelters as they may affect the health and safety of other occupants.
Guidelines for Large Animals
If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.
Use the following guidelines:
- Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
- Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
- Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers. (Note: It is best to allow animals a chance to become accustomed to vehicular travel so they are less frightened and easier to move.)
- Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care, and handling equipment.
- If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside.
Safety Skills
It is important that family members know how to administer first aid and CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher.
Learn First Aid and CPR
Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information about this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides, under the “good Samaritan” law, protection for those giving first aid.
Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguisher(s) and where it is kept. You should have, at a minimum, an ABC type.
If you have question on the Awareness, Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place programs or if you have questions about Emergency Preparedness, contact the DEPC office at 301-496-1985.
