adults - storms - response

E-Learning Module for Adults

Storms

Part 3.1: ResponseDuring an emergency

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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• Who will help and how?

• How to follow the advice of professionals

• What should I do if someone gets hurt or there is another emergency?

• What to do / NOT do during an emergency

• Driving in Storms



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Part 3.1: Response Who will help?


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•They will co-ordinate the overall multi-agency response



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•They will co-ordinate the overall multi-agency response•They would ask you to evacuate your home, if necessary



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•They will co-ordinate the overall multi-agency response•They would ask you to evacuate your home, if necessary•They would close off areas where you are not allowed to go, i.e. roads



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•They will co-ordinate the overall multi-agency response•They would ask you to evacuate your home, if necessary•They would close off areas where you are not allowed to go, i.e. roads•They could search for missing persons, where reported



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•They will co-ordinate the overall multi-agency response•They would ask you to evacuate your home, if necessary•They would close off areas where you are not allowed to go, i.e. roads•They could search for missing persons, where reported•Warn and inform you of the development of the severe weather emergency



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•Search and rescue



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•Search and rescue•Attending vehicle collisions on the road



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•Search and rescue•Attending vehicle collisions on the road•They would ask you to evacuate your home, if necessary



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•Search and rescue•Attending vehicle collisions on the road•They would ask you to evacuate your home, if necessary•Be proactive in alleviating areas affected by the severe weather, i.e. snow-ploughing or sandbagging



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•Search and rescue•Attending vehicle collisions on the road•They would ask you to evacuate your home, if necessary•Be proactive in alleviating areas affected by the severe weather, i.e. snow-ploughing or sandbagging•Be reactive to affected areas, i.e. pumping water away in the event of flooding



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•Search and rescue•Attending vehicle collisions on the road•They would ask you to evacuate your home, if necessary•Be proactive in alleviating areas affected by the severe weather, i.e. snow-ploughing or sandbagging•Be reactive to affected areas, i.e. pumping water away in the event of flooding•Warn and inform you of the development of the severe weatheremergency



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• Ambulance Service provide help when someone is injured or needs medical assistance.



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•Support the Emergency Services



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•Support the Emergency Services•Carry out highways maintenance, i.e. Gritting and snow ploughing



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•Support the Emergency Services•Carry out highways maintenance, i.e. Gritting and snow ploughing•Close roads, if necessary



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•Support the Emergency Services•Carry out highways maintenance, i.e. Gritting and snow ploughing•Close roads, if necessary•Manage Rest Centres for evacuees



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•Support the Emergency Services•Carry out highways maintenance, i.e. Gritting and snow ploughing•Close roads, if necessary•Manage Rest Centres for evacuees•Manage the recovery process



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•Support the Emergency Services•Carry out highways maintenance, i.e. Gritting and snow ploughing•Close roads, if necessary•Manage Rest Centres for evacuees•Manage the recovery process•Warn and inform on the development of the severeweather emergency



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• Coastguards will be sending lifeboats and/or helicopters to help people in an emergency at sea or in flooded areas.



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•There will often be a lot of volunteers who can help in any way they can, i.e. sandbagging or at rest centres.



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Part 3.1: Response Advice of professionals


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Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The advice for most emergencies is normally GO IN



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The advice for most emergencies is normally GO IN, STAY IN



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The advice for most emergencies is normally GO IN, STAY IN AND TUNE IN



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Go Indoors unless there is an obviousrisk to the property or you are advisedto evacuate for your safety by theemergency services.




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Go Indoors unless there is an obviousrisk to the property or you are advisedto evacuate for your safety by theemergency services.•Close all doors and windows.




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Go Indoors unless there is an obviousrisk to the property or you are advisedto evacuate for your safety by theemergency services.•Close all doors and windows.•If you are outside when a storm begins, get to somewhere safe as soon as possible.




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Go Indoors unless there is an obviousrisk to the property or you are advisedto evacuate for your safety by theemergency services.•Close all doors and windows.•If you are outside when a storm begins, get to somewhere safe as soon as possible. •If there is lightning and you are outside, avoid trees. During a storm, trees may be struck by lightning.




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•If it starts raining, sleeting, hailing or snowing, then try and stay dry. If you get wet then you will get very cold.




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•If it starts raining, sleeting, hailing or snowing, then try and stay dry. If you get wet then you will get very cold.•If it is very windy, take care when you are outside as the wind may blow rubbish and other things around which could go in your eyes or hit you and hurt you.




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•If it starts raining, sleeting, hailing or snowing, then try and stay dry. If you get wet then you will get very cold.•If it is very windy, take care when you are outside as the wind may blow rubbish and other things around which could go in your eyes or hit you and hurt you.•High winds can also blow down trees, so stay clear of trees if you can.




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Stay Indoors until you know more about the risks or are advised that it is

safe to leave your home.


Tune In to local radio (do you have a battery powered or hand powered

radio?) or television stations forupdates on the situation or, if you have

access to the web, visit relevant web sites for information and updates.

Part 3.1: Response advice of professionals


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Do you know the key radio stations in your area? Where can youfind these?






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Don't try to phone the emergencyservices unless you yourself have an

emergency as the phone lines may bebusy dealing with the incident.

Do you know the key radio stations in your area? Where can youfind these?



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999

Part 3.1: Response In case of emergency


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This number is an emergency number where operators will help you getting the help you need. To get help as fast and effective as possible, it is important you know what to say and do, when you call. Also, even though you are afraid, in pain or in other way distressed, you need to stay calm and remember what you have learned.

999



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Remember:•Don’t be afraid to call 999, they are there to help you.

999



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Remember:•Don’t be afraid to call 999, they are there to help you. •Stay calm and speak clearly.999



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Remember:•Don’t be afraid to call 999, they are there to help you. •Stay calm and speak clearly.•Follow the instructions given by the operator closely.

999



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Remember:•Don’t be afraid to call 999, they are there to help you. •Stay calm and speak clearly.•Follow the instructions given by the operator closely.

The next slides will show you the steps to make a safe and effective call to 999.

999



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If you don’t see any address, describe the surroundings to the operator. Everything you see around you can help (shop name, bus stops, significant buildings, etc...)



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•When has it happened?



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•When has it happened?•What number are you calling from?



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•When has it happened?•What number are you calling from?•How many are injured?



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While talking to the operator, he/she will:•Determine the help you need

999



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While talking to the operator, he/she will:•Determine the help you need•Put you through to a health specialist if needed999



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While talking to the operator, he/she will:•Determine the help you need•Put you through to a health specialist if needed•Hand over the information you give to the emergency service

999



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While talking to the operator, he/she will:•Determine the help you need•Put you through to a health specialist if needed•Hand over the information you give to the emergency service•Send out the help for you while talking with you, so don’t worry

999



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If a contact number or website address is issued by the emergency services, use it to get updates but remember you will be one of many people trying to use it so there may be some delay in getting through. Be patient and keep trying if you cannot get the information you want from other sources.



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If a contact number or website address is issued by the emergency services, use it to get updates but remember you will be one of many people trying to use it so there may be some delay in getting through. Be patient and keep trying if you cannot get the information you want from other sources.

Also refer to the website of your national meteorological service for up to date information and forecasts on weather conditions.



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Part 3.1: Response What to do


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If you are at home, then follow your emergency plan and have your grab bag ready. Focus on the safety of you and your family. When checking for injuries to yourself or others always attend to yourself first. Consider if there are any elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may need help in preparing for or during an emergency. If your household isn’t at home, then make sure they are somewhere safe.




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Storms can cause flooding.

Flooding presents a number of risksto health, drowning being the mostobvious. Serious injury can be caused by falling into fast flowingwater or from hidden dangersunder the water, such as missingmanhole covers.




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Storms can cause flooding.

Flooding presents a number of risksto health, drowning being the mostobvious. Serious injury can be caused by falling into fast flowingwater or from hidden dangersunder the water, such as missingmanhole covers. Keep out of thewater.




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If advised to do so, beprepared to evacuate and follow any instructionswith regard to saferoutes away from thedanger area.




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If evacuation is recommended, a rendezvouspoint for evacuees will normally beestablished and a Reception / Rest Centre set up for longer term emergency incidentswhere you will be able to stay.




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If evacuation is recommended, a rendezvouspoint for evacuees will normally beestablished and a Reception / Rest Centre set up for longer term emergency incidentswhere you will be able to stay.


If you choose not to use the Rest Centre advise the emergency services staff at theRest Centre of your alternativearrangements, so that people are notdeployed to "search" for you if you cannot be located.



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During the storm and high winds it is possible that you will lose electricity at your house

Check out the neighbour’s house – If your neighbours still have power but your home doesn’t, it is likely that the problem lies with your own fuses or trip switches. If the whole street is out then contact your local energy supplier to inform them (make sure you have the number in the contact list of your Home Emergency Plan), or if they are already aware they may be able to provide more detail on the incident, i.e. cause and estimated time of outage.



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Switch off appliances – Unplug sensitive appliances such as TVs, satellite equipment and computers. Switch off all electrical appliances that may have been in use when the supply was interrupted, but should not be left unattended such as cookers, electric fires, irons and hair straighteners.



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Switch off appliances – Unplug sensitive appliances such as TVs, satellite equipment and computers. Switch off all electrical appliances that may have been in use when the supply was interrupted, but should not be left unattended such as cookers, electric fires, irons and hair straighteners.

Also remember that door bells and alarm systems may not work when your supply is interrupted. Many alarm systems have battery back-ups, i.e. hardwired smoke alarms, but a power outage may mean these don’t work correctly.



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LEAVE A LIGHT SWITCHED ON –Leave, or switch on, at least one light, so you will know when the power has been restored.



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Limit the use of your laptop or mobile phone –



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Don’t use your devices unnecessarily to save batterypower.



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Don’t use your devices unnecessarily to save batterypower.

Use a battery powered or wind-up radio to tune into news updates.



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Avoid opening your fridge or freezer more than necessary –Leave your fridge door closed if possible until the supply is restored.



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Avoid opening your fridge or freezer more than necessary –Leave your fridge door closed if possible until the supply is restored.Chilled products should remain safe for a number of hours. Freezers should remain sufficiently cold to keep products safe for several hours.



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Avoid opening your fridge or freezer more than necessary –Leave your fridge door closed if possible until the supply is restored.Chilled products should remain safe for a number of hours. Freezers should remain sufficiently cold to keep products safe for several hours.

GOOD TO KNOW - a full freezer will stay colder for longer, so if your freezer is only partially full then consider freezing containers of water to fill the void space!



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Ensure you have a torch close at hand and that the batteries are working.



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If you are going to use candles, paraffin or gas lamps then please take care.



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If you are going to use candles, paraffin or gas lamps then please take care. Consider the following:• Place them on a stable non-combustible surface where they can’t be knocked off



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If you are going to use candles, paraffin or gas lamps then please take care. Consider the following:• Place them on a stable non-combustible surface where they can’t be knocked off• Place them away from curtains and soft furnishings



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If you are going to use candles, paraffin or gas lamps then please take care. Consider the following:• Place them on a stable non-combustible surface where they can’t be knocked off• Place them away from curtains and soft furnishings• Keep them out of the reach of children and pets



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If you are going to use candles, paraffin or gas lamps then please take care. Consider the following:• Place them on a stable non-combustible surface where they can’t be knocked off• Place them away from curtains and soft furnishings• Keep them out of the reach of children and pets• Do not leave them unattended!



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Portable heaters are good, but take care where you put them and it is worth checking them periodically to ensure they are working properly.



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Most pets will not be affected by a power cut but you may want to contact your vet, local pet shop or local animal organisation, for advice if you own tropical fish, unusual or exotic animals.



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Most pets will not be affected by a power cut but you may want to contact your vet, local pet shop or local animal organisation, for advice if you own tropical fish, unusual or exotic animals. If the power is off for only a short period of time then most tropical fish will be unaffected.



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Mains-operated air pumps, filters and heaters in fish tanks will not work while the electricity is off, so for longer power outages you may want to consider the following:




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Mains-operated air pumps, filters and heaters in fish tanks will not work while the electricity is off, so for longer power outages you may want to consider the following:• Unplugging your filters to prevent toxins building up. You are advised to clean the filters before using them again.




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Mains-operated air pumps, filters and heaters in fish tanks will not work while the electricity is off, so for longer power outages you may want to consider the following:• Unplugging your filters to prevent toxins building up. You are advised to clean the filters before using them again.• Consider buying a bubble up filter that can be run off a battery powered air pump as a back-up. Battery powered heaters can also be purchased from most pet shops.




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Mains-operated air pumps, filters and heaters in fish tanks will not work while the electricity is off, so for longer power outages you may want to consider the following:• Unplugging your filters to prevent toxins building up. You are advised to clean the filters before using them again.• Consider buying a bubble up filter that can be run off a battery powered air pump as a back-up. Battery powered heaters can also be purchased from most pet shops.• For insulation, wrap blankets around the outside of the tank, or alternatively fill hot water bottles or other receptacles with warm water and place these around the tank.




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Mains-operated air pumps, filters and heaters in fish tanks will not work while the electricity is off, so for longer power outages you may want to consider the following:• Unplugging your filters to prevent toxins building up. You are advised to clean the filters before using them again.• Consider buying a bubble up filter that can be run off a battery powered air pump as a back-up. Battery powered heaters can also be purchased from most pet shops.• For insulation, wrap blankets around the outside of the tank, or alternatively fill hot water bottles or other receptacles with warm water and place these around the tank.• To keep oxygen in the tank, periodically disturb the water with your finger or alternatively fill a cupful of water from the tank and pour it back in.




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Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours –Ensure elderly or vulnerable neighbours are safe and comfortable.



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Turn your appliances on one at a time –When power is restored turn your appliances back on one at a time. Remember, if you have any electric clocks, alarm clocks or video recorders, these may need resetting.



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Part 3.1: Response What NOT to do


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Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Part 3.1: Response Driving in Storms


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As advised in part 2 of this module, only consider driving if absolutely necessary and, if you do, advise someone where you are going and your route.




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As advised in part 2 of this module, only consider driving if absolutely necessary and, if you do, advise someone where you are going and your route.

The following are general tips for driving in storm conditions (high winds) but can be applied to driving in most severe weather conditions.



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•Make sure you have a firm hold of the steering wheel as strong gusts can catch you off guard.

Source: Gabinete de Comunicacion - Ayto. Alcala de Guadaira



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•Make sure you have a firm hold of the steering wheel as strong gusts can catch you off guard.•Be aware of any cyclists, motor cyclists and towing vehicles which can easily be affected by side winds and allow more space, particularly when passing.




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•Make sure you have a firm hold of the steering wheel as strong gusts can catch you off guard.•Be aware of any cyclists, motor cyclists and towing vehicles which can easily be affected by side winds and allow more space, particularly when passing.•Storms might also bring other conditions such as flooding or hail, ice or snow and your driving will have to take account of these extra hazards





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•If you have to travel, plan your journey in advance – check local radio / t.v. or websites for information on any road closures or hazards due to the conditions.

http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information




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•If you have to travel, plan your journey in advance – check local radio / t.v. or websites for information on any road closures or hazards due to the conditions. •Look for a route which is the most sheltered from the storm conditions if possible.





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•If you have to travel, plan your journey in advance – check local radio / t.v. or websites for information on any road closures or hazards due to the conditions. •Look for a route which is the most sheltered from the storm conditions if possible.•Drive slowly enough to cope with any wind gusts, particularly when driving in exposed areas.





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•If you have to travel, plan your journey in advance – check local radio / t.v. or websites for information on any road closures or hazards due to the conditions. •Look for a route which is the most sheltered from the storm conditions if possible.•Drive slowly enough to cope with any wind gusts, particularly when driving in exposed areas.•Be aware of the effects on other vehicles such as high sided lorries or vans which can be blown over by gusts of wind or, if overtaking, can cause sudden gusts as you pass.


Part 3.2 ResponseAfter an emergency


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• Who will help?

• What are the actions to consider?

• How to help your community after an Emergency

Part 3.2 : Response Who will help?


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Once an emergency incident has been dealt with and any risk to people, property and/or the environment has been dealt with the Recovery Phase will

begin for you, your family and your community.



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Part 3: Response Recovery:who will help?


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For the most part, you will have to take care of your houseyourself. However, the following help may be available to you:




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For the most part, you will have to take care of your houseyourself. However, the following help may be available to you:•The Fire and Rescue Services may continue to pump wateraway




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For the most part, you will have to take care of your houseyourself. However, the following help may be available to you:•The Fire and Rescue Services may continue to pump wateraway•If you have had to leave your home, the local authority willcontinue to provide accommodation until your house ishabitable again.




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For the most part, you will have to take care of your houseyourself. However, the following help may be available to you:•The Fire and Rescue Services may continue to pump wateraway•If you have had to leave your home, the local authority willcontinue to provide accommodation until your house ishabitable again.•Your insurance company will assess the damage and thepossibility of getting financial compensation.




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Part 3.2 : Response Recovery:who will help?


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1. If the all clear has been given, and you have remained in your property, check externally for any damage and, if any is identified, contact your insurer (or landlord if you live in rented property).




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1. If the all clear has been given, and you have remained in your property, check externally for any damage and, if any is identified, contact your insurer (or landlord if you live in rented property).

2. If there is structural damage contact your local council(do you know how to contact them?) for advice on thesafety of your building and any action required.





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3. If you have been evacuated during the emergency, carry outan external visual inspection around the house before enteringthe property. Only if there is no obvious structural damageshould you enter the property to look for any internal damageor effects from the emergency.




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3. If you have been evacuated during the emergency, carry outan external visual inspection around the house before enteringthe property. Only if there is no obvious structural damageshould you enter the property to look for any internal damageor effects from the emergency.

4. When entering the property do not switch on lights, electrical equipment or have any naked lights until you are satisfied there is no smell of gas (if used in the property).




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5. If there is internal damage, again contact your insurer (or landlord) and do not carry out anyremedial work until they have given their authorisation.




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5. If there is internal damage, again contact your insurer (or landlord) and do not carry out anyremedial work until they have given their authorisation.

6. Consider if there are any elderly or vulnerable neighbourswho might need your assistance.




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Flooding presents a number of risks to health, drowning being the most obvious. Serious injury can be caused by falling into fast flowing water or from hiddendangers under the water, such as missing manhole covers. The stress and strainof being flooded and cleaning up can have a notable impact on mental healthand wellbeing.



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Your local or national governement can offer you guidance on how you might help yourcommunity after any Emergency. Do you know where to locate this?



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The UK Example: The Community Resilience Programme.

Your local or national governement can offer you guidance on how you might help yourcommunity after any Emergency. Do you know where to locate this?

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/community-resilience



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Some agencies will continue to work in, be available to and assist communities wellafter the actual incident has passed. Alert them to any concerns you might have foryourself or for others.



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If you yourself have been affected by the event you can look to your local council for assistance. They will normally establish a Humanitarian Assistance Service or Centre where you can get adviceon all aspects of the recovery and restoration process, from how to safely dispose of damaged goodsto insurance and accommodation advice.



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If you yourself have been affected by the event you can look to your local council for assistance. They will normally establish a Humanitarian Assistance Service or Centre where you can get adviceon all aspects of the recovery and restoration process, from how to safely dispose of damaged goodsto insurance and accommodation advice. Do you know how this works? Where will it be located?



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You can promote these services to others affected in your community who might need similar assistance or help - vulnerable, disabled or hard to reach neighbours may not readily access suchsupport themselves so your assistance will help them access the support available. You can alsosubmit names and contact details of such people to the Centre or Humanitarian Assistance Service so they can make contact directly.

If you yourself have been affected by the event you can look to your local council for assistance. They will normally establish a Humanitarian Assistance Service or Centre where you can get adviceon all aspects of the recovery and restoration process, from how to safely dispose of damaged goodsto insurance and accommodation advice. Do you know how this works? Where will it be located?



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If you are able, you can help with the recovery programme byassisting with clearance of debris or other materials from yourown and neighbours' property in a safe manner. Be awarethat some debris may be contaminated and you should followany guidance regarding the safe clearance of materials whichcan be provided by the Council or any agency involved (forexample: Environment Agency). Clearing up after Floods.

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/54871.aspx



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For information on clearing up after floods: https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood/get-help-after-a-flood

https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood/get-help-after-a-flood

Part 3.2: Response Recovery:who will help?


If you volunteer to assist with wider community clean-up programmes the managing service should give you the necessaryhealth and safety advice and personal protective equipment (PPE) to participate safely.


Part 3.2: Response Recovery:who will help?


If you volunteer to assist with wider community clean-up programmes the managing service should give you the necessaryhealth and safety advice and personal protective equipment (PPE) to participate safely.

Depending on the type and effects of the Emergency there may belocal fund raising activities established to support those affected. There may also be local commemorative events and activitiesorganised to acknowledge the event and those affected. It is yourpersonal choice as to how you become involved in these. Source: Gabinete de Comunicacion - Ayto. Alcala de Guadaira

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adults - storms - response

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