Category Archives: emergency

23Feb / 2023

Emergency Preparedness: Batteries Not Included

Stack of alkaline batteries size AAA with selective focus.

Batteries power many of the things we use and rely on every day. They might also be the only available power source in an emergency.

Being prepared to power your personal need devices—things like cellphones, medical devices, and assistive technologies—during a power outage is a step toward individual resilience.

Planning for power outages can include creating an emergency supply of batteries and other power sources. Here are some things to know about batteries that can help you create a supply that meets your needs.

Battery Types & Kinds

Contemporary batteries come in two primary types (primary and secondary) and kinds (alkaline and lithium).(1) Other kinds of batteries are available to power small and low-power devices.

Primary vs. Secondary

The defining difference between primary and secondary batteries is the number of uses you get from them.

You use a primary battery once and then throw it away.

Secondary typically cost more than primary batteries. However, the expense is offset by their longevity. You can recharge a secondary battery, which means fewer batteries to throw away.

Lithium vs. Alkaline

Lithium and alkaline batteries share similarities but there are also some important differences.

Both kinds of batteries come in standard sizes and can power a variety of household devices. The big difference between the two chemistries is their shelf life.

Lithium batteries store more energy for longer than alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries last about twice as long as alkaline batteries. Their shelf life makes them a great choice for your emergency supply.

Battery Sizes

Batteries come in different sizes. Here are some of the most common.

AA (or double A) batteries are the most popular size. They’re used in things like carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and television remotes.

AAA (or triple A) batteries are another popular size of battery. They are a smaller version of AA. AAA batteries are often used in devices like flashlights and thermometers.

C and D batteries are larger and weightier than AA and AAA batteries. They are often used to power heavy-duty flashlights, portable radios, and camping lanterns.

Button cell or coin style batteries are often used to power small items like car key fobs, hearing aids, garage door openers, and toys.

Batteries come in other less common sizes too. Some are used as a backup power source in electrical devices like home security systems and for electronic devices like cellphones.

Take inventory of all devices you’ll need to power during an emergency. They might include flashlights, cellphones, and medical devices. Then identify the kinds and sizes of power sources (e.g., batteries) you need to power those devices. For example, you may want to purchase extra button cell or coin style batteries if you wear a hearing aid.

Battery Storage & Disposal

How you store your batteries can affect their shelf life.

  • Keep batteries in their original packaging. Keeping batteries in their packaging will protect them from humidity and contact with other batteries. A battery can short-circuit if it comes in contact with another battery.
  • Separate batteries by age and type. Store new and used and different types of batteries in separate containers or plastic bags labeled with the date you bought them. It’s best to use batteries of the same age when powering a device.
  • Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Keeping batteries at room temperature or colder will increase lifespan and performance. Humidity can cause condensation, corrosion, and leakage. If you want to store your batteries in a fridge, keep them in a vapor-proof container. Let them acclimatize to room temperature for at least 24 hours before use.
  • Keep them away from metal objects. If batteries contact with metal, they could short-circuit. Store your batteries in a container made of plastic, glass, wood, or any material that’s not metal. You can also use a specialized battery storage box.(2)

Every year in the United States, millions of single-use and rechargeable batteries are bought, used, and recycled or thrown away. Dispose of batteries based on their type and chemistry. Some batteries can cause a risk to safety and health if mismanaged at the end of their lives.(3)

Battery types are identified by marking and labeling, not by the battery’s shape or the color of the label. Certain types should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins. Do not put button cell, coin, or lithium single-use batteries (check for the word “lithium” marked on the battery) in the trash or recycling bin. Instead, find a recycling location near you:

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency website for more information on what to do with used household batteries.

Resources

References

  1. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/types-of-batteries/
  2. https://www.panasonic-batteries.com/en/news/how-store-batteries
  3. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-household-batteries

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (https://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Posted by in alkaline, batteries, battery, emergency, General, lithium, Natural Disasters, personal health, power outage, power sources, Preparedness, Response

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18Jan / 2023

#PrepYourHealth to Drive During Winter

A person holding up a flashlight. Their car is broken down on the side of a snowy road.

Winter is here, and it’s not alone. It comes bearing weather that can make it dangerous to travel. Driving in wintery conditions such as snow, freezing rain, and ice puts drivers at increased risk of car accidents.(1)

About 21% (or 1,235,000) of the over 5,891,000 vehicle crashes each year are weather-related. Most weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement (70%) and during rainfall (46%). A smaller but no less significant number of them occur during snow or sleet (18%), on icy pavement (13%), and on snowy or slushy pavement (16%).(2)

Over 70% of the nation’s roads are in regions that average more than five inches of annual snowfall. Almost 70% of the U.S. population lives in these regions.(3)

If—like most of the U.S. population—you live somewhere that experiences winter weather, be prepared to drive (or not drive) in it.

Driving in the Snow

Driving in winter weather has its challenges. Snow, freezing rain, ice, and below-freezing temperatures can affect driving conditions. Here are some things to consider before and remember after you get behind the wheel.

  • Know before you go. Call 511 or check your state’s department of transportation webpage to check road conditions. The best way to stay safe when driving in snow is not to. Only go out in winter weather if necessary. Avoid non-essential travel when the National Weather Service issues an advisory.
  • Clean off your car before driving. Flying snow from cars can limit your visibility and the visibility of other drivers. Limited visibility can cause accidents.
  • Follow the everyday rules of the road. Do not text or drive distracted; obey posted speed limits; wear your seat belt; and always drive sober.
  • Slow down to improve your traction when driving on snow or ice. Remember “Ice and snow, take it slow.” Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if possible.
  • Put extra space between you and other drivers. Increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds. It takes longer to slow down and stop on icy roads.

Snowplows are a common sight on roads and highways during and after a winter storm. They travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself driving behind a plow, keep your distance. Don’t crowd the plow.

Roadside Emergency Kit

Prepare as if a roadside emergency will happen to you. Pack a roadside emergency kit that includes the items you need to handle travel delays like a flat tire and more serious roadside emergencies. A kit should include:

  1. Food and water
  2. Emergency lighting (e.g., flashlight or headlamp) and batteries
  3. Car and portable chargers for your cellphone
  4. First-aid supplies
  5. Warm clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags
  6. Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
  7. Jumper cables and safety glasses
  8. Emergency hammer and seat belt cutter
  9. Road flares
  10. An ice scraper, folding shovel, and brush

Go beyond the basics by including these items in your roadside emergency kit:

  • A portable carbon monoxide (CO) detector
  • A road map or atlas
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Multi-purpose tool

Add other supplies based on your personal needs.

What to do If You’re Stranded

Winter storms can leave you stranded. Last year, a snowstorm trapped motorists in their vehicles on Interstate 95 for more than a day. (4) If you become stalled in or stranded by winter weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.

  • Stay with your vehicle.
  • Make yourself visible to rescuers:
    • Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.
    • Tie a bright-colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door.
    • Raise the hood of your car if it’s not snowing.
  • Wrap your entire body, including your head (without obstructing your breathing), in layers of clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags to prevent hypothermia. Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) is a dangerous condition that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
  • Run the engine for about 10 minutes per hour to run the heater and charge your cellphone. Open a window slightly to let fresh air in and avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
  • Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to prevent CO poisoning.

Learn more about staying safe before and after a winter storm.

Resources

References

  1. https://policyadvice.net/insurance/insights/winter-driving-statistics/
  2. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm
  3. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/weather_events/snow_ice.htm
  4. https://apnews.com/article/snow-storm-weather-195-virginia-660346cff578c655186ac517fb45f17f

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (https://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Posted by in carbon monoxide, disaster readiness, driver safety, emergency, emergency preparedness, Environmental Health, General, hypothermia, injury, personal health, Preparedness, Response, roadside emergency kit, winter weather

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26Aug / 2022

Water Safety & Emergency Preparedness

woman carrying jugs

August is National Water Quality Month

The United States has one of the safest and most reliable drinking water systems in the world. However, emergencies, such as natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, and droughts) and man-made disasters (e.g., chemical spills), can damage water infrastructure and/or contaminate water supplies.

Safe drinking water is essential to the health and wellbeing of communities. Every year, about 7.2 million people get sick in the U.S. from diseases spread through water. Knowing how to ensure your access to safe water during & after emergencies can protect you from getting sick.callout

Ensuring Access to Safe Water

Depending on the emergency, your water may be safe to use for personal hygiene and handwashing, but unsafe for drinking and cooking. Or it could be unsafe to use for any reason.

Authorities use drinking water advisories to inform communities about public health threats related to drinking water. Advisories are designed to inform consumers about the situation and provide recommendations on what to do. Advisories usually include one of these warnings: Boil Water Advisory, Do Not Drink Advisory, and Do Not Use Advisory.

If tap water is unavailable or unsafe to drink or use after an emergency, it’s important to know how to make your water safe and where to find alternative water sources inside your home.

Unopened commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable source of water in an emergency. If bottled water is unavailable, you can make your water safe through boiling, disinfection, filtration, or ultraviolet light.

You may also consider exploring alternative sources of safe water. Water sources can be inside your home (e.g., liquid from canned fruits and vegetables)— or outside your home. Learn about places where you might find sources of water that are safe to use.

Creating an Emergency Water Supply

It’s important to develop a plan to ensure access to clean drinking water at home, the office, the school, or other places where a water-related emergency may occur.

Storing unopened commercially bottled water is one of the most reliable and least expensive sources of water in an emergency. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days for drinking and sanitation. Try to store a two-week supply if possible.

CDC recommends that you keep in mind the following:

Set a reminder to replace store-bought water according to their expiration date and bottles of water appropriately bottled at home every 6 months.

Keep a bottle of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach to disinfect your water, if necessary. The label should say it contains between 5% and 9% of sodium hypochlorite.

Considerations for At-Risk Populations

Consider people’s specific health needs and the conditions in the places where they live when communicating about water preparedness.

Access to and use of safe treated water is often influenced by geographical location and/or socioeconomic status. People living near contaminated sources of water (e.g., aging infrastructure, rural, tribal, immigrant, or refugee communities) may face increased exposure to unsafe drinking water.

Certain populations, including infants and children, people with certain medical conditions, pregnant people, and older adults are at a higher risk of suffering from health issues because of the lack of access to safe water.

  • Infants and young children have unique feeding and hygiene needs during an emergency:
    • Infant formula feeding requires safe water to prepare the formula and cleaning supplies to clean bottles, nipples, and other parts. Find more information and resources for emergency preparedness and response personnel, families, and the public to ensure that children are fed safely during an emergency: Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E) Toolkit | Nutrition | CDC.
    • It’s always important to change diapers in a safe, germ-free way, but an emergency can make this difficult. CDC offers guidelines and checklists to help parents, childcare providers, emergency responders, and others learn how to prevent the spread of germs while changing diapers during emergencies.
  • Schools, day-care centers, and camps for children can be at risk for outbreaks during an emergency. CDC has available information to help state and local health departments respond to suspected waterborne outbreaks.
  • People who are immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system because of a medical condition or medical treatment may be more susceptible to getting sick.
  • Adults aged 65 and older are at increased risk of infection and disease from harmful germs because of many factors, including reduced immunity, existing chronic illness, and institutional exposure (e.g., exposures at hospitals and nursing homes). Visit CDC’s Promoting Health for Older Adults to learn about this topic.

Similarly, people with limited access to safe water in their homes, grocery stores, or the means to travel to and haul water may find it difficult or even impossible to prepare a home water supply.

Emergency preparedness authorities should account for their communities’ specific needs when developing response plans. CDC offers customizable and printable tools and templates, which include checklists, fact sheets, and press releases that can be adapted to the needs of each community.

Resources

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Posted by in Disease Outbreak, emergency, General, Natural Disasters, personal health, Preparedness, Waterborne

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16Aug / 2022

#PrepYourHealth with Vaccines

banner

August is National Immunization Month.

Over the years, vaccines have prevented countless cases of disease and saved millions of lives. Vaccines are important to helping people stay healthy and protected from serious and sometimes deadly diseases.

Staying up to date on recommended immunizations can help keep you healthy in response to emergencies, including disease outbreaks and natural disasters.

Immunization Recommendations for Responders

Vaccination is an important step every first responder should take to prepare for a response. Some vaccine-preventable diseases are more common after a disaster.

Being up to date on tetanus and hepatitis B vaccines is important for everyone, including emergency responders.

Tetanus is a potential health threat if you sustain wound injuries. Being up to date on tetanus vaccination is the best tool to prevent infection, along with immediate and good wound care.(1)

Everyone aged less than 60 years are recommended to be up to date on Hepatitis B vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccination is also recommended if you are expected to have exposure to blood or blood-contaminated bodily fluids.(2)

People in certain response jobs and travel situations may be exposed to dangerous or deadly diseases that are uncommon in the U.S. Emergency responders should check Traveler’s Health for current vaccine recommendations before they deploy outside of the country. They may include anthrax, cholera, typhoid, rabies, and yellow fever.

Immunization Recommendations for All Individuals

People need different vaccinations depending on their age, location, job, lifestyle, travel schedule, health conditions, or previous vaccinations.

Everyone needs immunizations to help them prevent getting and spreading serious diseases to their loved ones or others in their community.

  • Everyone 6 months and older needs the seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine every year. The flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and older adults.
  • Every adult should get a Tdap vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough). They should get a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) or Tdap booster shot every 10 years. Women should get the Tdap vaccine each time they are pregnant, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.(3)

CDC recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible.(4)

Vaccines help protect you from getting sick or severely ill. Vaccines like those for seasonal flu and COVID-19 are especially important if your emergency action plan is to go to a shelter in an evacuation.

Evacuations for hurricanes and wildfires can force people into emergency shelters, where close quarters, shared spaces, and high-touch surfaces can make it easy for illnesses, including COVID-19 and flu, to spread.

Stay Informed About Staying Up to Date

Immunizations are not just for children. Protection from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Adults may also be at risk for vaccine-preventable disease due to age, job, lifestyle, travel, or health conditions.

It’s important that everyone stay up to date on their immunizations so that they are protected when a disaster strikes. You are up to date with when you have received all doses in the primary series of a vaccine and all boosters recommended for you.

Here are three ways you can stay informed of how well you’re staying up to date on recommended vaccines.

  • Take this quiz to find out what other vaccines may be recommended for you. Talk with your healthcare provider to make sure you get the vaccines that are right for you.
  • Download or print copies of age-appropriate vaccination schedules to help you stay informed of when you or a loved one is due for a vaccine or booster. Take with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
  • Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or vaccination provider for a vaccination record form or download one. Keep it with your other important paperwork. Take the form with you to health visits. Ask your vaccination provider to sign and date the form for each vaccine you receive.(5)

Staying up to date can help keep you, your loved ones, and your community safe. Learn more ways to prepare your health for emergencies.

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/prevention.html
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7113a1.htm?s_cid=mm7113a1_w
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
  5. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/vaccination-records.html#record-vacc

Resources

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Posted by in & Prevention, Disease Outbreak, emergency, Emergency Action Plan, emergency sheltering, flu, General, immunization, personal health, Preparedness, public health, Response, tetanus, Vaccination, wound care

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22Jul / 2022

Be Prepared to be Away During an Emergency

Kids hugging their mom before heading off to their first day of school.

July 24 is National Parents Day

Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, including when you’re not with your children and pets. It’s a scary thought. But you can take steps to protect them when you’re not around to do it yourself.

Camp & Childcare Parents

On any given weekday during the school year, an estimated 69 million children are in school and childcare.(1) During summer, some of those same children are in camps and childcare.

Parents, guardians, and other caregivers want to know their children are safe when they’re away from home. Camp and childcare providers play an important role in giving parents and guardians peace of mind. They should have family reunification plans and hold regular drills to help children and staff practice staying safe in the event of an emergency.

In addition, here are some ways you can prepare for an emergency that happens when you are not with your child.

Knowing camp or childcare providers have an emergency plan and the supplies they need to care for your child can help you feel better about leaving them in the care of others.

Pet Parents

Pets are family, too. It’s natural for pet parents to feel anxious about leaving their pet in the care of someone else, such as a pet sitter or kennel, or if you have someone nearby who can check in on them. Having someone who can check up on your pet if they are not somewhere safe can give you peace of mind.

Here are suggested steps you can take to help keep your pets healthy and safe if an emergency happens while you’re away.(2)

  • Make sure your pet has plenty of food. Write out feeding instructions, including portion size and other special considerations, such as the feeding order of multiple pets.
  • Check that your pet has enough medicine. Write out instructions for giving prescription medicines and where they’re kept. Keep medicines up and away from children and pets.
  • Write out your itinerary and contact information, including your cell phone number and the name and phone number of where you’re going.
  • Leave contact information for your veterinarian and one or two people you trust to make decisions in case you can’t be reached. Be sure to ask those people before you do this. Contact your veterinarian’s office to let them know you have a pet sitter.
  • Leave the pet sitter with copies of important paperwork, including a list of vaccinations and dates received.
  • Microchip your pet.
  • Make sure your pet wears collars and tags with up-to-date contact information and other identification.
  • Keep your pet’s carrier or crate near the exit. Tell the sitter where your pet might hide when it feels stressed or scared.
  • Prepare a pet emergency kit, including first-aid supplies and detailed instructions on how to use it.
  • Leave instructions about your home, such as garage door codes, utility shutoff instructions, and your neighbor’s names and phone numbers.

Prepping your pet sitter or a person you trust to check in on your pet can help ensure that your pet gets the best possible care when you’re away.

Reuniting After an Emergency

Separation from one’s family during or after an emergency can have mental and physical effects on everyone involved, including parents and guardians, children, and pets.

Reunification is the process of returning children and pets to their families as quickly as possible after an emergency. The faster reunification happens after an emergency, the better.

Learn more about reuniting with loved ones after an emergency.

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/reunification.html
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/keeping-pets-and-people-healthy/emergencies.html

Resources

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Posted by in & Prevention, asthma, caregivers, Childcare, emergency, emergency preparedness, General, guardians, medication safety, Natural Disasters, parents, pets, Preparedness, public health, Ready Wrigley, Response, runification, school, summer camp

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30Jun / 2022

3 Uses for ZIP Codes to Stay Informed

A person takes mail from mailbox.

July 1 is U.S. ZIP Code Day.

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS)—then called the U.S. Post Office Department—introduced the Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) code in 1963. USPS’ purpose was to facilitate the automatic sorting of mail and reduce the number of steps a piece of mail would go through to reach a recipient.(1)

Since then, USPS has created and deleted ZIP codes as needed. It expanded ZIP codes from 5 digits to 9 and then to 11.(1)

The meanings and utility of ZIP codes have changed too. Today, they have impact implications and uses beyond moving mail.

Your ZIP code can help you stay informed before and during emergencies, including disease outbreaks and natural disasters. Here are three examples of the kinds of information you can find using your ZIP code.

Your Hazards Riskmap

You can’t prepare for something if you don’t know it’s a threat. Part of staying informed is knowing about the hazards that can cause you harm and how to mitigate (or reduce) your risk. Your ZIP code can help you learn about hazards in your area.

The National Risk Index is an online mapping application from FEMA that is searchable by ZIP code. It was developed with local emergency planners in mind, but you too can use it to identify the hazards most likely to threaten your health and safety.

The Index uses data for natural hazards and community risk factors to develop a “baseline relative risk measurement” for each county and census area. It analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience to determine a community’s potential for negative impacts resulting from 18 natural hazards.(2) Hazards include earthquakes, heat waves, hurricanes, and wildfires.

Learn more about how the Index calculates risk.

The Nearest Vaccine Provider

As with other diseases, you are protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccine doses and boosters.(3)

Staying up to date means getting all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended for you. CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, when eligible.(3)

COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost.(4) Use your ZIP code to find COVID-19 vaccines and boosters near you. You can also text your ZIP code to 438829 for location information.

You can also use your ZIP code to find the nearest Test to Treat sites.  There are hundreds of locations nationwide where you can

  • get tested or bring your test results,
  • get a prescription from an on-site healthcare provider if you are at high risk of getting very sick, and
  • fill your prescription for an oral COVID-19 treatment.(5)

Learn more about the Test to Treat initiative, including what to bring with you when you go.

Your Local Forecast

The right message at the right time from the right person can save lives in times of crisis. Having multiple ways to receive those messages, including emergency alerts, can help you stay healthy and safe during an emergency.

Some of the most important kinds of emergency alerts are hazardous weather advisories, watches, and warnings. They are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when hazardous weather is happening, about to happen, or likely to happen.

There are two ways you can use your ZIP code to stay informed of weather advisories, watches, and warnings where you live:

  1. Enter your ZIP code on the NWS website to see a localized weather forecast.
  2. Search for your local NWS Weather Forecast Office on social media.

Take both actions to improve your odds of receiving the right message from the right source in enough time to take action.

Visit the Prepare Your Health website for more tips on how to stay informed before and during an emergency.

Resources

References

  1. https://www.uspsoig.gov/sites/default/files/document-library-files/2015/rarc-wp-13-006_0.pdf
  2. https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/products-tools/national-risk-index
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/no-cost.html
  5. https://aspr.hhs.gov/TestToTreat/Pages/process.aspx

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Posted by in #prepyourhealth, covid 19, emergency, emergency preparedness, General, hurricane, Natural Disasters, personal health, Preparedness, Response, stay informed, vaccine, ZIP Code

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15Jun / 2022

Prep Your Health to Evacuate

A line of vehicles parked along the side of a road at night. A wildfire burns in the distance.

June is a busy time of year for emergency preparedness and response.

June marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. It’s also wildfire season.

Hurricanes and wildfires are common causes of evacuations. Both are happening more often and with greater intensity.(1) Annual increases in the number of strong hurricanes and large wildfires likely mean more people will face these threats.

In 2017, more than 8 million people across the country were affected by evacuation orders because of flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes. That includes an estimated 6.8 million residents of Florida who were under evacuation orders in response to Hurricane Irma. It was one of the largest mass evacuations in U.S. history.

Don’t get caught unprepared for an evacuation order. Learn what you can do now to prepare for evacuations and mitigate some of the stress of having to relocate.

Know Your Zone

Different communities plan for evacuations in different ways. It’s important to know the plans and procedures where you live.

Emergency planners in many states and localities subdivide their jurisdictions into numbered or lettered evacuation zones. The City of Ashland, Oregon, for example, is divided into 10 zones. City officials use numbered zones to manage evacuations.(2)

Residents of Ashland are encouraged to know their zone before an evacuation. The city set up an interactive evacuation map where residents can learn their zone by searching their addresses.

Contact your local public safety or emergency management agency to learn how decisions about evacuations are made where you live.

Find the emergency management agency for your state or territory using the free search tool on USA.gov.

Learn the Alerts

It’s as important that you know what to do when you are notified to take protective action, such as evacuating. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. They might include watching local television, listening to local radio, following trusted sources on social media, and signing up to receive emergency alerts by phone call or text.

Many local governments across the country—primarily in areas at high risk for wildfire—have adopted the Ready. Set. Go! (RSG) program. RSG was developed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs as a way to educate about wildland fire risk, promote wildfire preparedness, and communicate in plain language what to do in the event of a fire.

As the name suggests, there are three steps to RSG.

  • Ready means be prepared. People are asked to gather emergency supplies, make an emergency action plan, sign up for emergency notifications, and stay informed of local hazards.
  • Set is a warning to get organized because of significant danger in the area. People under “set” status should prepare to evacuate. They should pack “go kits” and consider relocating—voluntarily—to a safer location.
  • Go! is the signal to evacuate immediately to a designated shelter or someplace in a safer area. Find out how you can protect yourself and others from COVID-19 when evacuating to a public shelter or the home of friends or family.

How ever your local officials communicate an evacuation, don’t hesitate to leave if given the order. Follow instructions on where to go and how to get there. Your normal route out of your neighborhood may not be the safest during an emergency.

Make An Evacuation Plan

Your emergency care plan is more than a list of names and phone numbers. It’s more accurate to think of it as a user guide for how to stay healthy, informed, and connected during an emergency.

An emergency action plan should include:

  • phone numbers for your physician, pediatrician, pharmacist, counselor, and veterinarian.
  • copies of current personal care plans (e.g., an asthma action plan, a food allergy and anaphylaxis care plan, and an emergency care plan for children and youth with special healthcare needs).
  • a copy of the family reunification plans for your child’s school or daycare.(3)

To help you plan for an evacuation, your emergency action plan might also include a MyEvacuation Plan checklist. This evacuation planning tool guides you through actions you can take to prepare for an evacuation, such as:

  • creating “go bags” for each member of your household.
  • getting an emergency refill on your prescription medicines (if eligible and where available).
  • finding a place where you and your pet can safely stay in an evacuation.
  • having multiple ways to receive evacuation orders and instructions. You will likely get the order to evacuate from local police, fire, or other local officials on the radio, television, social media, and/or by text alert.

Visit the Prep Your Health website for more tips on how you can plan ahead for emergencies.

Emergency Response Planning

People experience disasters differently. Some are at higher risk of impacts because of their economic status, geography, disability status, etc.

The COVID-19 pandemic and other recent emergencies have brought inequities to the forefront of public health. State and local emergency planners must engage with their communities if they are to understand the conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play and their effects on emergency preparedness and response.

  • People with lower incomes often live in places that lack the space to shelter in place or financial resources to evacuate.
  • People with disabilities may be unable to evacuate on their own. The percentage of people living with disabilities is highest in the South.(5) This includes the hurricane-prone states of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
  • Some people may be unable to evacuate without help and less prepared to stay in their homes in the aftermath of a major disaster.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has planning guides to help emergency planners involve the whole community in preparedness.

Resources

References

  1. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2019/06/27/wildfires-all-seasons
  2. https://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=13512
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/prepyourhealth/planahead/
  4. https://training.fema.gov/hiedu/docs/ballen%20-%20vulnerable%20populations.pdf
  5. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Posted by in emergency, Emergency Action Plan, evacuation route, evacuation zone, family reunification, General, hurricane, MyEvacuation Plan, Natural Disasters, personal health, Preparedness, Response, wildfire

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25May / 2022

Building Trauma-Informed Communities

holding hands

Many people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. Often unexpected and shocking, it may overwhelm their ability to cope and create a lasting sense of fear, vulnerability, and helplessness.

Traumatic events are scary or dangerous experiences that can affect people emotionally and physically. They include acts of violence (e.g., assault, physical or emotional abuse, war), natural disasters, car crashes, and other accidents.(1)

Trauma is a physical, cognitive, and emotional response caused by a traumatic event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced as harmful or life-threatening.(2) Trauma can have lasting effects, particularly if untreated.callout

A trauma-informed approach to emergency response is about acknowledging past trauma and showing sensitivity to the effects it can have on the survivors of present events. Knowing how to approach a person or group of people after a traumatic event can reduce the likelihood of re-traumatization.

Trauma and Emergencies

Emergencies can be traumatic. If trauma isn’t addressed appropriately, it can have longer and deeper negative effects on individuals, families, and communities. Recovery from a traumatic event can also be an opportunity to develop resiliency and [trauma-informed] tools in preparation for future emergencies or disasters.

Not everyone responds to trauma the same way, and not all people who are exposed to a potentially traumatic event experience trauma. Responses to trauma can last for weeks, months, or even years before people start to feel normal again.

A person’s response to disaster-related trauma may be influenced by the following:

  • Direct exposure to the disaster, such as being evacuated or witnessing others, including family members, in life-threatening situations
  • Prior experience with and exposure to trauma
  • Pre-existing physical or mental health conditions
  • The availability of a strong emotional support network(3)

Taking a Trauma-Informed Approach

Learning how to respond during or after a traumatic event can help your community. Emergency responders should be aware that individuals and communities may have experienced a variety of traumas—including mass trauma or historical trauma. They must also consider a survivor’s physical, psychological, and emotional safety and well-being after a disaster.(3)

The six guiding principles of trauma informed care are:

  1. Safety
  2. Trustworthiness and transparency
  3. Peer support
  4. Collaboration and mutuality
  5. Empowerment and choice
  6. Cultural, historical and gender issues(3)

This approach requires constant attention, sensitivity, and awareness to make sure the community and those affected receive the care they need after an emergency.

The keys to creating a trauma informed approach to care are:

  • Creating a safe environment
  • Hiring and training for a trauma-informed workforce (clinical and non-clinical staff)
  • Preventing secondary traumatic stress in staff
  • Engaging patients in organizational planning
  • Leading and communicating about the transformation process(4)

Adopting trauma-informed practices may require a cultural change at an organizational level. Emergency responders can use a trauma-informed approach to help during or after an emergency.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Technical Assistance Center helps states, territories, tribes, and local providers plan for and respond to behavioral health needs after a disaster. Learn about trauma-informed care to help others in your community.

Building a Trauma-Informed Community

Building resilient and trauma-informed communities is essential to improving emergency recovery outcomes. No community is safe from the potential impact of unexpected traumatic events. But by being trauma-informed, they can become a safe place for those recovering from distressing events.(5)

Communities can be resilient if they have the right resources available. Unfortunately, resources may not always be available. There may be barriers that can prevent those in a community from accessing resources when they need them. These may include cost, lack of transportation, and availability of resources.

Nonprofit organizations such as United Way offer free services where individuals can reach out to find resources available in their area.

Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics are community health providers in underserved areas that receive funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration that make their services affordable to patients that need assistance.

In today’s world, resources are not limited to in-person visits. Many mental health providers now offer telehealth services. These services make it possible for patients to access care from the safety, privacy, and convenience of their homes. More work is needed to provide universal broadband access so that persons at highest risk of poor mental and physical health outcomes from emergencies and trauma have access to this form of care. Mental health trainings are also available to help communities strengthen their resilience.

Communities and emergency responders should strive to provide their services with a trauma-informed approach in an effort to make sure people experiencing trauma receive care that promotes healing and avoids re-traumatization. Many resources and training for people who work in fields that support individuals experiencing trauma—for example, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and religious organizations—are available online.

Community members can talk about being trauma-informed with their families, coworkers, children’s teachers, and others within their social networks. Communities that work together to make these resources available to those in need can improve the resiliency of community members.

References

  1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events
  2. https://www.samhsa.gov/trauma-violence
  3. https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2018/07/trauma-care/
  4. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/childrens_mental_health/atc-whitepaper-040616.pdf
  5. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma17-5014.pdf

Resources

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Posted by in & Prevention, community, emergencies, emergency, General, Mental health, personal health, Preparedness, public health, Response, trauma-informed care

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18May / 2022

Emergency Medical Services: More Than a Ride to the Hospital

ambulance

This post was written in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of EMS in observance of National Emergency Medical Services Week, May 15-22.

For many of us, the image we have of first responders comes mostly from television and movies.

We picture ambulances with sirens wailing and lights flashing en route to the scene of an emergency. We imagine emergency medical service (EMS) clinicians tending to seriously ill and injured patients, administering emergency medical care, and whisking them away to a hospital.

EMS clinicians are first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and others whose titles may not always suggest their EMS duties. For example, firefighters and nurses may provide pre-hospital emergency medical care as part of their routine job duties. They are all vital to emergency response.

There are several coordinated efforts underway by federal agencies to help create resilient, stable, and capable EMS systems. They include initiatives to share EMS data, develop the workforce, and enhance public health readiness.

Public Health & EMS Collaborationmap of public health responders

EMS systems provide an essential service in response to emergencies. The last few years have reminded us how important EMS clinicians are to our healthcare, public health, emergency management, and public safety systems, especially in times of crisis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, EMS clinicians helped keep people out of the hospital by evaluating them in their homes and nursing facilities. They administered vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. They staffed emergency operations centers, hospitals, and other medical facilities around the country. All the while putting themselves at risk for injuries and illnesses, including mental harm caused by the inherent stressors of the job.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Together they are developing risk mitigation strategies and interventions to protect and improve the health and resilience of our EMS workforce.

It’s important that local, regional, and state EMS leaders work closely with public health, 911 emergency communications systems, and emergency management to prepare for future public health emergencies.

NHTSA’s Office of EMS (OEMS) is part of a national focus on integrating EMS into planning and preparedness initiatives. It is co-funding a project to research and publish best practices for engagement and collaboration between EMS, 911, public health, and emergency management. It will serve as a valuable tool that can help reduce morbidity and mortality during public health emergencies and promote population health and illness/injury prevention.

During the COVID-19 response, the FEMA/HHS Healthcare Resilience Working Group’s Prehospital EMS/911 team was led by the OEMS. It brought together 27 SMEs from the EMS and 911 industries, generating over 36 cleared documents to help EMS and 911 function throughout the pandemic by collaborating with federal, state, and local partners. Additionally, the use of information exchange between the community and OEMS allowed for shared learning and best practices on how to best manage triage and transport throughout the pandemic.

The Value of Data

NHTSA’s OEMS supports efforts to improve EMS and 911 systems, using evidence based on data, to improve the response to and treatment of patients suffering from traffic crashes, severe injuries, acute illness, or other medical emergencies.

Every encounter between an EMS clinician and a patient is documented following the National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) data standard. Portions of the collected patient care data are submitted to the National EMS Database.

EMS data has proven valuable to researchers, policymakers, and public health officials on topics ranging from COVID-19, drug overdose, stroke care, and traffic crashes. It is used at the local, state, and national levels to improve care and develop evidence-based guidelines.

NEMSIS data were used to develop Prehospital Evidence Based Guidelines on naloxone administration and pain management. It’s also used by the National EMS Quality Alliance to develop performance measures for the National Guideline for the Field Triage of Injured Patients.

NEMSIS is providing the CDC with data on EMS activations that it use to conduct syndromic surveillance, monitor health-related trends, and inform and assess public health interventions. In coordination with state and local partners, federal agencies are exploring ways to link NEMSIS data with other data to monitor and improve outcomes, while protecting patient confidentiality.

Workforce Resilience

Many EMS systems across the country face challenges to providing essential services. They include funding, recruitment, and retention.

With an understanding of the unique challenges faced by rural and tribal communities, the OEMS is working with them to improve communications and access to available resources. The OEMS collaborates with national partners to enhance interstate recognition and reciprocity of EMS personnel.

The theme of this year’s National EMS Week is “Rising to the Challenge.” Meeting current and future challenges requires the people of the EMS system to work together to meet the emergency medical needs of people in every kind of emergency.

Resources

Posted by in & Prevention, emergency, emergency medical service, General, medical emergency, Mental health, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, personal health, public health, Response

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10May / 2022

Protecting Children Where They Learn, Play During Disaster Recovery

building inspector

Emergencies, including natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, can happen at any time. They can have lasting impacts on communities.recovery supplement Places that were once safe might become unsafe. Homes, businesses, childcare facilities, schools, and other buildings can be damaged or destroyed.

After the initial response, communities begin a long recovery process. Buildings are rebuilt, infrastructure is repaired, and there is the appearance of recovery. What often goes overlooked is the need for recovery guidance that promotes environmental safety and prevents exposure to hazards.

A major concern in the aftermath of natural disasters is the safety of children. Children are at higher risk from environmental hazards because of their physical, developmental, and behavioral differences from adults. Environmental exposures, such as drinking contaminated water, can cause diseases and disrupt children’s development, learning, and behavior.

What is the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry doing to help with disaster recovery?

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) recognizes the importance of preparing to protect children from harmful exposures during disaster recovery. We also know that planning for these efforts can be a challenge.

ATSDR’s Choose Safe Places for Early Care and Education (CSPECE) Disaster Recovery Supplement helps public and environmental health professionals reduce children’s environmental exposures where they learn and play. With this tool, professionals are better prepared to

  • identify potential hazards.
  • compile resources needed to address environmental hazards, such as flooding, that can affect locations where children spend time.
  • establish ways to reduce risk and help community members, particularly children, feel secure as they recover and return to pre-disaster routines.

Disaster Recovery Supplement in Action: Puerto Rico

From December 2019 through early 2020, the southwestern region of Puerto Rico experienced an earthquake swarm. It included 11 quakes that were magnitude five or greater.

Before this disaster, the staff members of Head Start, a federal government-sponsored early child care program, attended a training hosted by the Puerto Rico Department of Health (PR DOH) on the new Post-Disaster Self-Assessment Form (PDSAF).

The PDSAF provides resources for childcare facilities in case hazards are discovered. It also provides suggestions on how childcare staff can protect children from environmental hazards during the recovery process.

In response to the earthquakes, Head Start asked that PR DOH use the PDSAF to assess major health hazards that might prevent them from safely reopening facilities. PR DOH visited several Head Start program sites to conduct assessments using the PDSAF tool. They found that many Head Start facilities had cracks in the walls. Some facilities also had cracks in the supporting structures.

Through the PDSAF, it was clear that professional engineers should inspect the Head Start buildings before allowing children back inside. Officials conducted daily site evaluations to determine if they were fit to open while earthquakes and aftershocks continued to occur.

After a disaster, such as an earthquake, the environment and surrounding communities can change drastically. Some of these changes can lead to the migration of harmful substances, such as lead-contaminated debris from damaged buildings, which can cause environmental hazards that were not present previously. Changes like these can complicate decisions about whether it is safe to reopen an early care and education facility after a disaster.

The PDSAF is a useful tool in environmental recovery efforts. It helped Head Start and PR DOH determine whether it was safe to reopen facilities and programs after the disaster.

Returning to pre-disaster routines, such as attending school or childcare, is important to a community’s sense of well-being and disaster resiliency. With proper recovery guidance, we can prepare our communities for environmentally safe recovery.

Learn more about the CSPECE Disaster Recovery Supplement.

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Posted by in Childcare, children, emergency, Environmental Health, General, injury, Natural Disasters, public health, Response

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