disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

Water - Until water supplies can be tested, water should be filtered and purified
using tips on pages 121 and 152. Make sure everyone has enough
water to drink daily, but use it sparingly for cleaning dishes, clothes or
personal hygiene.
Food - If you brought perishables into the shelter, use them first (see more
tips on page 151). Limit cooking during the first few days in shelter to
reduce heat, and make sure you have proper ventilation when you do. Keep
in mind, healthy adults can go for weeks with little or no food, so ration out
supplies in case you cannot leave the shelter for some time or have trouble
finding more. Any food that was exposed to fallout should be washed first.
Milk - Children and infants should drink milk made from dried or canned
products until authorities can inspect cows’ milk for exposure to fallout.
Sanitation - All shelters should have some form of sanitation like a bucket
with disinfectant or existing toilets with trash bags since plumbing may not
work. Also realize even mild forms of radiation sickness can cause puking
and diarrhea so it could get smelly in the shelter. If possible, keep small
bags around for folks to use as barf bags and have wipes or sanitizer handy
to reduce the spread of germs. (see more tips on page 153)
Recovery - Some emotions people may experience after an attack include
shock, fear, disbelief and anger. Everyone handles trauma differently, but
adversity can also bring people together. Rebuilding would be a long, slow
process, especially if an EMP knocks out communications, utilities and
banking systems. Once it is safe to move around outside, many volunteers
will be needed to help the area and country rebuild and recover.
Also see TIPS ON RECOVERING FROM A DISASTER for some
additional thoughts on recovery, but realize a major nuke or EMP could
have devastating consequences and recovery could take years or decades.
Many seniors would be a wealth of information since they have knowledge
of living during “pre-technology” days.
If more people will learn what to do during a nuclear crisis, there would be
less fear and anxiety. Be aware... be prepared ... and have a plan ~ you CAN
survive a nuke. Please spread the word...
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NATIONAL SECURITY
Again, citizens need to remain calm about the threat of terrorist attacks and
learn about some of the types, how to prepare for them, and what to expect
in some cases. Stay current on news but don’t obsess over it ... and be
aware of your surroundings as you go about your daily routines and don’t
hesitate to report something that looks suspicious.
www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325
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