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

TIPS ON SHELTER LIVING
DURING OR AFTER AN EMERGENCY
Taking shelter during a disaster could mean you have to be somewhere for
several hours, days or weeks .. even months! It could be as simple as going
to a basement during a tornado warning or staying home without electricity
or water for several days during a major storm.
In many emergencies, the Red Cross and other organizations set up public
shelters in schools, city or county buildings and churches. While they often
provide water, food, medicine, and basic sanitary facilities, you should plan
to have your own supplies - especially water.
Whether your shelter is at home or in a mass care facility use the following
tips while staying there during or after an emergency:
Don’t leave - Stay in your shelter until local authorities say it’s okay to
leave. Realize that your stay in shelter can range from a few hours to weeks
... or longer in some cases.
Take it outside - Restrict smoking to well-ventilated areas (outside if it’s
safe to go out) and make sure smoking materials are disposed of safely!
Behave - Living with many people in a confined space can be difficult and
unpleasant but you must cooperate with shelter managers and others.
24-hour watch - Take turns listening to radio updates and keep a 24-hour
communications and safety watch going.
Toilet - Bathrooms may not be available so make sure you have a plan for
human waste. (see TIPS ON SANITATION OF HUMAN WASTE)
Pets - Public shelters may not allow pets (unless it is a service animal assisting
a disabled person) so you may have to make arrangements to keep them
somewhere else. Try the Humane Society or local Animal Shelter - if they
are still functioning after a disaster.
Fallout shelter - Review pages 109-126 for tips on long-term sheltering
during a nuclear crisis.
Next we’re going to cover some basic things to think about in the event you
and your family are without power, running water, and/or functioning
toilets during an emergency or disaster. We suggest you read over these
topics and think about things you might want to get in advance so you can
be prepared for several days or longer.
150 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325