Castle Hills Citizen Watch

Emergency Safety Plan

Emergency Safety Plan

ALL EMERGENCIES, TERRORISM, AND SHELTERING IN-PLACE
Emergency Safety Plan

In the event of an emergency, tune to KTSA 550 AM.

The City of Castle Hills is providing the following information in an effort to encourage citizens to plan for unexpected emergencies. Families with school-age children should be familiar with their school's emergency plan. Although local officials do all they can to help, it is really up to you when it comes to the comfort and safety of your household.

If you need to evacuate your home or are asked to "shelter in-place", having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable. Prepare a disaster supplies kit in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel bag or small plastic trash can.

Have the following supplies for:

1. ANY EMERGENCY
-flashlights and extra batteries
-battery-operated radio and extra batteries
-first aid kit
-emergency food supplies
-water (1 gallon/person,per day)
-can opener (non-electric)
-essential medicines
-cash and credit cards
-prescription eye wear

2. TERRORISM
-Prepare to deal with a terrorist incident by adapting many of the same techniques used to prepare for other crises.
-Be alert and aware of the surrounding area. The very nature of terrorism suggests that there may be little or no warning.
-Take precautions when traveling.
-Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers.
-Do not leave luggage unattended.
-Learn where emergency exits are located.
-In an unfamiliar building be aware of your immediate surroundings including your closest exits.
-Be aware of heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.
-People who live or work in a multi-level building can do the following: review emergency evacuation procedures and know where fire exits are located.
-Create an emergency communications plan with an out-of-town family member or friend who is unlikely to be affected by the same emergency.

3. SHELTERING IN-PLACE
-If asked to stay indoors ("in-place sheltering"), seal your house so contaminants cannot enter. Close and lock windows and doors. Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape. Seal gaps around window and air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper or aluminum wrap. Close fireplace dampers, close off nonessential rooms such as storage areas, laundry rooms and extra bedrooms. Turn off ventilation systems.


FIRE, FLOOD, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ACCIDENT
4. FIRE
-install smoke detectors (check them once a month and change the batteries at least twice a year.)
-make sure all family members know what to do in a fire. draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room and practice twice a year. choose a safe meeting place outside the house. Call 911 from outside the house immediately.
-Learn to Stop, Drop, and Roll if clothes catch fire. Use the stairs (not elevators) to escape. If possible, cover mouth with a cloth to avoid inhaling smoke and gases. Close doors in each room after escaping to delay the spread of the fire.

to be continued on 10/14/01