Emergency Preparedness


ARE YOU PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY?
Individuals should take on the responsibility of being prepared to survive for three days on their own, to create evacuation and shelter plans for themselves and their families, and to get out of harm's way when necessary.  Community safety and personal preparedness is vital to the overall preparedness of the United States, and its ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters, man-made emergencies, economic downturns, and terrorist attacks.
For more information about extreme weather resources, call 211 or visit https://www.impactinc.org/impact-211/  
To report a power outage, report an outage or call 1-800-662-4797  
To report a tree in the roadway, call Greendale Police Dispatch 414-423-2121
To report a downed Village tree, report a problem form
To report a public health emergency when the health department is closed, call Greendale Police Dispatch 414-423-2121 


Winter Weather Tips
A printable copy can be found here

Length of Time Outside

  • Even if it’s not overly chilly outside, don’t stay outside too long. Take breaks from the snow and come back inside to warm up.
  • When cold weather advisories and warnings are present, stay inside as much as possible.

Dress Warm

  • Dress in layers and water repellent outerwear.
  • Layers of loose-fitting clothing will keep you warmer than one bulky sweater.
  • Make sure clothing is and stays dry.
  • Tuck in loose scarves, drawstrings, etc.

Dress Warm

  • Dress in layers and water repellent outerwear.
  • Layers of loose-fitting clothing will keep you warmer than one bulky sweater.
  • Make sure clothing is and stays dry.
  • Tuck in loose scarves, drawstrings, etc.

Shoveling Safely

  • Wear sturdy, rubber-soled boots and watch where you step.
  • Dress warm.
  • Push the snow in short strokes, instead of lifting it.
  • Use your leg muscles, not your back.
  • Take frequent breaks.

Traveling

  • Have several ways to up to date on weather conditions.
  • Check 511 for road conditions.
  • Dress for the weather or have clothes for the weather in the car with you.

Signs of Hypothermia

  • Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness; Infants: Bright red or cold skin, very low energy.
  • People most at risk: infants, older adults, those who spend a lot of time outside (farmers, construction workers, people experiencing homelessness, etc.).

Check in on Your Neighbors and Loved Ones

  • Especially those living alone.
  • Look for signs of hypothermia.
  • Ensure homes are adequately heated.

 

 




THE FACTS
Research on preparedness from ready.gov shows that people who believe themselves "prepared" for disasters often aren't as prepared as they think.
  • 40% of survey respondents did not have household plans
  • 80% had not conducted home evacuation drills
  • ~20% of survey respondents reported having a disability that would affect their capacity to respond to an emergency situation
Becoming more prepared in case of an emergency is easier than you might think.  Whether it's your home, your neighborhood, your place of business, or your school, you can take a few simple steps to prepare your community.

goals 2
Step 1: Set Goals
Setting goals helps you be accountable to yourself, family, and community.  Any of these activities get us one step closer to a safer and more resilient nation.  Get involved in National Preparedness Month activities in September.
Example Individual Goals
  1.  As an individual, I will commit to preparing myself and my family this year, including creating a family disaster plan and making sure there are emergency supply kits at my home, for my pet, at my place of work, and in my car.
  2.  As a family, we will assemble ____ emergency supply kits for others.
  3.  As an individual, I will talk to ____ friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers about our personal responsibility to be prepared.
  4. As an individual/family, I will complete _____ training (life saving skills) 
Example Service Goals
  1. Help at least 3 people who may need additional assistance in preparing for emergencies (including the frail, elderly, individuals with disabilities, and others with special needs).
  2. Conduct a safety drill at home, at work, at school, or at your community organization.
  3. Take a training class in a lifesaving skill (CPR, first aid)- visit Greendale Park & Rec for offerings-
  4. Become an emergency preparedness volunteer with the Greendale Health Department

tech ready
Step 2: Get Tech Ready
Technology has made it easier than ever to prepare for emergencies, but it can be unreliable in an emergency if you haven't kept your gadgets protected and powered up.  Here are some tips to make sure you are tech ready. 

  1.  Use text messages, social media and email to connect with friends and family during emergencies.
  2.  Register with American Red Cross' Safe & Well site to let family and friends know you're okay.
  3.  Have an emergency charging option for your phone and other mobile devices.
  4.  Store important documents on a secure, password-protected jump drive or in the cloud.
  5.  Sign up for direct deposit and electronic banking through your financial institution so you can access your paycheck and make electronic payments wherever you are.

pay
Step 3: Financial Preparedness
Americans at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency.  In these stressful times, having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the recovery process quickly and efficiently.  Some tips for financial preparedness include;

  1.   Gather financial and critical personal, household, and medical information.
  2. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis.
  3. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place.  It is important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
  4. Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health and life insurance if you do not have them.  Be sure to review your policy to make sure the amount and types of coverage you have meets the requirements for all possible hazards.
  5.  For more helpful financial preparedness tips, download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit to get started planning today.

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Step 3: Consider Special Situations
COVID-19 Scam Preparedness
  • Be cautious about sharing personal financial information, such as your bank account number, social security number, or credit card number.
  • Do not click on links in texts or emails from people you don’t know. Scammers can create fake links to websites. Visit government websites, like cdc.gov/coronavirus, directly in your internet browser.
    • Know that the government will not text or call you about “mandatory online COVID-19 tests,” outbreaks “in your area,” mandatory vaccinations, or to sell you COVID-19 cures.
    • Remember that the government will not call or text you about owing money or receiving economic impact payments.
    • Be aware that scammers may try to contact you via social media. The government will not contact you through social media about owing money or receiving payments.
  • If you have been exposed to COVID-19, a contact tracer from your local health department might call you to let you know and ask you to self-quarantine at home away from others. Discussions with health department staff are confidential. They will not ask for financial information.
  • Keep in mind that scammers may try to take advantages of financial fears by calling with work-from-opportunities, debt consolidation offers, and student loan repayment plans.
  • Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint if you receive messages from anyone claiming to be a government agent or if you believe you’ve been a victim of a COVID-19 related scam.
Home Fire Escape Plan
Creating and practicing a home fire escape plan is simple.  Follow the steps below to make sure everyone in your home is prepared and knows what to do in case of a home
fire.

  1.  Make a written home fire escape plan and practice getting out in under 2 minutes
  2.  Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home and in each bedroom- test them twice a year.
  3.  Learn the best practices for home fire safety and fire safety with children.
Preparedness for Businesses
There is much that a business leader can do to prepare his or her organization for the most likely hazards.  The Ready Business program helps business leaders make a preparedness plan to get ready for hazards and emergencies.

Helping Children Cope with Disaster
Children can feel very frightened during a disaster and afterwards some children will show temporary changes of behavior.  Factors that contribute to greater vulnerability
include;
  • direct exposure to the disaster, such as being evacuated, seeing injured or dying people, being injured themselves, and feeling that their own lives are threatened.
  • personal loss- death or serious injury of a family member, close friend, or family pet.
  • on-going stress from the secondary effects of disaster- temporary living, losing things, job loss, etc.
  • prior exposure to disaster or other traumatic events.
You can help a child cope with disaster by taking the following actions;

  1.   Encourage your children to talk and listen to their concerns.
  2.  Calmly provide factual information about the disaster and plans for insuring their ongoing safety.
  3.  Involve your children in updating your family disaster plan and disaster supplies kit.
  4.  Practice your plan.
  5.  Involve your children by giving them specific tasks to let them know they can help restore family and community life.
  6.  Spend extra time with your children.
  7.  Re-establish daily routines for work, school, play, meals, and rest.

How to Keep Insulin Cool During Power Outage? 

1) Invest in a thermometer for your refrigerator and freezer. Thermometers for you freezer/refrigerator can cost anywhere from $7.00 to $76.00.  Find the brand that works for you. According to the product labels from all three U.S. insulin manufacturers, it is recommended that insulin be stored in a refrigerator at approximately 36°F to 46°F.  Unopened and stored in this manner, these products maintain potency until the expiration date on the package. Insulin products contained in vials or cartridges supplied by the manufacturers (opened or unopened) may be left unrefrigerated at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F for up to 28 days and continue to work.  However, an insulin product that has been altered for the purpose of dilution or by removal from the manufacturer’s original vial should be discarded within two weeks. Always read the manufacturers insert for your specific medication. 

2) Invest in a portable insulin cooler. A portable insulin cooler or refrigerator will cost between  $70.00 to $1126.00.   You can plug it into a portable power bank, a solar panel, or a charger within a car. Most have the option for battery option. This is the most reliable option and some also have a built in thermometer. 

3) If an insulin cooler is not an option, your refrigerator can keep the inside temperature for about 4 hours after losing power. You'll then need to put your insulin in the freezer compartment and keep the door closed. Your insulin should stay cold enough for another 48 hours. Make sure your it does not freeze, though. Insulin that has been frozen isn't safe for use anymore. Do not put your vials or pens in direct contact with the ice. Wrap them in a cloth or place them inside a small box. Unplug your freezer to prevent it from freezing your insulin when the power comes back. 

4) Ice packs and a "picnic" cooler can always be used if the above options are not available. A thermometer would be needed to maintain the temperature of 36°F to 46°F. Towels, rags, or a box should be used to prevent direct contact of the insulin with any ice. 

5)If you're experiencing unexplained high blood sugars and/or have the feeling your insulin is not working as usual, throw it away and get a new pen or vial. If your insulin looks cloudy, has changed color, has clumps or "strings" in it, chances are it's gone bad. Throw it away. Do not use insulin that you suspect has gone bad. 

 

For more preparedness information, go to:

http://www.ready.gov/  http://emergency.cdc.gov/ or http://www.redcross.org/prepare        

Para informacion en Espanol: Resource Library | Ready.gov