Be Ready DC: A Guide to Family Preparedness

Government of the District of Columbia

Mayor Vincent C. Gray

http://hsema.dc.gov

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

Dear Residents,

The District Government is

always working to protect our

city from terrorist attacks, natural

disasters, and other emergen-

cies. Our goal is to ensure that

residents, businesses, and

visitors are as safe and secure

as possible. You play an impor-

tant part in this effort—it is up

to you to make sure that your

family is prepared in the event

of an emergency.

Be Ready DC: A Guide to Family

Preparedness was designed

to help you prepare in advance

for any emergency. It tells you

how to:

1. Get Informed

2. Make a Plan

3. Make an Emergency Kit

4. Be Aware.

I strongly encourage you to

read this guide carefully, use

the checklists, and share this

information with friends, family,

and neighbors.

The better prepared you are,

the safer and more secure you

and your family will be.

Sincerely,

Vincent C. Gray

Mayor

1 Before an Emergency Strikes

Page 3

Get Informed

Make a Plan

Make an Emergency Kit

Be Aware

During an Emergency

Page 5

Getting Information

Stay or Go?

Shelter in Place

Evacuation

On the Metro

On the Bus

Types of Emergencies

Page 8

Extreme Weather

Fires

Explosions

Chemical and Biological Emergencies

Radiological Emergencies

Loss of Utilities

After an Emergency

Page 12

Family Records and Financial Recovery

Emotional Recovery

Special Information for You

and Your Loved Ones

Page 13

Seniors and People with Disabilities

Parents and Families

Get Involved

Page 14

DC Citizens Corps

Resources

Page 15

Emergency Information Form

Emergency Pocket Cards

Important District Phone Numbers

What’s Inside....

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

Get Informed

Information is the ﬁ rst step in planning for any emer-

gency. Here is what you need to know to protect

yourself and your family.

Use this Guide to learn about the different kinds of

possible emergencies and how you and your family

should respond to each one.

messages. For more information, see page 5.

Make sure that each member of your family knows

how to get ofﬁ cial information during an emergency.

For more information, see page 5.

Ask if your employer has an emergency plan.

If so, get a copy and review it. Also get the emer-

gency plan for your child’s school or daycare center.

Review it and go over it with your child.

Take a basic First Aid and CPR class. Contact the

American Red Cross at http://redcross.org for

more information.

For more information about emergency

preparedness, visit the following

websites:

Ofﬁ cial DC emergency information:

http://alert.dc.gov

More information from the DC Homeland

Security and Emergency Management Agency:

http://hsema.dc.gov

DC evacuation information and maps:

http://ddot.dc.gov

U.S. Department of Homeland Security information:

http://ready.gov

More information from the federal government:

http:fema.gov/areyouready

The American Red Cross:

http://redcross.org

Make a Plan

Preparedness starts with a plan. Use the checklist

below to make a simple plan that can help you and

your family take control during an emergency.

Hold a family meeting and develop an emergency

plan based on this checklist.

Draw a ﬂ oor plan of your home and mark two

escape routes from each room.

Learn how and when to turn off utilities (water, gas,

and electricity) at main switches.

Never attempt to restore gas service

yourself. Call Washington Gas at

(703) 750-1400 or (800) 752-7520

to restore service.

Choose an out-of-state friend or relative for all

family members to contact if you get separated.

(If local phone circuits are busy during an emergen-

cy, it may be easier to call out-of-state.) Give their

name, phone number, and e-mail address to each

member of your family.

Emergencies can occur quickly and without warning. The best

way to keep yourself and your family safe is to be prepared

before an emergency strikes. In other words, get ready now.

We encourage all households in the District of Columbia to take

these four steps to prepare for an emergency: 1. Get Informed,

2. Make a Plan, 3. Make an Emergency Kit, 4. Be Aware.

Before an Emergency Strikes

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

Teach children how to make long-distance telephone

calls and how to dial 911 for emergency assistance.

Program emergency numbers into all phones.

Choose two places where your family will reunite

after an emergency: a place near your home, and a

place outside the District in case you cannot return

home after an emergency. Make sure everyone

knows the addresses and phone numbers of both

meeting places.

Know and practice all possible exit routes from

your neighborhood.

Put important family records (birth certiﬁ cates,

healthcare records, passports) in a safe place,

such as a ﬁ reproof and waterproof safe or a bank

safety deposit box.

Practice your plan with all household members.

Fill out the Emergency Information Form on

page 15 and post it prominently in your house.

Fill out the Emergency Pocket Cards on page15

and make a copy for each family member.

Everyone should carry one at all times.

Planning ahead with your neighbors

can help save lives and property.

Before an emergency occurs, meet with your

neighbors to plan how you could work together

until help arrives.

Participate in emergency preparedness activities

for your community.

Know your neighbors and consider how you could

help those with special needs, such as seniors

and people with disabilities.

Make an Emergency Kit

Preparing an Emergency Kit in advance can save

precious time if you must evacuate or seek shelter.

Put the following items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry

container such as a backpack or suitcase with wheels.

Keep your kit in an easily accessible place.

At least a three-day supply of water (one gallon

per person per day). Store in sealed, unbreakable

containers.

A three-to ﬁ ve-day supply of non-perishable

canned food, and a non-electric can opener.

Flashlight.

Battery-powered or hand crank radio.

Extra batteries.

Wrench and/or pliers to turn off utilities.

Whistle to signal for help.

First Aid kit.

Prescription medications for at least one week.

List of family physicians, important medical

information, and the style and serial number

of medical devices, such as pacemakers.

Cell phone charger.

Extra set of eyeglasses, or contact lenses

and solution.

Rain gear, sturdy shoes, and a change of clothing.

Blankets, bedding, and/or sleeping bags.

Identiﬁ cation, credit cards, cash.

Photocopies of important family documents

including bank and home insurance information.

Extra set of car and house keys.

Local maps.

A copy of this Guide.

N95 dust masks to help ﬁ lter contaminated air

(available at hardware stores).

Plastic sheeting, duct tape, and scissors to

shelter in place.

Tools: screwdrivers, waterproof matches, a ﬁ re

extinguisher, ﬂ ares, plastic storage containers,

needle and thread, pen and paper, a compass,

garbage bags, moist towelettes, and regular

household bleach.

Special items for seniors, family members with dis-

abilities, infants, and young children (see page 13).

Change batteries in all your equipment

at least once a year. An easy way to

remember is to do it when you turn your

clocks back in the fall.

Be Aware

You can help protect yourself and your family by

being aware of your surroundings wherever you go.

Keep an eye out for suspicious or unattended bags

or people acting strangely.

Immediately report unusual behavior, suspicious

or unattended packages, and strange devices to

the police or security personnel.

Never accept packages or other items from

strangers.

If you feel uncomfortable, or if something seems

wrong, don’t hesitate to leave the area.

Know where the nearest emergency exits are.

Before an Emergency Strikes / During an Emergency

Getting Information

During and after an emergency, it might be difﬁ cult to

get information or instructions right away. If possible,

listen to ofﬁ cial emergency personnel to know what

you should do. Try to access the sources listed below.

If that is not possible, then you should get informa-

tion from television or radio news broadcasts, news

websites, or newspapers.

Getting Off cial Information: Alert DC

You can get ofﬁ cial emergency information directly

from the DC government in the following ways: on

the Web, by text alert, on the radio, or by telephone

voice messaging.

The Emergency Information Center Website and

Emergency Text Alerts (http://72hours.dc.gov)

Visit this ofﬁ cial DC government website for emer-

gency information. Sign up here in advance to get

emergency text messages on your cell phone,

e-mail, pager, or fax.

DC Emergency Alert System

Tune in to the following radio stations, which

have agreed to broadcast ofﬁ cial information

and instructions from the District government.

WTOP 103.5 FM

WMAL 630 AM

WPRS 104.1 FM

WJZW 105.9 FM

WKYS 93.9 FM

WPGC 95.5 FM

DC Emergency Voice Alerts, or “Reverse 911”

You may receive telephone voice messages

notifying you of emergencies requiring protective

action. Citizens are automatically enrolled.

The f rst thing you need during an emergency is information.

Familiarize yourself in advance with both off cial (government)

and non-off cial (news media) sources. You may also have to

make a critical decision: should you shelter in place or evacuate?

You need to plan for both possibilities.

During an Emergency

If power outages or other disruptions make it

impossible for you to access these sources,

trained volunteers from the District’s Com-

munity Emergency Response Teams (CERT) will be

circulating through your neighborhood to help inform

you about what to do. You can identify these volunteers

by their green hats and vests.

Stay or Go?

Should you stay where you are or evacuate? This

may be the ﬁ rst big decision you’ll need to make in

an emergency situation. Plan for both possibilities.

Whenever possible, you should follow instructions

from emergency personnel in deciding whether to

shelter in place or evacuate. If you need to decide on

your own, use all available information, including what

you are learning here, to determine whether to shelter

in place or evacuate. The Types of Emergencies

section of this Guide provides emergency-speciﬁ c

information about sheltering in place and evacuating.

A sensible way to decide whether to stay or

go is to ask yourself, “Will going outside or

traveling expose me to more or less danger?”

For more information about evacuating and

sheltering in place: http://ready.gov/america/

makeaplan/stay_or_go.html

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

Shelter in Place

In some types of emergencies, being outside will

increase the danger. In these emergencies, the best,

safest response is to shelter in place. This means

staying inside a safe building—your house, work-

place, school, or other building—or entering a nearby

building and seeking cover.

If you are asked to shelter in place:

Shelter in a room with the fewest doors and/or win-

dows possible. Ideally choose a room that has just

one door and at least 10 square feet per person.

Seal any doors, windows, and ﬁ replaces.

If the emergency is airborne (such as a disease,

chemical release, or radiation) turn off ventilation

and hot air heating systems (radiator heat may

remain on).

Keep at least one phone line open for

emergency calls.

Stay tuned to your radio or television, or scan

ofﬁ cial websites for information and updates.

Use your Emergency Kit.

Evacuation

In some emergencies, you may be told to evacuate

your home or neighborhood. Ofﬁ cials will tell you

when to evacuate. If you have not received ofﬁ cial

word or been told to shelter in place, you may decide

to evacuate on your own if you sense you are in

immediate danger. If you are being told to evacuate,

look for information about available shelters through

the ofﬁ cial information sources discussed above.

If you have time, close windows, lock doors,

and unplug appliances. Authorities will tell

you if you need to turn off your utilities

(water, gas, electricity).

Evacuation by Walking

Many times, walking may be an effective means of

evacuating a neighborhood. Wear comfortable shoes

and clothing, and don’t forget to take your Emergency

Kit with you.

It is important to have an evacuation plan

for your pet. Visit http://hsus.org/disaster

for more information. Also, create a kit for

your pet, including ID collar and rabies tag, carrier

and leash, medications, newspapers and plastic trash

bags, veterinary records, and at least a two-day

supply of food and water.

Evacuation by Car or Other Vehicle

There are 19 primary event routes out of the city.

They are clearly marked with signs directing motorists

to the Capital Beltway (I-495) and beyond.

Pennsylvania Avenue will be the North/South

dividing line during an evacuation. No vehicles will be

permitted to cross Pennsylvania Avenue during an

evacuation. Take this into account as you plan where

your family will reunite after an emergency.

During an emergency, stay tuned to your local

emergency station or Highway Advisory Radio

station (1650 AM), or listen to emergency personnel

for instructions about which route to follow. If possible,

take your Emergency Kit with you.

On the Metro

If there is an emergency while you are on the Metro,

wait for the train to stop. Wait for instructions.

Do not exit the train unless instructed to do so.

The safest place is usually inside the Metro car.

Identify the side of the train where you will be exiting:

In a tunnel, look for the side of the tunnel with

lights and a raised walkway.

On elevated tracks outside, look for the side with

railing and walkway.

On ground-level tracks outside, look for the side

away from the other set of tracks and the third

rail, which generally has a white cover along it.

Use the box with the emergency door release

handle located to the left of the center doors of the

car. Pull the handle down, slide the left-center door

to the left, and exit the train.

Do not touch the third rail or the paddles

protruding from beneath the train. They carry

high voltage electricity. Also, stay away from

the tracks. A train could come without warning, and

there may be electric current in the rails.

The walkway in Metro tunnels switches from one

side to the other and may run between two sets of

tracks. To get from one walkway to another, cross

the track bed. Do not attempt to cross the third rail.

Look for emergency exits marked with lighted

signs. Use these exits, unless Metro or emergency

response personnel tell you not to do so. Follow

the stairs up to the hatchway doors, and exit to

the surface.

On the Bus

If there is an emergency while you are on a bus,

wait for the bus to stop. Listen to the bus operator’s

instructions.

Windows and ceiling hatches serve as emergency

exits. Use the red levers on either side of a window

to release it.

For more information, visit Metro’s website

at http://wmata.com or call (202) 637-7000.

During an Emergency

DC Event Routes Reference Map

16th St. NW

Georgia Ave. (7th St.) NW

Rhode Island Ave. NE

New York Ave. NE

Benning Road NE (via H St.

NE and E. Capitol St. SE)

Pennsylvania Ave. SE

Branch Ave. SE

Pennsylvania Ave. NW/3rd

St./Independence Ave./Wash-

ington Ave. SW/S. Capitol

St./Suitland Pkwy.

9th St. NW

14th St. NW

Interstate 395/295

Constitution Ave. NW

E St. Expressway

K St. NW

Pennsylvania Ave.

NW/M St. NW

Macarthur Blvd. NW

Canal Rd. NW

Wisconsin Ave. NW

Connecticut Ave. NW

Primary Event

Routes

Roads

Parks

Water

Index of Primary Event Routes

Legend

Prince George’s County, MD

Montgomery County, MD

Fairfax County, VA

Arlington County, VA

Fairfax

County, VA

Alexandria, VA

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

Extreme Weather

The District is vulnerable to severe weather including

thunderstorms, hurricanes, ﬂ ash ﬂ oods, snowstorms,

and tornadoes. The safest place to ride out any storm

is inside a secure building. Also:

Listen to weather updates and stay informed.

Be ready to evacuate if necessary.

Keep away from windows and doors.

Have your Emergency Kit handy.

A severe weather watch means that severe

weather may develop, and you should be

alert to further warnings and information.

A severe weather warning means a storm has devel-

oped and is on its way—take cover immediately!

Thunderstorms may produce heavy winds and light-

ning. In general, if you are close enough to a storm

to hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck

by lightning. If caught outside:

Try to get inside a building as quickly as possible.

If a building is not available, move into a car with

windows rolled up, if possible.

In a group of people, spread out so that you are

several yards apart from each other.

Do not stand beneath trees.

For more information on severe weather

conditions, visit the National Weather

Service website at http://nws.noaa.gov.

Tornadoes are dangerous because of their high

winds and ability to lift and move heavy objects. If you

receive a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately.

If you are in your car, stop. Get out and lie ﬂ at face

down in a low area (such as a ditch or gully).

Cover your head and wait for the tornado to pass.

At home: Go to the basement or storm shelter,

or rooms near the center of the house. Stay away

from doors and windows.

In a high-rise or other public building: Move to

the interior of the building, preferably a stairwell

or hallway.

Flash Flooding can be very dangerous because

of strong, swift currents.

Move immediately and quickly to higher ground.

The force of six inches of swiftly moving water

can knock people off their feet.

Never attempt to drive your vehicle through

standing water.

Always yield for ambulances, ﬁ re trucks,

and police vehicles. It’s the law—and the

right thing to do.

Winter Storms can include any combination of heavy

snow, ice accumulation, freezing temperatures, and

dangerous wind chills.

If possible, stay inside.

If you do not have heat, contact your building owner

or utility provider. Make sure your heat source is

safe. If you’re unsure, call (202) 673-3331 for a free

home ﬁ re safety inspection.

Never use your range or oven to warm your

home—it can start a ﬁ re.

Different types of emergencies require different types of

responses. It is important for you to know what to do in each

of the following emergency situations.

Types of Emergencies

If you have to go outside, wear layers and water-

repellent outerwear to stay warm and dry.

Make sure small children—especially babies—

stay warm. They are far more vulnerable to cold

conditions than adults are.

Avoid overexertion. Take your time shoveling

snow and drink plenty of ﬂ uids.

Use public transportation whenever possible.

If you must drive, be sure to clear any snow from

your tailpipe before you start your car to prevent

carbon monoxide poisoning. While driving, stay

aware of road conditions, use extreme caution,

and maintain safe speeds and distances from

other vehicles. Bring a shovel and blankets.

SUVs and other vehicles with four-wheel

drive will skid just as easily as any other

cars in icy conditions. Drive responsibly

and leave enough distance between you and the

cars around you.

Extreme Heat

During the summer, District residents are especially

vulnerable to hot weather. Follow these steps to

stay cool:

Stay indoors as much as possible; turn on an air

conditioner or fan.

Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated ﬂ uids.

Wear light-colored, lightweight, and loose-ﬁ tting

clothes.

Limit your exposure to the sun, and apply sun-

screen at least 20 minutes before going outside

(at least SPF 15).

Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and

heatstroke.

If necessary, ﬁ nd a cooling center, which the city

opens when the heat index reaches 95 degrees.

Never leave children in unattended vehicles.

Even with a window slightly open on a

warm day, the temperature inside a car

can reach potentially deadly levels within minutes.

The District government implements

a heat emergency plan when the heat

index reaches 95 degrees. The plan

includes cooling centers, street showers, and the

distribution of fans to people with special needs.

Call 311 or visit http://hsema.dc.gov and click on

“Extreme Weather” for more information including

cooling center locations.

Extreme heat is particularly dangerous for

young children, seniors, and people with

special needs. On hot days, check on your

neighbors and offer them assistance.

Fires

It’s important to know that ﬁ res spread quickly. In just

two minutes a ﬁ re can become life threatening, and

in ﬁ ve minutes a home can be engulfed in ﬂ ames. In

addition, the heat and smoke from a ﬁ re can be even

more dangerous than the ﬂ ames.

If your smoke detector goes off, or if you see,

smell, or hear a f re or explosion:

Use water or a ﬁ re extinguisher to put out

small ﬁ res.

Do not try to put out a ﬁ re that is getting out

of control. Leave the building immediately.

Don’t stop to bring anything with you.

Never use water on an electrical ﬁ re. Use only a

ﬁ re extinguisher approved for electrical ﬁ res.

Smother oil and grease ﬁ res in the kitchen with

baking soda or salt, or put a lid over the ﬂ ame if

it is burning in a pan. Do not attempt to take the

pan outside.

If smoke is entering your room under the door,

ﬁ nd another way out.

Before opening any door in a ﬁ re, feel the door with

the back of your hand. If it is hot, ﬁ nd another way

out. Close all doors behind you.

If you must exit through smoke, crawl or stay as

close to the ﬂ oor as possible.

Do not use elevators.

If your clothes catch on ﬁ re, stop, drop to the

ground, and roll over and over to smother the

ﬂ ames.

After you get out, call 911 from a safe location.

Count family members and others who were in the

building to determine if everyone is out. Give this

information to the ﬁ reﬁ ghters.

Never go back into a burning building.

If you are trapped in a burning building, stay close

to the ﬂ oor by a window and try to signal for help.

If you smell gas, exit the building

immediately. Call (703) 750-1400 or

(800) 752-7520.

Always properly store and dispose of ﬂ am-

mable materials. Call the Mayor’s Citywide

Call Center at 311 for more information.

Install smoke detectors in your home or

apartment. Change smoke detector bat-

teries at least once a year. An easy way to

remember is to do it when you turn your clocks

back in the fall.

Types of Emergencies

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

Explosions

An explosion can cause a ﬁ re or a building collapse.

If there is an explosion in your building:

Exit the building as quickly as possible.

Leave all possessions behind.

Never use elevators.

Take shelter under a sturdy table or desk if you

can’t exit the building.

Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth or piece

of clothing.

If there is a ﬁ re, follow the directions above.

If you are trapped by debris:

Move around as little as possible to avoid kicking

up dust.

Cover your nose and mouth with cloth or a piece

of clothing.

Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear where

you are.

Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a

last resort because it could cause you to inhale

dangerous amounts of dust.

Once you are out:

Don’t stand in front of windows, glass doors,

or other potentially hazardous areas.

Move away quickly to leave streets and sidewalks

clear for emergency ofﬁ cials or others still exiting

the building.

Chemical and Biological Emergencies

A chemical emergency can result from either an

accidental or malicious release of a chemical that

can make you sick. A pandemic or biological emer-

gency can result from either a natural outbreak of

disease or a deliberate release of germs or other

biological substances that can make you sick.

If you become aware of an unusual and

suspicious substance:

Get to a safe area (either by evacuating or

sheltering in place).

Inform authorities.

Protect yourself by covering your mouth and

nose with layers of fabric to ﬁ lter the air.

Seek information from public health authorities

via ofﬁ cial alerts or the media.

Seek medical assistance if you become sick.

If you believe that you have been exposed

to a dangerous chemical:

Get to a safe area.

Remove all clothing immediately and wash

thoroughly.

Seek medical assistance.

Get informed

During a pandemic or biological emergency, public

health ofﬁ cials may not immediately be able to provide

information on what you should do. Watch for ofﬁ cial

alerts that give you the following information:

Are you in the group or area authorities consider

in danger?

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

Are medications or vaccines being distributed?

If so, where? Who should get them?

Where should you seek emergency medical care

if you become sick?

During a pandemic or biological emergency,

take steps to avoid exposure:

Practice good hygiene: wash your hands regularly;

don’t share food, drinks, or utensils; and cover your

nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Avoid areas where the threat has been identiﬁ ed.

Avoid crowded areas.

If you or someone in your family becomes sick:

Take the illness seriously—don’t just pass it off

as a cold.

Follow the steps provided in ofﬁ cial alerts to

determine if you have been exposed.

If your symptoms match those described and you

are in the group considered at risk, immediately

seek emergency medical attention or follow any

speciﬁ c instructions that have been provided by

public health ofﬁ cials.

For more information about responding to a

chemical release: http://ready.gov/america/

beinformed/chemical.html

For more information about responding to a

biological threat: http://ready.gov/america/

beinformed/biological.html

For more information about responding to

a pandemic emergency: http://ready.gov/

america/beinformed/inf uenza.html

Radiological Emergencies

A radiological threat can result from an accidental or

intentional release of radiation. An intentional release

can be the result of either a “dirty bomb” or other

radiological dispersion device, or a nuclear explosion.

Radiation is odorless and invisible, and unless there

is some form of explosion, you may not be immedi-

ately aware of the risk.

In a radiological emergency, there are three keys

to increased safety:

Time: Reduce the amount of time that you are

exposed to radiation (either by evacuating to a safe

area or by sheltering in place in a safe area).

Distance: Moving farther away from the radiation

source will reduce your exposure.

Shielding: If you shield yourself from the radiation

source (for example by staying within the walls of a

building), you will be exposed to less radiation.

If you have advance warning of a nuclear

explosion or radiation release:

Take cover immediately, preferably below ground.

If you can’t get underground, any shield or shelter

will help protect you.

In the event of a radiation release outside:

Cover your nose and mouth and immediately

seek shelter inside a building.

If you are already inside a building and the building

is stable, shelter in place—close and seal (using

plastic or other materials) all doors, windows, and

ﬁ replaces. Shut off air conditioners, hot air heating,

and other ventilation systems (radiator heat may

remain on).

If the release is inside a building where you

are located:

Cover your nose and mouth.

Get out of the building and to a safe area.

In the event of a nuclear explosion:

If you are outside, immediately take cover from

the blast and cover your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Take immediate steps to either seek shelter and

remain there, or evacuate to a safe area outside

the area of radiation.

If you shelter in place, try to do so below ground.

Close and seal (using plastic sheeting and duct

tape if available, or other materials) all doors,

windows, and ﬁ replaces. Shut off air conditioners,

heating, and other ventilation systems.

Get informed. Watch for off cial alerts that

provide the following information:

Are you in an area where radiation is present?

Or are you in a safe area?

Are authorities instructing you to remain sheltered

in place, or are you being told to evacuate?

What routes do authorities want you to use to

evacuate?

Who should seek medical care? Where is such

care available? When is it safe and appropriate

to seek such care?

If, after a radiological release, you feel nauseous,

vomit, or feel generally sick, you may have been

exposed to radiation.

Remove all clothing and wash thoroughly.

Put contaminated clothing and other items where

you will not be exposed to them.

When safe and appropriate, seek emergency

medical assistance.

Types of Emergencies

For more information about responding to

a radiation emergency: http://ready.gov/

america/beinformed/radiation.html

For more information about responding to

a nuclear emergency: http://ready.gov/

america/beinformed/nuclear.html

Loss of Utilities

If Your Power Goes Out

Loss of utilities (electricity, gas, or water) can occur for

many reasons including severe weather, blackouts, or

equipment failure.

Use a ﬂ ashlight. Do not use candles or kerosene

lanterns—they are a ﬁ re hazard.

Turn off and unplug major appliances and sensitive

electric equipment, such as computers, VCRs, and

televisions.

Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as

much as possible.

Do not use your range or oven to heat your home—

this can cause a ﬁ re or fatal gas leak.

Use extreme caution when driving. If trafﬁ c signals

are out, treat each signal as a stop sign—come

to a complete stop at every intersection and look

before you proceed.

Do not call 911 to ask about the power outage.

Listen to the news radio stations for updates.

Always keep a traditional, non-cordless

telephone available. Cordless phones may

not work when the power is out.

If You Need Clean Water

Flooding can contaminate water supplies. Bad water

can contain microorganisms that cause diseases

such as dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis.

If you think your water may be contaminated, you

should purify it before using it. This includes water

used for drinking, cooking, cleaning dishes, or

bathing.

The best way to purify water is to bring it to a boil

for 3–5 minutes, and then allow it to cool before

drinking.

If necessary, you can use bleach to treat water by

adding 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach

per gallon of water. Do not use bleach if it has

added cleaners, or if it is scented or color-safe.

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

Family Records and Financial Recovery

Taking steps to protect and ensure access to impor-

tant family records and ﬁ nancial information can make

recovery easier.

Keep copies of your identiﬁ cation and other impor-

tant family papers, such as marriage licenses and

birth certiﬁ cates.

Keep a record of all your ﬁ nancial accounts (bank

accounts, loans, credit cards), including the name

of each institution, its contact information, and your

account numbers.

If you keep important information on your computer,

regularly back up your data.

Keep a copy of this information in your Emergency

Kit.

You may want to store important informa-

tion in a ﬁ reproof and waterproof safe, or in

a secure place away from your home, such

as a bank safety deposit box.

If you run a home-based or small business, you

should take additional steps to prepare yourself.

Back up and store all computer records offsite.

If you have a store or ofﬁ ce, have an evacuation

plan in place for staff and customers.

Maintain sufﬁ cient insurance coverage.

Identify critical business functions (such as

shipping, inventory control, payroll) and develop

processes to ensure these will carry on.

Develop a communications plan so that employees

can get information after a disaster, and so you

can keep track of any staff.

In the wake of a disaster, many ﬁ nancial

institutions offer victims help (such as

ﬂ exibility with payments). You may want

to discuss this with your bank, lender, or credit

card company.

Disaster victims may also be eligible for federal, local

and/or charitable assistance to help recover from the

ﬁ nancial impacts of a disaster. Look for information

about various assistance programs that may be

available.

Emotional Recovery

Recovery from an emergency continues even after

you return home, as you deal with the emotional

and psychological effects of the event. Reactions

vary from person to person, but may include:

Restless sleep or nightmares

Anger or wanting revenge

Numbness or lack of emotion

Needing to keep active, restlessness

Needing to talk about your experiences

Loss of appetite

Weight loss or gain

Headaches

Mood swings

All of the above are normal reactions to stressful

events, and it is important to let people react their

own way. It may be helpful to:

Talk with your family and friends about what

happened and how you feel about it.

Volunteer at a local shelter, blood bank, or food

pantry to assist emergency victims.

Spend time doing things other than watching

or listening to news of the disaster.

Consult your minister or other religious leader

or spiritual advisor.

In particular, children may need reassurance and

extra attention. Encourage them to share their feelings.

They may tell stories about the emergency over and

over again—this is a common way for them to grasp

what they’ve experienced. You may also want to share

your feelings about the event with them.

During and after an emergency, stay tuned to your local emergency

station and follow the advice of emergency personnel. Unless told

to evacuate, avoid roads to allow emergency vehicles access.

After an Emergency

Seniors and People with Disabilities

Create a personal support network of family

and friends who can help you in an emergency.

Make sure that someone in your network has a

key to your home and knows where you keep

emergency supplies.

Keep at least a week’s worth of medications on

hand. Also keep a copy of all prescriptions as

well as dosage or treatment information.

If you undergo any regular medical treatments,

or if you require home health care services, talk

to your service provider about its emergency plans.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what

else you need to prepare.

If you are dependent on electricity for a wheelchair or

any life-sustaining device, consult your power provider.

Make copies of important documents, including

your health insurance and Medicare and Medicaid

cards. Keep this list in your Emergency Kit, along

with the names and phone numbers of the people

in your support network.

Keep emergency cash or travelers checks on hand.

For your Emergency Kit, consider items such as

eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries,

wheelchair batteries, oxygen, dentures, and emer-

gency foods that meet any special dietary needs.

For more assistance:

Contact the DC Ofﬁ ce on Aging at

(202) 724-5622.

Visit the DC Fire and Emergency Medical

Services website for evacuation planning tips:

http://fems.washingtondc.gov/fems/cwp/

view,a,3,q,637654.asp.

Visit http://ready.gov for readiness brochures

for seniors and people with disabilities.

If you have elderly or disabled neighbors, offer

to help them prepare for any emergency. Be-

come part of their personal support network.

After an Emergency / Special Information for You and Your Loved Ones

Seniors and people with disabilities may have special needs

that you need to consider in preparing for emergencies. If you or

someone in your family has special needs, consider the following

tips when preparing your emergency plans.

Special Information for You

and Your Loved Ones

Parents and Families

Include your children in your planning, practice your

plans with them, and periodically quiz them to make

sure they understand what to do. Always stress that

this is a “just in case” plan.

Get a copy of your child’s school or daycare

emergency plans.

Make plans for where you can meet your child after

an evacuation.

Make sure that the school has up-to-date contact

information for you and other family members.

If possible, authorize a friend or family member

to pick up your child in an emergency if you are

unable to do so.

If you have young children, make sure your Emer-

gency Kit includes toys, books, and other personal

items for your child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics pro-

vides emergency planning resources for

families: http://aap.org/family/frk/frkit.htm.

What Your Child Needs to Know:

How to dial 911 for emergency assistance

His/her name, phone number, and address.

How to reach you and other family members.

Contact information for the family’s out-of-state

contact.

How to make long-distance telephone calls.

Special Emergency Kit Items for Infants:

Formula, bottled water, bottles, nipples

Jars of baby food and baby spoons

Diapers and diaper rash ointment

Medications

Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer

Blankets, paciﬁ ers, and layers of clothing

Sunhat in warm months, warm hat in cool months

Several small, lightweight toys

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

DC Citizen Corps

DC Citizen Corps creates opportunities for people

to help their communities prepare for and respond

to emergencies by providing training and exercise

opportunities. DC Citizens Corps programs include:

Neighborhood Corps organizes trained volunteers

at the neighborhood level. These volunteers are

mobilized to respond to emergencies in their

communities as part of the District’s overall

emergency response.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

volunteer program trains individuals in basic

emergency preparedness and response. When

emergencies occur, CERT members assist and

support ﬁ rst responders, provide assistance to

victims, and organize volunteer response efforts.

Commander Ready Program is a specialized

preparedness training component designed to

educate and engage young people ages 5–13

in emergency preparedness training and exercises.

The Commander Ready Team—Reggie, Rachel,

and Rodney—educates young people about pre-

paredness and provides practical, service-oriented

lessons to improve math, science, language arts,

health, and social studies skills.

In addition to preparing yourself and your family to respond to

emergencies, you can also volunteer to help the District and your

neighborhood become better prepared through the following

Serve DC programs.

Get Involved

For more information on the DC Citizen

Corps visit:

DC Citizen Corps: http://serve.dc.gov/cncs/cwp/

view,a,1197,q,493979.asp

Neighborhood Corps: http://serve.dc.gov/cncs/

cwp/view,a,3,q,553927.asp

CERT: http://serve.dc.gov/cncs/cwp/

view,a,1197,q,525633.asp

Commander Ready: http://serve.dc.gov/cncs/

cwp/view,a,1197,q,557987.asp

You can also get involved through the National

Capital Area chapter of the American Red

Cross, which offers training on First Aid and

emergency response. Visit http://redcross.org.

Get Involved / Resources

Before an emergency occurs, f ll out these forms. Post a copy

of the Emergency Information Form on your refrigerator or by

a phone. Give each family member an Emergency Pocket Card

and make sure they carry it at all times.

Resources

Out-of-Town Contact

Address

Telephone

E-mail

Home Evacuation Meeting Place

Telephone

Regional Evacuation Meeting Place

Telephone

Important names and telephone numbers:

Police and Fire Emergency 911

Doctor

Telephone

Pediatrician

Telephone

Pharmacy

Telephone

Insurance (Home)

Telephone

Insurance (Health)

Telephone

Fill out the following for each family member:

Name

Date of Birth

Social Security Number

Important Medical Information

Emergency Telephone (cell)

Work or School Evacuation Location

Name

Date of Birth

Social Security Number

Important Medical Information

Emergency Telephone (cell)

Work or School Evacuation Location

Name

Date of Birth

Social Security Number

Important Medical Information

Emergency Telephone (cell)

Work or School Evacuation Location

Name

Date of Birth

Social Security Number

Important Medical Information

Emergency Telephone (cell)

Work or School Evacuation Location

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

Out of Town Contact Name

Phone

E-mail

Neighborhood Meeting Place

Phone

Out-of-State Meeting Place

Phone

Family Member

Be Ready DC

Emergency Pocket Card

Emergency Information Form

Out of Town Contact Name

Phone

E-mail

Neighborhood Meeting Place

Phone

Out-of-State Meeting Place

Phone

Family Member

Be Ready DC

Emergency Pocket Card

A Guide to Family Preparedness

Be Ready DC

http://hsema.dc.gov