Hot Weather Emergencies—July 2009
Heat related prevention tips:
The best defense against heat related illness is prevention. When temperatures rise,
stay indoors as much as possible in an air-conditioned room or building. If your
home does not have air conditioning, go to a library, shopping center, or other
public place with air-conditioning.
If you must be out in the heat:
- Cut down on exercise and try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Drink water or non-caffeinated sports drinks. Avoid beverages containing caffeine, alcohol or carbonation.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
- NEVER leave people or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
- How to treat heat related illnesses
- Heat Cramps—Cramps (painful spasms of the muscles) are the first sign you are overheated and/or your body is dehydrated. Rest, seek shade and drink plenty of cool water or non-caffeinated sports drinks.
- Heat Exhaustion—Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and ashen or flushed skin tone. Take immediate steps to cool down and drink plenty of beverages. Lying down with your legs elevated may help relieve some of the symptoms.
- Heat Stroke—Symptoms include warm, flushed skin, absence of normal sweating, very high temperature, delirium, unconsciousness or seizures. Reduce temperature quickly. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 and seek medical assistance immediately!
Pet Preparedness—June 2009
Do you have an emergency plan for your pets?
Your home is not only a safe haven for your family, but also for your pets. When disaster strikes, people often have no other option than to leave their homes. Depending on the severity of the disaster, you may be away from your home for a few hours or a few months. So what happens to the furry, four-legged members of your family? Here are some tips to help you prepare.
- Take time now to identify potential shelter sites or other safe havens where your pet could be housed temporarily. Many emergency shelters do not allow pets.
- Make sure your pet wears a tag with up-to-date information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, owner contact information, and any urgent medical conditions. Other ID items include license and vaccination tags, or microchip IDs.
- Prepare a pet evacuation kit containing a pet carrier, collar, leash, harness, bedding, food/water dishes, medications, toys, pet first aid kit, and at least a three-day supply of food and water.
- It’s always preferable to take your pet with you in an emergency, but if you must leave your pet behind:
- Put him in a secure area in your home.
- Leave him at least 10 days of dry food and several water dishes.
- Place signs on doors and windows describing the type and number of pets inside and providing owner contact information.
- Be prepared to describe your pet; having a photo of your pet can be especially helpful in reuniting pets and their owners.
Volcano Preparedness—May 2009
Would you know what to do if our area were exposed to volcanic ash?
In our community, the most likely outcome of a nearby volcanic eruption would be falling ash. Ash is made up of small, sharp pieces of rock and glass. It is hard, abrasive, mildly corrosive, conducts electricity when wet, and does not dissolve in water.
- If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Use goggles and/or wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
- Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.
- Stay away from areas downwind from the volcano to avoid volcanic ash.
- Tune in to the radio or TV for the latest emergency information. Be aware that in extreme cases, falling ash can disrupt communications.
- Close doors, windows, and exterior openings like chimney vents.
- Stay indoors until the ash has settled unless there is a danger of roof collapse. (Two-and-one-half-inches of ash can collapse a roof.)
- Turn off and cover (if possible) ventilation devices like furnaces, air conditioners, and fans.
- Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Driving can stir up ash that can clog, damage and stall engines. If you must drive, keep your speed below 35 mph.
- Remember to help your neighbors, especially those who may require special assistance—infants, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Earthquake Preparedness—April 2009
Do you know what to do when the ground begins to shake? Here’s a
quick primer:
If you’re indoors, drop, cover, and hold on:
- Drop to the floor.
- Take cover under a desk, table or other sturdy furniture that’s positioned away from windows, fireplaces, wood stoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall during the shaking.
- Hold onto your “cover” furniture and be prepared to move with it; remain here until the shaking stops.
If you’re outside:
Go to an open area where you’re out of the way of falling debris; remain here until the shaking stops.
If driving, pull to the side of the road and remain stopped until the quake is over.
Once the shaking stops:
Shut off gas, water and electricity if lines are damaged.
Assume all downed power lines are live and steer clear.
Tune in to the radio or TV for instructions from emergency providers.
Use phones only for life-threatening emergencies.
Expect and be ready for aftershocks.
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For More Information Contact:
Mike Lueck
Emergency Management Coordinator
Ph: 503-718-2593
FAX: 503-684-5654
mikel@tigard-or.gov
Tips of the Month:
Earthquake Preparedness
Volcano Preparedness
Pet Preparedness
Hot Weather Emergencies
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