Emergency Management - Emergency Preparedness Guide

911/EMA Facility Augusta
Emergency Management

Emergency Preparedness Guide - Natural Hazards

Extreme Heat

Overexertion or overexposure during extreme heat can cause many heat related illness. It is important to minimize activity and exposure as much as possible. Persons who are sick or overweight and older adults or children are more likely to be effected by heat related illnesses. It is important to take protective measures during extreme heat to minimize the risks for you and your family.

Prepare for extreme heat

There are several measures, which can be taken to prepare for and minimize the effects of extreme heat.

Install window air conditioners snugly as possible; use insulation if necessary.

Weather-strip all doors and sills to keep cool air in.

Check heating and cooling ducts for proper insulation.

Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.

Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.

During extreme, hear

Stay indoors, limit exposure to the sun.

Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

Drink plenty of water.

Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

Stay on the lowest floor of your residence and out of the sun if air conditioning is not available.

Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning.

Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.

You may wish to spend the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as schools, shopping malls, libraries, and other community facilities.

Heat related illnesses and first aid.

Sunburn

Symptoms: Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches.
First Aid: Take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention.

Heat Cramps

Symptoms: Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating.
First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.
First Aid: Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke)

Symptoms: High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat.
First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.

Thunder Storms and Lighting

Severe thunderstorms can produce strong winds, damaging hail, lightning, and can cause flash flooding. It is important to take the dangers of thunderstorms seriously and follow some basic safety precautions.

Listen to NOAA radio, local radio or TV for details on storm warnings or watches.

Seek adequate shelter during a storm.

Avoid using electrical appliances such as telephones. Electrical lines connected to these types of appliances can conduct electricity.

Avoid driving your vehicle if possible until the storm has passed.

Avoid using water or bathing during a storm.

If you are caught outside, find a low-lying area away from trees and power lines. Be careful to avoid areas subject to flooding.

Avoid open water.

Leave Metal vehicles, (motorcycles, bikes, golf carts, and farm equipment.)

Georgia Storm Statistics

Tornados

Tornados are extremely damaging and violent storms. Tornados can occur during powerful thunderstorms, cause fatalities, and widespread destruction. A tornados funnel cloud extends from the storm to the ground and winds can be in excess of 300 miles an hour. Tornados can often occur quickly and with very little warning during a storm. Knowledge of these warning signs can help you prepare for a tornado hazard.

Listen to NOAA radio, local radio or TV for details on storm warnings or watches.

Tornado Watch

If a tornado watch is issued this means conditions are favorable for a tornado.

Stay alert to these danger signs:

Severe thunderstorms with strong, gusty winds.

Dark, often greenish sky

Large hail

A "funnel" cloud (Dark column spinning from the sky to the ground).

A loud, roaring noise (similar to a freight train).

Tornado Warning

If a tornado warning has been issued this mean a tornado has been sighted in your area.

You should seek shelter immediately.

At Home:

Go the storm shelter or basement. Go to rooms nearest the center of the house.

In a high-rise or other public building:

Move the interior. Preferable a stairwell or hallway

If you are in your car:

Stop!! Get our and lie flat in a low area. Cover your head.

If you are out in the open:

Lie face down in a low area (Ditch or ravine, if nearby). Cover your head.

DO NOT:

Stay in a mobile home. Seek shelter elsewhere

Try to outrun the tornado on foot or in your car

Open the windows.

Tornado Distribution by County

Wild Fires

Wild fires often been unnoticed and can spread quickly posing a hazard to homes and rural areas. It is important to plan ahead in the event your home or property is threatened by a wildfire. Here are some basic steps you can take to help prepare for a wildfire hazard.

Plan several escape routes away from your home.

Regularly clean roof and gutters.

Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs away from your home or other structures.

Clear all flammable vegetation from your property.

Remove leaves and rubbish from understructures.

Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns.

Remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.

Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.

Remove vines from the walls of the home.

Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.

Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue.

Mow grass regularly

Store gasoline, oily rags, and other flammable materials in approved safety cans away from the base of buildings or structures.

Stack firewood at least 100 feet away from your home.

Listen to your local safety officials for instructions on what to do if wildfire threatens your area. If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flooding

Flooding can take hours or days to develop while flash floods can develop suddenly within minutes. It is important to pay attention to your local weather service or emergency officials for information on possible flooding warnings or watches.

Flood Watch & Flood Warning

A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area. General precautions should be taken such as moving valuables to the upper levels or your home and preparing to evacuate if told to do so.

A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. Standby for instructions from your emergency officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so.

Flash Flooding Watch & Warning

A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area. Be aware and watch for signs of flooding. Be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice.

A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon. If flooding has already stated evacuate immediately. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

Other flooding tips

Always remember to keep alert to signs of rain, even if many miles away. Heavy rains in nearby areas could cause rising water to flood rivers and streams.

Avoid camping in areas along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions. Use maps to know where you are and how to reach higher ground fast.

Keep informed. If possible, listen to weather broadcasts and stay indoors while flash flood conditions prevail.

In a car, avoid flooded low areas, dips, and bridges. Wait out the flood or go to a safe bridge crossing.

Should your vehicle stall in water, abandon it at once and seek high ground.

On foot, don't cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees. Never try outracing a flood. Move to higher ground as quickly as possible.

Be especially careful at night, when flood dangers are harder to identify.

Flood Map For Richmond County

Earthquakes

Earthquakes in Georgia are rare, particularly when compared to seismic hot spots in the western United States. Quake activity in Georgia is most affected by faults in the coastal planes area of South Carolina and the Tennessee mountains. Given seismic history in Georgia, residents should be prepared for earthquakes and know what safety precautions to take in the event of a quake.

There are some simple steps you can take to prepare for a quake hazard and minimize damage should a quake occur.

Designate a safe place in each room where you can take a shelter (under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you).

Install flexible pipefittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.

Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover, and hold on!

Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines, and inflexible utility connections. Get appropriate professional help. Do not work with gas or electrical lines yourself.

Bolt down and secure to the wall studs your water heater, refrigerator, furnace, and gas appliances. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations.

Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Fasten shelves, mirrors, and large picture frames to walls. Brace high and top-heavy objects.

Store bottled foods, glass, china, and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets that fasten shut.

Anchor overhead lighting fixtures.

Be sure the residence is firmly anchored to its foundation.

Should an earthquake occur follow these safety steps.

If you are indoors:

Take shelter in a doorway only if it is nearby and you know that it is a strong load-bearing doorway

Stay away from glass, windows, outside walls, furniture, light fixtures, and anything that may fall

Stay inside until the shaking stops

Do not use elevators

Take cover under a designated shelter area (sturdy desk, etc... see above.)

If you are outdoors:

Move away from buildings, streetlights, power lines, and other wires.

If you are in a moving vehicle

Find a safe place to stop as quickly as possible. Again, avoid out door hazards such as buildings, power lines, and overpasses. Resume driving only when it is safe and watch for bridge or road damage.

Important safety steps must be followed after a quake.

If you are indoors and your residence is damaged exit it immediately.

If you smell gas, turn it off.

Stay away from damaged areas.

Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks are typically less violent but can still cause damage.

Listen to the radio for information or instructions from your local safety officials.

Georgia Earth Quake Hazard Map