Wildfire
Home Fire
Tornado
Flood
Heat Wave
Thunderstorm
Winter Storm
Workplace Safety

For additional information, please visit our National American Red Cross website.

Wildfire Safety Tips
Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area. Follow the steps listed below to protect your family, home, and property.

Practice Wildfire Safety

- People start most wildfires . . . find out how you can promote and practice wildfire safety.

- Contact your local fire department, health department, or forestry office for information on fire laws.

- Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home.

- Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.

- Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.

- Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.

- Post fire emergency telephone numbers.

- Plan several escape routes away from your home by car and by foot.

- Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors' skills, such as medical or technical. Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if parents can't get home.

Protect Your Home

- Regularly clean roof and gutters.

- Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of National Fire Protection Association Code 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact specifications.)

- Use 1/2-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof, and attic.

- Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.

- Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.

- Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.

- Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.

- Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel.

Before Wildfire Threatens

- Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind.

- Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.

- Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling. Or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking, or trim with UL-approved fire-retardant chemicals.

- Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.

Create a 30- to 1OO-Foot Safety Zone Around Your Home
Within this area, you can take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. If your home sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not suffice. Contact your local fire department or forestry of fice for additional information.
-Rake leaves, dead limbs, and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.

- Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures and dispose of them properly.

- Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.

- Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.

- Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.

- Ask the power company to clear branches from powerlines.

-Remove vines from the walls of the home.

- Mow grass regularly.

- Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill--use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.

- Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning regulations.

- Place stove, fireplace, and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for two days, then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.

- Store gasoline, oily rags, and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.

- Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible material within 20 feet. Use only UL-approved woodburning devices.

Plan Your Water Needs

- Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool, or hydrant.

- Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.

- Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.

- Consider obtaining a portable gasoline-powered pump in case electrical power is cut off.

When Wildfire Threatens

- If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.

- Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.

- Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.

- Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.

If Advised to Evacuate, Do So Immediately

- Wear protective clothing--sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.

- Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.

- Lock your home.

- Tell someone when you left and where you are going.

- Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

If You're sure You Have Time, Take Steps to Protect Your Home
Inside:

- Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings, and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.

- Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.

- Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.

- Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors.

- Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.

Outside:

-Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.

- Turn off propane tanks.

- Place combustible patio furniture inside.

- Connect the garden hose to outside taps.

- Set up the portable gasoline-powered pump.

- Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof.

- Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.

- Gather fire tools.

Emergency Supplies

When wildfire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, dufflebags, or trash containers. Include:

- A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.

- One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.

- A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.

- Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.

- An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks.

- Sanitation supplies.

- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.

- An extra pair of eyeglasses.

- Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.

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Home Fire Safety Tips

Home fires are the most common disaster that the Red Cross responds to both day and night. Help to protect your home and you family by following the steps below.

Home Safety

- Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.

- If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas too.

- Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

-Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.

- Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.

- Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department on how to use them.

- Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.

Plan Your Escape Routes

-Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.

- Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.

- Select a location outside your home where everyone should meet after evacuating such as a specific location in a neighbor's yard.

- Practice your escape plan at least twich a year.

Escape Safely

-Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.

- If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.

- If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.

- If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

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Tornado Safety Tips

Assemble an Emergency Supplies Kit

The first step in preparing for any type of disaster is to assemble an emergency supplies kit, which should include a first aid kit and any essential medications along with items for infants, the elderly or disable. You also need canned food, a can opener, and at least three gallons of water per person. Include protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags; a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries; and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on)

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan

Pick a place where your family can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It can be a basement or a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered. If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to get to the lowest floor, so pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings

Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information and know the difference between a tornado WATCH and a tornado WARNING:

- A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area

- A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.

When a Tornado WATCH is Issued...

Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates and pay attention to changing weather conditions. You may see blowing debris or hear the sound of an approaching tornado. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a Tornado WARNING is Issued...

If you are inside, go to the safe place you designated to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety.

After the Tornado Passes...

Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas. Listen to the radio for information and instructions. Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage and do not use candles at any time.

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Flood Safety Tips

Know What to Expect

- Know your area's flood risk. If unsure, call your local planning and zoning office.

- Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.

- Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

- If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.

Reduce Potential Flood Damage

- Raise your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.

- Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

- First aid kit and essential medications.

- Canned food and can opener.

- At least three gallons of water per person.

- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members. Also remember items for the family pet such as food.

- Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

- Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places such as a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter.

A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area. If a flood watch is issued,
Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home. Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. If a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area. If a flash flood watch is issued, be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.

A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon. If a flash flood warning is issued, or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly! 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.

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Heat Waves

Heat wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity.

Heat index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.

Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.

If a Heat Wave Is Predicted or Happening

- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

- Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.

- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy.

- Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which dehydrates the body.

- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.

- Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Signals of Heat Emergencies

Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

Heat stroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high-- as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.

Treatment of Heat Emergencies

Heat cramps: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly massage the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation, so help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

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Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Before Lightning Strikes

- Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.

- If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.

When a Storm Approaches

-Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.

- Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances and computers. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)

- Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.

- Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in costly repairs.

- Draw blinds and shades over the windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.

If Caught Outside

- Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.

- Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.

- Do not lie flat on the ground--this will make you a larger target!

- If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.

- If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

After the Storm Passes

- Stay away from storm-damaged areas.

- Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

If Someone is Struck by Lightning

- People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.

- Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.

- The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.

- Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR course.

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Winter Storms

Prepare a Winter Storm Plan

- Have extra blankets on hand.

- Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing

-First aid kit and essential medications.

- Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

- Canned food and can opener.

- Non-perishable food.

- Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).

- Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.

- Blankets.

- Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too.

- Have your car winterized before winter storm season.

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.

A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.

A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!

When a Winter Storm WATCH is Issued

- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.

- Be alert to changing weather conditions.

- Avoid unnecessary travel.

When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued

-Stay indoors during the storm.

- If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

- Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.

- As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.

- Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.

- After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.

Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...

-Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.

- Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

- Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

If You Do Get Stuck

-Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.

- Tie a brightly-colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.

- Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.

- Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.

- As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.

- Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

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Workplace Safety - Preparing Your Business For the Unexpected

Why bother? Disasters don't happen here.

Even if you think you are not in a disaster-prone area, something like a chemical tanker truck overturning can prevent you and your employees from getting to your facility. Even if a flood doesn't put your business under water, customers and supplies may not be able to get to you. Power outages, brown-outs or surges can affect your daily business operations. Many disasters, like wind storms, tornadoes and earthquakes, can strike quickly and with little or no warning.

What can I do?

- Find out which natural and technological hazards can happen in your area.

- Get information about how to prepare your employees and clients to respond to possible hazards and provide help.

- Disaster safety information and CPR/First Aid onsite-training are available from your local Red Cross chapter.

- Network with others who have or need to develop risk or contingency management plans.

- Attend seminars and get information from local risk management associations or chapters.

Disaster Recovery Begins Before a Disaster

No business should risk operating without a disaster plan. While reports vary, as many as 40 percent of small businesses do not reopen after a major disaster like a flood, tornado or earthquake. These shattered businesses were unprepared for a disaster; they had no plan or backup systems. Follow the safety tips below to help ensure this doesn't happen to your company.

Reduce Potential Damage

- Prevent or reduce disaster damage in your facility by taking precautions, such as bolting tall bookcases or display cases to wall studs.

- Protecting breakable objects by securing them to a stand or shelf using hook-and-loop fasteners.

- Moving larger or heavier objects that could fall and break or injure someone to lower shelves.

- Installing latches to keep drawers and cabinets from flying open and dumping their contents.

- Using closed screw eyes and wire to securely attach framed pictures and mirrors to walls.

- Using plumber's tape or strap iron to wrap around a hot water heater to secure it to wall studs.

You should also consider having a professional install

- Flexible connectors to appliances and equipment fueled by natural gas.

- Shutters that you can close to protect windows from damage caused by debris blown by a hurricane, tornado or severe storm.

- Automatic fire sprinklers.

Some other things you can do to protect yourself at work

- Learn your building's evacuation plans.

-At work, encourage your managers to hold regular fire drills.

- Be sure your building manager posts evacuation plans in high-traffic areas, such as the lobby.

- Make sure everyone knows where to go if the alarm sounds, and practice your escape route together. Decide on a meeting place where you can gather after leaving the building.

- Learn the sound of your building's fire alarm.

- Know at least two exits from every room at work.

- Become better prepared by obtaining emergency preparedness information from your local Red Cross chapter and signing up for CPR and First Aid classes.

- At work, if you have a disability that could delay your escape, let someone in authority know about it, and be sure there is a plan to assist you.

- Know the location of your building's fire alarms, and learn how to use them.

- Post emergency fire department numbers near all telephones.

Protect Your Employees, Customers and Business

Designate one employee from each work shift to be the safety coordinator. This person will make all decisions relating to employee and customer safety and to the safety of the business itself. Safety coordinators should know how to contact the owner or operator at all times.

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