NWH_Preparedness 101_041721

NORTHWEST HERALD Saturday, April 17, 2021

A local guide to preparing for the unexpected • Tornado safety guide • Who to call when disaster strikes • Understanding weather emergencies

NWH

• Portable generator guide

Shaw Media • April 2021

| PREPAREDNESS 101

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Understanding weather emergencies Metro Creative Services

Weather emergencies can happen at any time of year and in any part of the world. Learning to recognize the most common weather hazards can help people confront adverse weather situations more capably.

High temperatures High temperatures are experienced during the summer in many parts of the world. Heat waves occur when high temperatures stick around for two or more days, advises the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. To qualify as a heat wave, temperatures have to exceed the historical averages for a given area. High-pressure systems trap air in one place as it warms, leading to a heat wave. While heat waves may not seem especially dangerous, the NOAA says they kill more people than all other weather-related disasters combined.

Floods A flood is a major weather hazard that is caused by heavy rainfall over a given area in a short period of time. During a flood, water does not drain quickly enough. Flooding occurs rather suddenly and has the potential to cause loss of life and property damage. Raging torrents of water can form and rip through anything in their path, states the National Weather Service. Flooding is dangerous while it is happening, but also afterwards, as live wires, waste and debris can pose their own hazards.

Hurricanes Hurricanes are destructive and dangerous storms that may be referred to as “cyclones” and “typhoons” in other parts of the world. These storms cause high winds, flooding, heavy rain, and tidal surges. Unlike some other storms, hurricanes can be tracked for days prior to making landfall. That means people have ample time to take the neces-

sary steps to stay safe when they’re in the path of a hurricane.

Tornadoes Tornadoes form a concentrated, highly volatile and rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cloud. National Geographic says their winds may top 250 miles per hour and affect pathways up to a mile wide and 50 miles long. Tornadoes have been reported in various countries, but are most often seen in the United States.

Additional weather hazards include earthquakes, blizzards, wildfires, mudslides, and even run-ofthe-mill thunderstorms. Understanding storms can help people recognize the appropriate measures they can take to stay safe should they find themselves in the line of an adverse weather event.

Who to call when disaster strikes

Natural disasters can strike at any time. People in the path of such disasters can have their lives turned upside down in a matter of moments.

Knowing what to do, including who to call, when a natural disaster strikes can help people get back on their feet.

Local utility company If there are any downed power lines on or around your property, contact your local utilities provider immediately. Contact the company even if you suspect your neighbors might have already called. Downed power lines pose a dangerous threat to anyone within their vicinity, so avoid them until the company responds.

Family Call your family immediately after the storm to let them know you’re safe and sound and to confirm that they are as well. If you’re incapable of doing so due to downed phone lines or interrupted mobile or internet service, do so the moment you regain access to such services. If you’re having trouble reaching a family member who also was in the line of the storm, contact a government agency, such as FEMA in the United States or Public Safety Canada in Canada, for help finding a missing loved one.

Police Police can direct callers to shelters if they need lodging or food and water after a natural disaster. Police also can help people who were hurt during a storm or those who may be safe but incapable of getting out of their homes on their own. In addition, police might be able to conduct wellness visits to see if relatives you cannot reach are safe. Such visits may not always be possible, as police and other first responders tend to be busy in the wake of natural disasters, but the police may know that certain areas are

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dealing with a lack of electricity, even though residents are otherwise safe.

Insurance agency Whether you own or rent your home or apartment, contact your insurance agency in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Agencies may send inspectors to assess the damage, and the earlier you call the more quickly such inspections can take place. Calling as soon as possible after disaster strikes can get your claim on the books and hasten the reimbursement process if inspectors find any damage that’s covered under the terms of your policy. Drivers also should contact their insurance companies immediately if their vehicles were damaged during a natural disaster.

Knowing who to call in the wake of a natural disaster can calm people’s nerves and start them on the path to recovery.

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PREPAREDNESS 101 | Shaw Media • April 2021

The differences between weather warnings and watches Metro Creative Services Pet owners soon learn that having a pet means cWeather is hard to predict. Meteorologists have many tools at their disposal to help forecast storms and other phenomena, but it is impossible to predict the weather with 100 percent accuracy.

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, the National Weather Service may issue certain notices to prepare the public. Understanding the level of threat a notice carries can help people take appropriate action and avoid serious consequences.

The NWS uses a four-tier system to alert the public of hazards. Here’s a closer look at what each tier constitutes.

Outlook This is the least serious weather alert. It usually means that hazardous weather may approach in the next three to seven days. The public should monitor the situation and stay tuned for further updates.

Advisory With an advisory, weather conditions are not overly serious but could prove inconvenient.

Individuals should be cautious and prudent when preparing supplies or traveling.

Watch During a weather watch, there is an increased risk of a hazardous weather occurrence, though the timing or location is still uncertain. This is when it is essential to practice an evacuation or preparedness plan and stock up on any last-minute

supplies.

Warning The most serious of the weather impact notifications, a warning constitutes an imminent or likely event. The weather may cause a threat to property or life. Immediate action to stay safe is necessary.

While these alerts are based on the severity of impending weather, it is important to note that the NWS will not necessarily follow the same timeline with issuing alerts. That depends on how fast a weather situation develops. If there is time, an advisory, then a watch and then a warning may be issued. However, if a storm moves in rapidly, only a warning may be issued. People always should pay attention to weather notices so they can be prepared should severe weather be in the forecast.

Shaw Media • April 2021

| PREPAREDNESS 101

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Don’t miss a beat during a power outage Metro Creative Services Short-term power outages can be a minor inconvenience. A long-term power outage can cause a major disruption to daily life.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Electric Power Industry Report says interruptions in electric service vary by frequency and duration across the many electric distribution systems that serve the country. In 2016, the most recent year for data, customers experienced an average of 1.3 interruptions and went without power for around four hours.

When a storm strikes or an accident knocks out electric power lines or other infrastructure, it may take much longer for power to be restored. During Superstorm Sandy in 2012, more than eight million people lost power and outages lasted for days in some major cities. Outlying areas were without power for weeks, according to National Geographic. It’s important to know how to handle a power outage to keep everyone safe and comfortable until power can be restored.

Invest in a generator If you live in an area that is affected by frequent power outages, a power generator may prove a worthwhile investment. Generators come in two basic types. A portable generator can be rolled into place and uses gasoline as fuel. Plug in a set number of household items, depending on the amount of power the appliance can accommodate. A whole-house generator can be hard-wired to a home’s electrical system and automatically engage should a power outage occur.

Prepare in advance In anticipation of a power outage, stock up on battery-powered devices like flashlights, lanterns and radios. Charge mobile phones and other devices so they’re at 100 percent power.

Keep a cache of nonperishable food available and plan to use any perishable items that are in the refrigerator first. A refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours after power has ceased, states Ready.gov, while a freezer can keep the temperature for about 48 hours if full. Packing these appliances with ice or frozen bottles of water can help.

Purchase books, board games and puzzles to have activities to pass the time until power resumes.

During a power outage Report the power outage to the power company if it seems localized; otherwise, wait for updates to see who is affected.

Try to remain cool or warm if the HVAC system is not functioning. Pool resources by having everyone in the family gather in one room of the house.

Older adults and children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration, including two gallons of bottled water per individual. People who take refrigerated medications should only ingest drugs that have been at room temperature until a new supply is available, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Power outages routinely occur and require planning and safety precautions until power is restored.

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PREPAREDNESS 101 | Shaw Media • April 2021

Post-flood safety tips Metro Creative Services Natural disasters can strike at any time, and no disaster is more likely to strike than a flood.

According to the World Health Organization, floods are the most frequent type of natural disaster, affecting more than two billion people worldwide between 1998 and 2017. And the WHO reports that floods are increasing in frequency and intensity.

The Insurance Information Institute notes that flood damage is excluded under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. However, flood insurance can be purchased from the Federal Emergency Management Agency via the National Flood Insurance Program.

Purchasing flood insurance prior to flooding can be a wise move for renters and homeowners who live in areas vulnerable to flooding. And should flooding occur, victims can take these steps to be

safe as they try to get back to normal.

Dress the part When returning to your property to assess any damage, wear appropriate safety gear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends homeowners and renters wear a hard hat, goggles, respirator mask (with an N95 rating or higher), thick work gloves, and waterproof, steeltoed boots when returning to their homes after a flood. If there’s been a sewage leak, wear rubber gloves and rubber boots during the inspection.

Conduct a self-inspection of your home Local authorities often dictate when people can reenter their homes after flooding has occurred.

Once they get the go-ahead to go back home, residents should first inspect the property to see if it’s safe to reenter. A walk-around of the property may reveal downed power lines, wildlife and leaky utility lines that can make it dangerous to reenter a home. In addition, the Red Cross recommends checking the home exterior for structural damage

like cracks in the foundation, roof damage or missing beams. Any such damage should be inspected by a professional before anyone moves back into the home.

Assess utilities and appliances If the home is safe to enter, Allstate Insurance recommends checking the utilities and appliances inside the home. The CDC advises against turning on any light switches, as doing so could spark a fire if there are any gas leaks or electrical problems. Leave the property immediately if you smell gas and call the fire department to report the leak.

If there is no standing water around the electrical box and your clothes are dry, turn off the electrical system if you did not do so prior to evacuating. Do not use any damaged appliances until they have been deemed safe by a professional.

Homeowners and renters victimized by flooding must make safety a priority when returning to their homes to assess the damage.

Shaw Media • April 2021

| PREPAREDNESS 101

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Tornado safety guide Metro Creative Services Roughly 1,000 tornadoes per year are reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Tornadoes are intense, violent storms that feature a column of air that extends from a thunderstorm cloud to the ground.

Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the world. However, the United States experiences more tornadoes than any other country. According to Verisk’s Property Claim Service, tornadoes accounted for 39.9 percent of insured catastrophe losses from 1997 to 2016, and the average annual loss on these severe storms was $11.23 billion.

Tornadoes, although impressive to watch, are volatile storms with great power. They have the capability to flip cars, destroy buildings and send deadly debris flying into the air. Intense winds can reach more than 200 miles per hour.

The Department of Homeland Security notes that there are many things people can do to keep themselves safe from tornadoes before, during and after these storms.

Before

Understand and learn about the risk for tornadoes where you live. People in the midwestern and southwestern United States have a greater risk of experiencing tornadoes than those elsewhere in the country.

Establish a safe room in your home, which can be a basement or a cellar. In rooms with no belowground levels, the safest place is a small, interior room on the lowest level away from windows and doors.

Sign up for emergency alert warning systems that cater to your area so you know well in advance if a tornado is coming. Practice what to do in the event of a tornado so the entire family knows what to do if disaster strikes.

Keep tornado readiness supplies handy. These include clean water, batteries, flashlights, a batterypowered radio, and packaged, nonperishable foods.

During

Move indoors into a safe location for the duration of the tornado. Tornadoes blow through quite

quickly so timing is of the essence. If you cannot get to shelter, lay down flat in a low-lying area. Do not go under a highway overpass or attempt to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.

Take additional precautions by shielding your head and neck with your arms or putting furniture and blankets around you to protect against debris.

Keep small children and pets close by and protect them as best as possible. Strapping an infant into a vehicle safety seat may be a good safety measure.

After

Assess the situation for safety after the tornado has moved through. Watch for downed electrical lines and check for the smell of gas. Do not turn on any appliances or switches if you detect the aroma of gas.

Do not try to move anyone who seems seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger. Call and wait for help if needed. It may take time for emergency personnel to reach you.

More information is available at www.ready.gov/ tornadoes.

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PREPAREDNESS 101 | Shaw Media • April 2021

How to address mold after a flood Metro Creative Services Floods can quickly turn lives upside down. According to the World Health Organization, more than two billion people were affected by floods between 1998 and 2017, and those people no doubt recognize just how unsettling floods can be.

The damage caused by flooding can linger long after water levels have subsided. Mold left in the wake of a flood poses a significant threat, and WebMD notes that mold can be especially dangerous for people with respiratory issues like allergies or asthma. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, one of the organization’s chief concerns was to let those affected by the storm learn how to safely clean up mold.

Mold cleanup must be done with a sense of urgency, as WebMD indicates that mold can grow very quickly in damp environments. That said, it’s vital that homeowners only reenter flooded properties when it’s safe to do so. Reentering too quickly and before government officials say it’s safe to do so can put residents in serious jeopardy.

Once it’s safe to reenter a home, the CDC recom-

mends the following approach to address mold after a flood.

• Wear personal protective equipment. Gloves, masks and goggles should be worn to protect the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. While personal protective equipment can be highly effective, anyone with mold allergies or preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma should leave mold cleanup to the professionals.

• Do not mix cleaning products. The CDC notes the dangers associated with mixing cleaning products. For example, mixing bleach with ammonia can produce toxic vapors.

• Scrub surfaces. Use clean water and detergent to remove all visible mold from surfaces around the house. Dry the surfaces immediately after cleaning them.

• Discard certain items. Items that are wet with flood water but cannot be cleaned and completely dried within 24 to 48 hours should be discarded.

People with flood insurance policies may need to take photos of items prior to discarding them if they hope to be reimbursed.

• Avoid refurbishing until all mold has been removed. Mold can grow even if it’s been painted or caulked over. The CDC urges anyone tasked with addressing flood-related mold to make sure surfaces are completely cleaned and dried prior to refurbishing rooms.

• Open doors and windows. The Federal Emergency Management Agency notes that airing the home out by opening the doors and windows can inhibit mold growth when humidity levels are lower outside than inside.

• Dry the home as quickly as possible. Drying the home as quickly as possible, and ideally within 24 to 48 hours of the occurrence of flooding, can inhibit further mold growth. However, it’s imperative that residents only reenter a home after getting the go-ahead from local authorities.

• Circulate air around the house. If it’s safe to turn the electricity back on, circulate air inside the home with fans. In addition, use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from inside the home.

A safe and quick response to flood-related mold growth can prevent illness and further damage to a home.

Shaw Media • April 2021

| PREPAREDNESS 101

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