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Family Campers and RVers 2011
After the dust settles
What do I do next?
FIRE
EXPLOSION
EARTHQUAKE FLOODTORNADOLIGHTNING
HURRICANEACCIDENTDISASTER STRIKES
Family Campers and RVers 2011
Every situation is different,but some things are the same.
• Ensure Your Safety• Recover Emotionally• Recover Financially• Seek disaster Assistance• Rebuild after a Disaster.• Learn from what has happened.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
ENSURE YOUR SAFETY
The first concern after a disaster is your family’s health and safety.This is why it is so important to have a
FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLANIn place before an emergency.
Plan ahead so that you have
A meeting place outside of your home
A meeting place outside of your neighborhood
A common out-of-area contact
Family Campers and RVers 2011
ENSURE YOUR SAFETY
If you are able, assess immediate needs
• Move the injured only if necessary to avoid dangerous conditions.
• Aid the injured. Check for • Breathing and Circulation• Bleeding• Unstable fractures
• Maintain body temperature
Family Campers and RVers 2011
ENSURE YOUR SAFETY
Watch your health during over the long term
• Be aware of exhaustion… pace yourself• Avoid dehydration, eat well• Wear protective clothing when going through
debris• Handle unmarked or unknown containers with
greater care.• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly
Family Campers and RVers 2011
ENSURE YOUR SAFETY
ABOVE ALL
DO NOT TAKE FOOLISH CHANCES.
Becoming a victim yourself
Does not help the disaster situation
Family Campers and RVers 2011
ENSURE YOUR SAFETY
Inform local authorities about any identified health and safety issues
Chemical SpillsDowned power linesWashed out roadsSmoldering fires, insulationDead animals
Don’t assume that someone else has called the hazard in.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
DISASTERS ARE
UPSETTING EXPERIENCES
FOR EVERYONE.
CHILDREN: fear, loss of security in the world
ELDERLY: disorientation.
DISABLED: require special assistance
But EVERYONE is affected in some way.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
PHASES OF EMOTIONAL RESPONSE
IMPACT
INVENTORY
RESCUE
RECOVERY
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
IMPACT
Something has happened
You don’t know what.
You do what you have to do.
Little time for emotion.
Instinct and preparation lead your response.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
INVENTORY
Assess the situation to see what needs to be done.
Make “functional” relationships
with those who have needed
Skills
Inventory
Guided by immediate needs and available resources.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
RESCUE
Take charge or take direction.
If you are prepared and know what to do:
take chargeIf you are less prepared or are confused by the situation:
take direction
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
RECOVERYTime of the most emotional impact.
May be a reaction against rescuers.
Anger may become a prominent emotion.
Delayed stress reactions: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Guided by memory and fear
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
RECOVERY
It isn’t uncommon for people to sufferInsomnia
Depression
Personality Changes
Negativity and violence
Withdrawal
Hyper vigilance
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
BASIC STEPS TO MEET
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Return as much as possible to your personal and family routines.
Get rest, nutrition, hydration.
Make lists of important jobs and chores. Get them done and check them off your list.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
BASIC STEPS TO MEET
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Limit exposure to reiteration of disaster sounds and sights (media).
Attend Memorials to find closure to the event.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
BASIC STEPS TO MEET
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Focus on the positive.
Recognize and accept your own feelings.
Reach out to and accept help from others.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
BASIC STEPS TO MEET
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Do something that you enjoy, personally and as a family.
Stay connected with family and other support systems.
Realize that recovery takes time. Be patient with yourself and others.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
BASIC STEPS TO MEET
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Look to the future.
Update and review your family disaster plan.
Replenish essential disaster supplies.
Take additional training to strengthen your response to any future disasters.
Volunteer to assist others (Including giving blood).
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
BASIC STEPS TO MEET
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Seek counseling for yourself and your family
from community professionals
or disaster specialists.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING EMOTIONALLY
BASIC STEPS TO MEET
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS
You wouldn’t drive a car without instruction.
You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint.
Counselors can provide instruction and a blueprint
On how to proceed and rebuild your emotional life.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
As soon as possible after a loss,
contact your insurance agent or company
to report
how, when, & where the damage occurred.
Your insurance may cover
emergency shelter and funds to tide you over.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
Assess and record your losses
• Prepare a list of damaged or lost items,
with receipts if possible.• Photograph or videotape the damage for further
documentation.• Keep receipts for all expenses (lodging, repairs, etc.)• Keep copies of all documents and pictures given to
your agent. (may be needed for tax purposes, etc.)
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
REPLACE VITAL DOCUMENTSAgain, preparation makes this easier.
Before a disaster occurs
Make copies of important papers and documents.
Store in a safe deposit box.
Give copy to a trusted relative or friend.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
REPLACE VITAL DOCUMENTS
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO COPIES
RED CROSS
HAS A LIST OF NUMBERS TO CALL
TO GET INFORMATION.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
IDENTIFICATION
Driver’s license: Department of Motor Vehicles
Government Issued ID: Issuing Authority (usually DMV)
Passports: State Department—Passport Services (202-955-0430)
Social Security or Medicare Cards:
Local Social Security office: 1-800-772-1213
TDD/TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Citizenship papers: Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services:
1-800-375-5283
NUMBERS YOU WILL NEED
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
PROPERTY
Insurance policies: Your insurance agent or company
Titles to Deeds: Records department of the area in which the property is located.
Stocks and Bonds: Issuing company or your Broker
Mortgage papers: Lending institution
NUMBERS YOU WILL NEED
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
CREDIT CARDS
Mastercard: Contact the issuing financial institution
VISA: 1-800-VISA911 (or the issuing financial institution)
American Express: 1-800-441-0519
Discover: 1-800-discover (1-800-347-2683)
or TDD/TTY 1-800-347-7449
NUMBERS YOU WILL NEED
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
OTHER IMPORTANT PAPERS
Military discharge papers : Department of Veterans Affairs/papers 1-800-827-1000 or TDD/TTY 1-800-829- 4833
Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates: Bureau of Records in the appropriate state.
Income Tax Records: The IRS center where you filed, your accountant (if applicable), or 1-800-829-1040
Family Campers and RVers 2011
ADDITONAL
FINANCIAL RECOVERY STEPS
Let utility companies know if your home has been destroyed or damaged sufficiently that you cannot live in it.
Get in touch with your creditors so that arrangements can be made to mitigate payments.
Begin salvaging as soon as it is safe.RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
ADDITONAL FINANCIAL RECOVERY STEPS
Unemployment benefits
If job is lost because of a disaster
and
you do not qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance,
you can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
(1-800-462-9029, TTY/TDD: 800-462-7585)
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
ADDITONAL FINANCIAL RECOVERY STEPS
Tax Relief
You may be eligible for significant tax deductions or refunds.
The rules are complicated:
KEEP GOOD RECORDS OF ALL LOSSES
Work with a tax advisor or other qualified professional.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY
ADDITONAL FINANCIAL RECOVERY STEPS
Legal aid
After a major disaster,
people can receive free legal counseling
from local members of the American Bar Association
Principle 11: To the extent feasible, attorneys should provide emergency free legal services to those affected by a major
disaster to address their unmet basic legal needs…
(Rule of Law in Times of Major Disaster, August 2007)
Family Campers and RVers 2011
SEEKING ASSISTANCE
HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR Emergency Housing
Food
First Aid
Clothing
Initial Financial Assistance
Apply for assistance early
MOST SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
DO NOT PAY RETROACTIVELY FOR ASSISTANCE.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
SEEKING ASSISTANCE
IN PERSONAL CRISIS, CONTACT
American Red Cross
Salvation Army
Catholic Charities
Other volunteer organizations.
IN WIDESPREAD EMERGENCYMonitor local radio or television reports for information
On where to get essential emergency assistance.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
SEEKING ASSISTANCE
THE ROLE OF THE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Federal assistance is available
When the President of the United States
Declares a “Major Disaster”
Made at the request of the state governor
When authorized, FEMA will provide information
About federal assistance and how to apply.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
SEEKING ASSISTANCE
FEMA’S ROLE IS TO ASSIST WITH
Temporary housing
Counseling for post-disaster trauma
Low-interest loans and grants
Assistance for small businesses and farmers.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
REPAIRING AND REBUILDING YOUR HOME
If you have to leave your home
Let the local police know that it will be unoccupied.
Let others know where you can be contacted.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
REPAIRING AND REBUILDING YOUR HOME
Before entering your home after a disaster
Determine if the building
is structurally sound.
Look for Damaged foundations
Weakened walls or roofs
Unstable chimneys
Electrical hazards
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
REPAIRING AND REBUILDING YOUR HOME
If your home is structurally sound
Enter with caution.Make sure you can see where you are walking…
Use flashlights to light your steps.
Do not step on debris that may be unstable.
Watch for loose boards, electrical hazards.
If possible, avoid stepping into flooded areas.
Leave immediately if hazards warrant.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
REPAIRING AND REBUILDING YOUR HOME
Be aware of possible animal hazards(wild animals may seek shelter in buildings
during and after a disaster.)
Do not try to corner or physically remove
a wild animal.(provide an escape route or
contact animal control if possible)
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
REPAIRING AND REBUILDING YOUR HOME
If it is safe to return to your home
Collect necessities and important papers.
Salvage what you can.
Check with your insurance
to see if restoration services will be covered.
Don’t throw anything away until it is inventoried.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
REPAIRING AND REBUILDING YOUR HOME
Determine what immediate repairs must be made
to limit further damage
patch roof
board windows
pump out basement(If flooded, pump out no more than 1/3 per day
To prevent wall collapse from outside pressure.)
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
BEFORE REBUILDING
ASSESS WHAT HAS HAPPENED.
How can you strengthen your home
To withstand future
Similar events?
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
EARTHQUAKES
Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets
Place heavier objects on low shelves.
Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to joists.
Anchor heavy furniture and appliances to walls or floors.
Install flexible fittings to gas and water lines.
Bolt the frame of the house to the foundation
Ensure that deep cracks in ceilings and foundations are not signs of structural damage.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
FLOODS
Pump no more than 1/3 of the water out per day to avoid imbalance in pressure.
Hose down the inside of the home to remove health hazards
Replace drywall if it has been breached by flood waters.
Use solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water to wash down surfaces to prevent mold.
Have a professional check outlets before you use them.
Relocate circuit panel above level of potential flood line.
Install a backflow valve in your sewer system.
Relocate to higher ground if this is a recurrent problem.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
HIGH WINDS/TORNADOS/HURRICANES
Secure entry doors and garage doors to improve wind resistance.
Protect windows with permanent shutters or pre-fit marine plywood.
Consider building a tornado-safe room in your home.
Select trees that are not as subject to uprooting, replace damaged trees.
Reinforce masonry walls that provide structure to your home.
Reinforce the chimney with steel placed in the corners.
Look at common connections in wood frame buildings, adding clips, anchors and straps to provide more strength. Anchor a manufactured home to its foundation.
Store lawn furniture, tools, etc. so they do not become missiles in the wind.
Purchase a NOAA weather radio to warn of storms and tornados.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
REBUILDING AFTER A DISASTER
REPAIRING AND REBUILDING YOUR HOMEAVOID SCAMS AND CON ARTISTS
Find a reputable contractor. Use Angie’s List or other referral service.
Get contracts in writing.
Make sure that repairs will be done according to local building codes.
Don’t pay more than 20% down. Pay periodically
Do not make final payment until the job is done satisfactorily.
Don’t sign over an insurance settlement check to a contractor.
Family Campers and RVers 2011
LEARN FROM THE EVENT
AFTER THE DUST HAS SETTLED
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE AND SPEED RECOVERY TIME IF THERE IS A “NEXT TIME?”
Safeguard important property
Check insurance policies
Assess and restock emergency ready kits.
Set up communication backups (contacts, information)
Become more informed (CERT training, monitoring devices)
Family Campers and RVers 2011
AFTER THE DUST HAS SETTLED…
LEARN FROM THE EVENT
PREPARATION provides POWER
POWER enhances SURVIVAL