CLAY COUNTY ALL HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS

GUIDE A comprehensive guide created to assist you in preparing for emergencies such

as hurricanes, floods, fire, severe weather, terrorism and more.

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claycountygov.com/public-safety/emergency-management

Clay County Division of Emergency Management

2519 SR 16 West

Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

1-877-252-9362

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CONTACT INFORMATION

DISCLAIMER The Clay County Division of Emergency Management hopes that you find this information helpful and informative. Although the information presented in the booklet is believed to be reliable and current, we make no guarantees as to absolute applicability.

Department Phone Number

Clay County Emergency Management Office 1-877-252-9362

Clay County Fire Rescue 1-877-252-9362

Clay County Health Department (904) 529-2800

Clay County Sheriff’s Office (904) 264-6512

Orange Park Fire Department (904) 264-3411

Orange Park Police Department (904) 264-5555

Green Cove Springs Police Department (904) 529-2220

Emergency 911

SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE INFORMATION For the most current information from Clay County Emergency Management, visit our website or follow us on social media at:

Facebook.com/ClayCtyEM

Twitter.com/ClayCounty_EM

http://www.claycountygov.com/departments/emergency-management

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ALERT CLAY COUNTY

EMERGENCY ALERT MESSAGES

Clay County, through the Florida Division of Emergency Management, makes available to its residents and business owners a new, high-speed emergency notification known as Alert Clay County. This system replaced the county’s former CodeRED system, providing the same functionality at a lower cost, as Alert Clay County is part of a larger, statewide alert and notification system.

Alert Clay County provides county residents, municipal residents and business owners the ability to receive emergency notifications regarding emergencies and/or threatening severe weather on their home phone, business phones, cell phones and email address. To ensure that the system will call you when your address or business is threatened by an emergency or by severe weather, simply register your address and contact information into the Alert Clay County portal, located on the county website at: ALERT.claycountygov.com.

Should you have any questions regarding this emergency notification service or how to sign up for it, please call Clay County Emergency Management at 904-284-7703.

Please note that Clay County no longer ut i l izes the CodeRED system and that any individuals who wish to have their emergency notification service carried over to Alert Clay County must register into the Alert Clay County web portal.

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FLOODING Flooding is one of Florida’s most frequent hazards. Inland flooding can be a major threat to communities hundreds of miles from the coast as a tropical cyclone can stall over the region.

Clay County is vulnerable to flooding from several causes, including heavy rainfall events associated with a tropical cyclone or just a daily summertime thunderstorm. River flooding is also a hazard, especially for interests along the Black Creek basin.

Types of Flooding

A FLOOD WARNING will be issued when flood waters threaten life or property.

Flooding west of Middleburg during Tropical Storm Debby, washed out CR 218.

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FLOODING Before a Flood

When Flooding Occurs

Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio & build a Disaster Supply Kit.

Learn your flood risk. Find your property elevation & learn if you are in a flood zone. Call the Clay County Zoning Division at (904) 278-4705.

Evaluate your insurance coverage. Many home insurance policies DO NOT cover flooding. Remember that it takes 30 days for a new policy to become active.

It is highly encouraged to purchase flood insurance, even if it is not required.

Learn flood mitigation methods you can take in advance of a flood from the National Flood insurance Program; www.floodsmart.gov

Plan two evacuation routes. Be aware of drainages that could cutoff your evacuation routes.

Do not park your vehicle near flood prone areas.

Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio to monitor forecast information.

For interests along Black Creek, monitor river levels and rises by going to: water.weather.gov/ahps2

If flooding begins in your area, go to higher ground.

DO NOT ENTER FLOOD WATERS!

TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN

Never drive through water of unknown depth. There are many potential dangers including swift moving water, sinkholes, dangerous submerged objects, electrically charged water from an unseen power source, etc.

If walking, do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Only 6” of moving water can knock an adult off of his/her feet.

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FLOODING During a Flood, Continued

Monitor river levels using hydrographs. This hydrograph indicated a rapid rise along the South Fork of the Black Creek River in Aug. 2015. The website for monitoring river levels, including sites along the St Johns River is water.weather.gov/ahps2

After A Flood

Be cautious of wildlife that sought high ground in a flood event, including reptiles.

If your home flooded, it may not be safe to enter.

Only use battery powered light to examine damage.

Have electrical wiring & electronics checked by a licensed electrician before restoring power.

If gas is used in your home, ensure the utility company checks for leaks before service is restored.

Discard all food in tin cans that are swollen, leaking, or corroded due to contact with flood water. All other cans should be cleansed with a bleach-water solution before opening.

Consume only safe drinking water & clean ice.

Check with the Clay County Health Dept. before consuming any well water that could possibly be contaminated.

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THUNDERSTORMS & TORNADOES

A Watch means… Caution! Be Alert!

Conditions are favorable for bad weather. Monitor the latest weather forecast!

A Warning means… Get to Safety! Take ACTION! The dangerous weather is imminent. Seek appropriate shelter from the hazard.

Watch vs. Warning

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues weather watches and warnings for the protection of life and property.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can develop all months of the year in Clay County, and are most frequent in late spring through early fall. All thunderstorms have potentially deadly lightning. When thunder roars, go indoors!

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a thunderstorm is expected to produce large hail one inch in diameter or greater and/or is expected to produce dangerous wind gusts of 58 mph or greater.

Tornadoes & Waterspouts

Strong to severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes or waterspouts, which are tornadoes over water. A Tornado Warning is issued when NWS meteorologists

determine a tornado is likely by using radar or when a tornado is sighted. Go to the lowest floor of a building, away from windows. Crouch down and cover your head!

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THUNDERSTORMS & TORNADOES Florida is the thunderstorm capitol of the United States, and with all thunderstorms comes potentially deadly lightning. All thunderstorms produce lightning, not just severe thunderstorms.

As of late June 2016, 4 people were killed by lightning in the state of Florida. In 2015, there were 5 lightning caused fatalities in Florida.

Lightning is a plasma, which is very hot, even hotter than parts of the sun. As the bolts moves through the air, it heats the air around it very quickly causing the air to rapidly expand and make the sound of thunder.

For the most proactive lightning safety, check the forecast and scan the sky. If thunderstorms are possible and tall, puffy white clouds begin to form, then your lightning risk is increasing.

Also, check radar. If there are little cells of blue, green, and yellow, then your lightning risk is likely low. If those cells begin to morph into red masses, then the likelihood of them becoming thunderstorms has increased. There are many phone applications and internet based radar sources including the below (free option) from the National Weather Service which can help you track potential thunderstorm activity. Be proactive when it comes to lightning safety; go indoors before the first strike!

Check your local forecast:

weather.gov/jax

Check your local radar: mobile.weather.gov

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THUNDERSTORMS & TORNADOES Severe Thunderstorm & Tornado Preparation

•Get a NOAA Weather Radio.

•Sign up for ALERT Clay County using your home, cell and business phone number(s) as well as your email.

•Identify a Storm Shelter location in your home, school and/or workplace. Retreat to this location when severe weather threatens. An adequate Storm Shelter should:

Be on the lowest floor, away from windows.

Contain your Emergency Supply Kit.

Have blankets & pillows (protection from debris).

Potential locations: bathroom, hallway, closet.

Have enough room to practice the Tornado Crouch Position. (shown on this page)

•If you are outside or traveling in a car, retreat to a sturdy building. If a building is not available, get out of your car, and lie flat in a low ditch or culvert. You are trying to get low to the ground to reduce your contact with wind blown debris.

•Drill, drill, drill! Practice going to your shelter and the tornado crouch position with your family and coworkers. Know where to go and what to do before the danger threatens!

After the Storm Passes

•Stay Calm. Remain in your shelter until the tornado or severe storm has passed.

•Check people near you for injuries. Begin first aide & seek help if needed. Call 911.

•Do not light candles or cause sparks, as gas leaks may be possible. Use battery powered light sources instead.

•Check your home for damage.

•NEVER go into an area of flood water. There could be live power going through the water.

•Tune into media for information and instructions.

NOAA Weather Radio. Nws.noaa.gov/

Tornado Crouch Position

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TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: WARM WEATHER Daily high temperatures above 90° combined with high humidity are common in Clay County generally from May through early September. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity create elevated heat index values, which is what it actually “feels like” outside. The National Weather Service will issue Heat Advisories or an Excessive Heat Warning when the below criteria are met:

Heat Stress Mitigation

• If possible, remain indoors, in air conditioning during heat of the day.

• Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothes.

• Do not engage in strenuous activities.

• Drink cool, nonalcoholic & non-caffeinated beverages. If your doctor has restricted fluid intake, consult him/her as to how much you should drink during dangerously hot weather.

• Take a cool shower or bath.

• Ensure that pets have access to water & shade.

• Check on the elderly, relatives & neighbors.

• NEVER leave kids, pets or the elderly alone in a parked car. Remember that even the fittest athletes are prone to heat stress! Take a break and “chill” during hot temperatures!

Heat Advisory:

Issued when the heat index is expected

Excessive Heat Warning:

Issued when the heat index is expected to be 113° F.

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TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: COLD WEATHER Freezing temperatures occur almost each year in Clay County, especially inland away from the St. Johns River basin. Areas of the county including Middleburg, Oak Leaf, Keystone Heights and Penney Farms have traditionally been more vulnerable to freezing temperatures because of their inland locations. When cold temperatures are forecasted, the National Weather Service issues freeze and wind chill products when the below criteria are met:

Cold Weather Preparations:

• Stay indoors & use safe heating sources.

• Caution: fire danger from space heaters and candles, especially if they are near flammable materials.

• Do not refuel kerosene heaters indoors.

• Ensure fireplace flumes work properly.

• Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices (grills) indoors.

• Install at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in your home.

• When outdoors, stay dry.

• Stay hydrated.

• Wear layers of loose fitting, warm clothes.

• Bring pets and sensitive vegetation inside.

• Check on the elderly.

Freeze Warning:

Issued when the temperature falls to 32° F or lower for at least 2 hours.

Frost Advisory:

Issued when conditions to produce widespread frost are forecast.

Hard Freeze Warning:

Issued when the temperature falls to 27° F or lower for at least 2 hours.

Wind Chill Advisory:

Issued when wind is 10 mph or greater for at least 4 hours and the wind chill is be-tween 6° and 20° F.

Protect the Four P’s:

1. People

2. Plants

3. Pets

4. Pipes

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TROPICAL CYCLONES Hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions are all considered “Tropical Cyclones” which are areas of low pressure that form over warm ocean or Gulf of Mexico waters. These storms can form any time of year. Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th when waters are typically the warmest to support Tropical Cyclone growth.

The center of the storm is called the “eye” and the strongest winds in the storm are found around the eyewall. Rotating around the eye of the storm are bands of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms which could produce flooding rainfall, strong and damaging wind gusts as well as tornadoes.

The cross-section of a well organized tropical storm or hurricane. Wind gusts will be strongest in rainbands, but interests should still remain indoors during lulls in wind gusts until the storm passes.

Tropical Storm Sustained winds of 39-73 mph Watch: Conditions possible within 48 hours Warning: Conditions expected within 36 hours

Hurricane Sustained winds of 74 mph or greater Watch: Conditions possible within 48 hours Warning: Conditions expected within 36 hours

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TROPICAL CYCLONES Tropical cyclones pose a variety of weather hazards, including the potential to produce tornadoes. If a tornado warning is issued during a tropical cyclone, NOAA Weather Radio will alarm and warn you of the impending tornado.

You should already be inside a during a tropical cyclone. If a tornado warning is issued, you are advised to seek “shelter within your shelter.” Go to your Storm Shelter, an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. Crouch down and cover your head in the Tornado Crouch Position. Protect yourself with blankets. Stay in your safe place until the warning expires.

Hurricane Property Preparedness

Trim dead tree branches.

Strengthen garage doors.

Check soundness of roof.

Clean gutters.

Install hurricane shutters.

Secure loose outdoors objects.

Bring in lawn furniture.

Have your home inspected by a structural engineer to learn of wind stress vulnerability and how to mitigate loss.

Tie down boats.

Create and maintain a Disaster Supply Kit.

2016 Hurricane Matthew Impacting the St. Johns River

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TROPICAL CYCLONES: MAKE YOUR KIT & PLAN Family Disaster Supply Kit

Water: One gallon per person, per day for at least 7 days.

Non-perishable food – for at least 7 days.

Specialty foods for infants & elderly.

Can opener, foil, paper plates, utensils.

Toiletries & medications.

Blankets, pillows, extra clothing, rain gear, shoes.

Bug repellant & sunscreen.

First aid kit & sanitary wipes.

Flashlights, batteries.

Keys & Cash.

Important documents in a waterproof container.

Entertainment: Books, games, etc.

Family Disaster Plan

Discuss the hazards that could impact your family.

Know your home’s vulnerabilities to storm surge, flooding & wind.

Locate a Storm Shelter within your home.

Designate a meeting place with your family should you become separated.

Post emergency numbers by the phone & program them into your cell phone.

Teach children when and how to call 911.

Make an inventory of your belongings including costs, dates of purchase & serial numbers. Attach receipts. Take a video inventory. Some insurance companies require proof of cost if an item is claimed.

Ensure your NOAA Weather Radio is in good working order.

Make arrangement for your pet’s safety.

Determine when, where & how your family would evacuate, if needed.

Share your evacuation plans with relatives/friends outside of the area.

If you have no transportation, make arrangements with someone to help transport you and your family in case you need to evacuate.

Remember to practice your Family Disaster Plan.

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TROPICAL CYCLONES: STAYING INFORMED Tropical cyclone monitoring is important throughout the year, not just during the hurricane season. Hurricane season is June 1st to November 30th but storms can form in other months. The National Hurricane center (NHC) provides the official tropical cyclone outlooks and official forecasts that can be viewed at www.hurricanes.gov.

Storm Forecast Track and Intensity Once a tropical storm or hurricane develops, the NHC will issue fore-casts, including a 5-day and 3-day

forecast track.

Monitor the latest storm forecast from the National Hurricane

Center: noaa.gov

When you are in the 5-day Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Cone

Gas and service your vehicles. Inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs. Listen frequently to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for status and forecasts of the storm’s progress. Store lawn furniture and other loose, light weight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools. Purchase materials to board up windows (if shutters do not exist) and begin boarding up your home. TAPE PROVIDES NO PROTECTION!

When you are in the 3-day Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Cone

Double check your emergency supply kit. If your plans are to evacuate, make arrangements,

book reservations, and pack your emergency supply kit and valuables in your car.

Evacuate immediately if told to do so.

When you are in the 3-day Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Cone

Fill your vehicle’s gas tank. Get cash, secure papers and valuables including refill-

ing medication. If you plan on evacuation, make final preparations

to secure your home, so you can leave as soon as the evacuation order is issued.

When A Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is Issued.

If Leaving: Turn off propane tanks.

Unplug small appli-ances.

Empty the refrigerator/freezer.

Turn off utilities if advised to do so.

Lock home securely.

Take pets with you.

Close storm shutters, board up doors & windows, brace gar-age doors. Do not use tape on win-dows.

Be prepared to turn off utilities.

Lower water level in pool by 1 foot.

Turn refrigerator/freezer on coldest setting.

Be prepared to turn off utilities.

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TROPICAL CYCLONES: EVACUATION ZONES If a Tropical Cycle prompts county officials to order an evacuation, it will be done so by Zone (A, B, C or D), with the A zone being the most vulnerable and evacuated first, then the B zone, then C, then D. Evacuation Zones have been determined using a variety of information, including projected storm surge, existing flood zones and historical data. As such, it is important to understand that evacuation zones do not directly correlate with the category of a threatening storm.

***Please note that following the impacts from Hurricane Matthew, Clay County Emergency Management Officials updated the county’s evacuation zones to more accurately reflect potential surge and flooding hazards. This revision included the addition of a “D” Evacuation Zone. Please reference pages 18 - 20 of this brochure for maps which illustrate these newly revised evacuation zones. If you need assistance in locating your evacuation zone, contact Clay County Emergency Management at 904-284-7703.

If You Plan to Leave the Area

Confirm travel arrangements before you leave home and let someone out of the area know where you will be during the storm.

Turn off your utilities and lock your home. Have a full tank of gas and get extra cash.

Take your Disaster Supply Kit. Leave when ordered to evacuate, if not before.

If You Stay in Your Home

If Power is lost, turn off major appliances. This reduces “power surge” when electricity is restored.

Make sure your Disaster Supply Kit is in a protected place. Let someone out of the area know where you will be during the storm. Store valuables and important paperwork in a deposit box or waterproof container.

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TROPICAL CYCLONES: EVACUATION ZONES

If You Plan to Evacuate to an Emergency Shelter

Remember a shelter is a refuge of last resort. The environment can be challenging.

Bring your Disaster Supply Kit as well as your own bedding. Be sure that you have bedding, food, quiet activities for children.

Know that not every shelter is open during every event. During an actual event, true shelter locations will be announced through local media.

There are three Pet-Friendly Shelters in Clay County, which like other shelters are not opened during every event. Use of these shelters requires annual registration with the Clay County Animal Care and Control Department. A copy of the Pet-Friendly Shelter Registration Form can be found at the Animal Care and Control Department’s page of the county website: www.claycountygov.com

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TROPICAL CYCLONES: EVACUATION ZONES

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SPECIAL NEEDS Special Medical Needs Sheltering

Clay County Emergency Management, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health-Clay County, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, coordinate efforts to maintain a registry of individuals within the county who have special medical needs. This includes individuals who may require daily skilled nursing care, assistance with daily living, or have life sustaining or saving medical equipment which requires electricity. This excludes individuals who are currently in hospitals, nursing homes or assisted living facilities as these entities are required by law to develop plans for the emergency needs of their clients.

Registering a person in this registry does not guarantee that they will receive assistance during an event. Rather, the information within the registry helps provide important information to local Emergency Management Officials which will help them better plan for the needs of the county’s special medical needs population in the event of an emergency.

Individuals who register within the database will also have their information evaluated to determine if they are candidates to utilize the county’s sole Special Medical Needs Shelter. This shelter is a refuge of last resort for individuals who have special medical needs and must evacuate. The only defining characteristic which separates this shelter from any other in the county is the availability of generated plugs for minor medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, limited numbers of padded cots and the presence of nursing staff from the county Health Department. In order to register within the Special Needs Registry, simply contact Clay County Emergency Management at 904-284-7703 and request to have an application mailed to you. Also, application forms can be completed online at snr.floridadisaster.org. Shelter determination letters will be sent to individuals following the receipt and review of their application.

The Special Needs Shelter is not a pet-friendly shelter, but as with all General Population Shelters, bona-fide service animals are allowed.

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ACTIVE ASSAILANT An Active Assailant is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active assailants use firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MITIGATE HARM

Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.

Take note of the nearest exits in any facility you visit.

When in public areas, keep children close.

Watch out for indicators of violence by co-workers, acquaintances or family members.

WHEN AN ACTIVE ASSAILANT IS IN THE VICINITY

Have an escape route and plan in mind

Leave your belongings behind

Keep your hands visible

Hide in an area out of the assailant’s view

If possible, block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors

Silence your cell phone

Remain quiet

As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the assailant

Act as aggressively as possible against him/her

Throw items and improvise weapons

Yell and scream

Commit to your actions as if your life depends on it…it does.

Call 911 when it is safe to do so. If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to hear what is going on.

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INFLUENZA Influenza, also called the flu, is a contagious illness caused by the influenza virus. It can be easily transmitted from person to person. The flu virus changes every year so annual flu vaccines are recommended to protect yourself and those around you.

Symptoms of the flu are fever, chills, headache, tiredness and weakness, dry hacking cough, sore throat, and muscle and body aches. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you have the flu.

A person should be diarrhea, vomit and fever free (under 100 F) for 24 hours without medication before returning to work or school.

Develop a family emergency plan to prepare for influenza outbreaks or other types of emergencies or disasters. For more information about preparing for flu and other health emergencies, visit: www.FloridaHealth.gov and www.flu.gov

Prevent the Spread of Influenza and Other Viruses

Get a flu vaccine every year

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water

Avoid touching your face

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Stay home if you are sick

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FIREWISE Becoming Firewise is a process. A Firewise person pays attention to those details in his or her environment that may start or encourage the spread of a wildfire. A Firewise home has:

• At least 30 feet of d e f e n s i b l e s p a c e surrounding your home that is free of leaves or debris and is kept well mowed, pruned and irrigated.

• Trimmed all branches up to 10 feet and removed all vines climbing trees.

• Roofs and gutters that are free of debris.

• Fire-resistant exterior wall construction utilizing heat and flame resistant materials such as cement, plaster, stucco and concrete masonry. Double pane glass windows can also make a home more resistant to fire, heat and flames.

• Attached structures such as roofs, decks, porches or fences that are built with fire resistant materials.

• Eliminated all combustibles such as wood, propane tanks, gas grills, motor homes, boats, ATVs and cars from under or near structures.

• Gravel used for mulch or kept combustible mulch products moist.

• Installed spark arresters on the chimney.

• Clearly defined house numbers and surrounding street names so emergency vehicles can rapidly find your residence.

• A driveway that is at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet to provide access for emergency apparatus.

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HOME FIRE PREVENTION According to the United States Fire Administration, more than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured. An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home. The following are tips to help prevent and survive a fire.

• Ensure that your home has a working smoke detector. Test it monthly. Keep it free of dust and replace the batteries once a year. Smoke detectors themselves should be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Never overload circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. Immediately turn off appliances that overheat, sputter, spark, or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionally repaired or replaced.

• When using appliances, follow the manufacturer's safety precautions. Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Use safety caps to cover unused outlets, especially if your home has small children.

• Keep combustible materials at least 36" away from heaters or warming devices. Ensure that if you have a fireplace, that it is covered by a screen. Keep your chimney free of obstructions and cleaned annually.

• Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities. Never use gasoline or camp stove fuel. Refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled.

• Turn off portable devices when you leave a room.

• Think about investing in home fire sprinklers.

• Ensure that each member of your family has and is familiar with a plan of escape from every room in your home. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house.

• Teach your children about the dangers of fire.

• Ensure that your senior family members have plans for fire prevention and response.

• If you use gas, propane or a fireplace, install a carbon monoxide detector.

In the event of a fire in your home, stay low to the floor and exit as quickly as possible. Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth. If a door is hot to the touch, do not open it. Seek an alternate escape route. Stay below the smoke at all times. If your clothes catch on fire, remember to stop, drop and roll, in order to put out the flames.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS In case of a hazardous materials emergency, listen to local radio or television stations for detailed information and instructions. Follow these instructions carefully. Remember that some toxic chemicals are odorless, so be sure to stay away from the contaminated area to minimize risk for you and your family.

If You are Asked to Evacuate

If You are Caught Outside

Evacuate immediately.

Stay tuned to local radio or television stations for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and procedures.

Follow the routes recommended by the authorities. Shortcuts may not be safe.

If there is time, close all windows, vents and turn off attic fans to minimize contamination in the house.

Take pre-assembled disaster supplies with you as you evacuate.

Help any neighbors who may require special assistance.

Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.

Stay upstream, uphill and upwind.

Try to go at least one-half mile from the contaminated area.

Move away from the accident scene and help to keep others away.

Do not walk into or touch any spilled liquid, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits.

Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke.

If possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the dangerous area.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS If You are Instructed to Stay Indoors:

Bring all pets inside.

Close and lock all exterior doors and windows.

Close vents, fireplace dampers, and as many interior doors as possible.

Turn off air conditioners and any other ventilation systems. In large buildings, set ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation so that no outside air is drawn into the building. If this is not possible, then ventilation systems should be turned off.

Go into the pre-selected shelter room.

Seal gaps under doorway and windows with wet towels or plastic sheeting and duct tape.

Seal gaps around window and air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper, or aluminum wrap.

Use material to fill cracks and holes in the room, such as those found around pipes.

If there is a chance gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or towel.

Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated.

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We would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance with this brochure:

PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CONTRIBUTORS

Northeast Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee for Hazardous Materials