Vademecum english pag%5B1%5D. 32_49

8/7/2019 Vademecum english pag%5B1%5D. 32_49

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P R E S I D E N Z A D E L C O N S I G L I O D E I M I N I S T R I - D I P A R T I M E N T O D E L L A P R O T E Z I O N E C I V I L E 3 3

IF POSSIBLE, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE OR

TRY TO REACH A SAFE PLACE > In this

way you will avoid inhaling smoke and be-

ing caught up in the fire

IF THERE IS SMOKE IN THE ROOM, FIL-

TER THE AIR BY BREATHING THROUGH

A CLOTH (PREFERABLY WET) AND LIE

DOWN ON THE FLOOR > The air is more

breathable at ground level

IF THE FIRE IS OUTSIDE THE DOOR, TRY

SEALING ALL SLITS WITH CLOTHS,

PREFERABLY WET ONES > You will pre-vent the smoke from seeping into the room

and help the door contain the fire

IF YOU LIVE IN A BLOCK OF FLATS, RE-

MEMBER NEVER TO USE THE LIFT IN CASE

OF FIRE > The lift could get stuck and trap

you inside

IF YOU ARE IN A CROWDED PLACE, MOVE

TOWARDS THE CLOSEST EMERGENCY EX-

IT WITHOUT SHOVING OR SHOUTING >

These exits are designed for the swift evac-

uation of all people!

IF YOU FEEL UNWELL, CALL 118 IMMEDIATE-

LY>You may have been poisoned by smoke

or other substances present in the room

LOOK AFTER PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT SELF-

SUFFICIENT AND, IF POSSIBLE, HELP

THEM REACH A SAFE PLACE> They might

be unaware of the danger

ENTER THE ROOMS INVOLVED IN THE FIRE

ONLY AFTER THEY HAVE COOLED DOWN

AND HAVE BEEN VENTILATED> It is fun-damental to thoroughly ventilate the rooms

for a few hours

BEFORE GOING BACK INTO YOUR FLAT

CHECK WITH THE FIRE BRIGADE>There

could still be potentially dangerous situa-

tions

FOOD PRODUCTS THAT HAVE COME INTO

CONTACT WITH HEAT OR SMOKE FROM THE

FIRE ARE NO LONGER EDIBLE> They may

have been spoilt or contaminated

HOW TO ACT DURING A DOMESTIC FIRE

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What are they?

A blackout is a power outage.

It can either be local, if it only concerns a very limited area, or widespread, if it affects one or more Mu-

nicipalities or much wider areas, even reaching regional or national dimensions as it happened on the

23

rd

September, 2003 in Italy.It may be caused by a cut or sudden overload of the electric system, brought about by a failure in a pow-

er plant or in the grid.

Important

If a member of your family needs life-saving electromedical equipment, always keep the telephone num-

ber of the emergency healthcare services handy.

blackouts

P R E S I D E N Z A D E L C O N S I G L I O D E I M I N I S T R I - D I P A R T I M E N T O D E L L A P R O T E Z I O N E C I V I L E3 4


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MAKE SURE YOU ALWAYS HAVE AN ELECTRIC

TORCH AND A BATTERY-POWERED RADIO >

The electric torch allows you to move around,

while the radio allows you to get information

and updates about the ongoing emergency

BE CAREFUL WHEN USING CANDLES AND

OTHER TYPES OF LIGHTING SUCH AS GASLAMPS, OIL LAMPS, ETC. >

If the open flame comes into contact with

flammable materials it can provoke a fire

DO NOT OPEN THE DEEPFREEZER AND

REFRIGERATOR UNNECESSARILY > Foods

contained inside may get spoilt and be-

come a health hazard

IF YOU ARE IN THE STREET, BE CAREFUL

AT CROSSROADS> If the traffic lights are

out, some drivers may manoeuvre in an in-

correct or unpredictable way

DO NOT USE THE LIFT> There is a danger of

getting trapped inside

IF YOU ARE STUCK IN A LIFT, DO NOT TRY

TO GET OUT AT ALL COSTS> There isplenty of air because lift cars are not air-

tight

DO NOT USE YOUR TELEPHONE EXCEPT IN

AN EMERGENCY> It is important not to con-

gest telephone lines since they are needed

for rescue services

WHEN THE POWER IS BACK, DO NOT USE

YOUR HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL APPLI-

ANCES ALL AT ONCE> Not to overload the

power lines

HOW TO ACT DURING A BLACKOUT

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An industrial hazard entails the possibility that, due to an accident in an industrial plant, there may be

subsequently a fire, an explosion or a toxic cloud, involving one or more dangerous substances with

potentially harmful effects on the population or the environment.

These effects are mitigated by the implementation of suitable contingency plans, both internal (drawn

up by the industry to cope immediately with the accident) and external (drawn up by the Authorities to

face the possible consequences on the surrounding areas). The external plans provide for adequate

self-protection measures and for the appropriate actions that the population must take.

Recommendations

If you reside in an area with industrial plants, inquire with the Mayor of your Municipality if they appear

on the list of installations at risk, for which there are contingency plans in case of an accident. You can al-

so obtain this information by checking the internet website of the Ministry of the Environment. The list of

industrial plants at risk of serious accidents can be found at the following URL:

www.minambiente.it/Sito/settori_azione/iar/stabilimenti/stabilimenti_italia.asp

For cases of fires and/or explosions, please read the recommendations provided in the relevant chapters.

industrial hazards


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Evacuation

When there is a high contamination risk, the Authorities in charge of managing the emergency

may order an evacuation according to the pre-arranged external contingency plan, which also pro-

vides instructions on the evacuation procedures and information on the collection points.

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOUND ON

THE PUBLIC INFORMATION LEAFLETS IS-

SUED BY THE MAYOR > Know the safetymeasures and the best conduct to adopt

IF THE PLANT IS EMITTING TOXIC SUBSTAN-

CES> Take shelter indoors

TO REDUCE EXPOSURE TO SUBSTANCES

> Close doors and windows blocking all nar-

row openings with wet cloths, switch off air con-

ditioners and ventilators in order to prevent

the outside air to filter inside

KEEP UP TO DATE BY LISTENING TO THE RA-

DIO AND WATCHING TV> To learn about the

ongoing situation and about the instructionsissued by the competent authorities regarding

what to do until the all-clear signal

PAY ATTENTION TO THE INFORMATION GIV-

EN BY THE AUTHORITIES VIA MEGAPHONES,

SIGNALS AND OTHER MEANS > They can

provide useful information, both on which

measures to take and on the current situation

AFTER THE ALL-CLEAR SIGNAL, VENTILA-

TE ALL ROOMS AND STAY TUNED TO THE

LOCAL RADIO STATION > To ensure a pro-

per exchange of air and to follow post-emer-

gency developments

IN CASE OF AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT


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Flu

The flu is an acute respiratory disease caused by an infection from influenza viruses; it develops

primarily in the wintertime. It represents a significant public health problem due to its omnipres-

ence and infectiousness, its possible complications, and given the presence of animal reser-

voirs.

The virus responsible for the flu enters the body through the respiratory system and is highly con-

tagious. In Italy, some flu epidemics occur, infecting on average 5 million people.

Influenza viruses are characterised by a marked propensity to change in such a way as to bypass

the protective barrier of peoples resistance to infection. This entails that the defences designed

to fight against the influenza virus spreading during a given year may prove ineffective against

the virus circulating the following year. For this reason, the composition of the flu vaccine needs

to be updated every year, and the vigilance of healthcare services is fundamental to prepare an

effective vaccine for the following winter.

PandemicA flu pandemic is the spreading of a new influenza virus throughout the world population. It can

spread very quickly since it is a new virus and nobody has yet developed the specific immunity

to this infection. Pandemics develop at unpredictable time intervals. During last century there

was the Spanish flu in 1918, the Asian flu in 1957 and the Hong Kong flu in 1968. In case of a

pandemic, the health Authorities inform the public regularly via radio, television and newspapers,

indicating which measures must be taken to protect public health.

flu epidemics/pandemics


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Getting vaccinated - especially for people at risk - is the best way to prevent and fight against the

flu for 2 reasons:

1) because you decrease significantly the probability of catching the disease;2) because, in case flu symptoms develop, these will be less serious and the risk of complications

will decrease.

CONSULT YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR OR THE

PREVENTION DEPARTMENT OF YOUR LO-

CAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (ASL) > To ob-

tain reliable and updated information on

the vaccine and the disease

INQUIRE IF YOU FIT IN THE CATEGORIES

AT RISK FOR WHOM VACCINATION IS REC-

OMMENDED>Some people are more vul-nerable than others to the virus

GET VACCINATED ONLY AFTER HAVING

CONSULTED YOUR DOCTOR OR LOCAL

HEALTH AUTHORITIES (ASL) > The vac-

cine protects from the virus; however, it

may be unadvisable for some people

CHECK THE INSTITUTIONAL WEBSITES

AND READ THE OFFICIAL BULLETINS>

To keep up to date with the ongoing situa-

tion

FOLLOW THE HEALTH AUTHORITIES IN-

STRUCTIONS SCRUPULOUSLY>Because, in

case of a pandemic, some special measures

may be necessary to ensure your safety

IF YOU HAVE THE SYMPTOMS SEE YOUR

DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY> A prompt diag-

nosis helps your recovery and reduces therisk of contagion for others

TAKE CARE OF YOUR PERSONAL HYGIENE

AND KEEP YOUR HOME AND WORK ENVI-

RONMENTS CLEAN> To reduce the risk of

infection

IF YOU ARE LIVING WITH A SICK PERSON, DO

NOT SHARE PERSONAL OBJECTS> To avoid

contagion

HOW TO ACT IN CASE OF AN EPIDEMIC/PANDEMIC

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The international events of the past few years have raised the attention level towards a possible risk

deriving from terrorist attacks. This problem concerns primarily our national security system,

which is involved mainly in the prevention of such risk.

However, it is important to at least know the basic concepts pertaining to the actions we can take

to protect ourselves and others should an event of this type occur. It is a complex and delicate prob-

lem. Nevertheless, though we do not intend to replace the experts on this matter, we believe it is

useful to provide a few elements that are by now agreed upon at an international level. In this con-

text, we will only refer to events involving a large number of people.

We do not aspire in any way to cover all aspects; but we deem that it is better to speak about it and

suggest a few simple precautions without alarmism, rather than avoiding any responsibilities. This

includes the use of illustrations that may seem inappropriate for such delicate matters.

Any criticism or disapproval regarding this particular detail will nonetheless be positive: the sug-

gestions provided will be remembered more easily should they become necessary. In many Italian

cities, the competent Prefectures organize training operations for this type of risk as well. It isvaluable to follow these activities without interfering with the professionals, but keeping up to date,

also to understand the commitment and attention given to the problem.

Biological agents

Biological agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, toxins) are commonly present in nature. However,

some can be spread deliberately and with criminal intent by diffusing them in the environment

or by contaminating food and water. Biological agents can infect people or animals through the

skin (via abrasions and wounds), by inhalation, or through food and drink (by ingesting contam-

inated food or water).

Among the biological agents that may be used for terrorist attacks some are contagious (e.g.

plague and smallpox), while others are not (e.g. anthrax and toxins). For certain agents there are

specific treatments that can be administered in case of exposure to the infection or when the con-

tagion has occurred. Specific vaccines are available only for a few agents.

terrorist attacks


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A biological attack may not be immediately noticeable since the symptoms become manifest at

different times depending on the incubation period of the disease.

It is therefore possible that the Local Health Authorities, with the aid of their surveillance systems,may detect the sudden appearance of diseases with unusual or rare symptoms, among small of large

groups of people, and consequently raise the alarm.

However, establishing exactly which disease it is, how to treat it and who is in danger may require

a certain amount of time.

Therefore, it is fundamental to follow the official news broadcast on the radio and TV or published

on institutional websites. Do not give credence to rumours that cannot be verified, or be influenced

by conjectures that could be manipulated by anybody seeking publicity. What matters is giving and

getting answers to the following questions:

> Have you been or are you still in the danger area?

> What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

> Where can you get medical assistance if you feel ill?

> Are there medicines or vaccines available?

> Who should provide them and where?

Chemical substances

Unlike biological attacks, the release of chemicals usually produces immediate effects.

For many chemical agents there are specific antidotes which can eliminate or reduce the symptoms.

It is important to bear in mind that some chemicals require decontamination. If a contaminated per-

son comes into contact with other people, he/she could in turn contaminate them. In a context of

real risk, it can be assumed that a chemical attack has occurred when several people suffer from

excessive lacrimation, tremors or contractions, choking, have difficulty breathing and/or lose mo-

tor coordination.

Remember that the effects are not always preceded by an explosion and that many chemical agents

are colourless and odourless.

Treatment: in the event of an attack, rescue will be immediate and the healthcare team sent to

the site will administer the specific antidote. For any further information or if you have any doubts,

please contact the Poison Control Centre closest to your city.


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Radioactive materials

Radioactive material can be dispersed intentionally in two ways > 1) by releasing radioactive

sources in public places; > 2) by using conventional explosives mixed with radioactive material

(dirty bomb). Radioactivity cannot be perceived through our 5 senses. Radiations rarely cause

immediate symptoms, except in case of strong exposure at close range from the source. Health

risks derive from the possibility of developing diseases in the years following the exposure. In the

event of deliberate release of radioactive substances, only the actual finding of the source or a spe-

cific claim can lead to determine the event. With a dirty bomb, an explosion occurs just like in a

conventional attack: rescue workers will determine whether any radioactivity is present in the area

concerned. As with any emergency, the Local Authorities may not be able to provide immediate in-formation on the ongoing situation. In any case, it is important to watch TV, listen to the radio and

check institutional websites.

Treatment: there are no antidotes for radioactivity. If you are certain or if you suspect that you ha-

ve been exposed to radiations, you must contact your family doctor and your Local Health Authori-

ties (ASL) for periodical check-ups.

Explosive substances

Explosions are characterised by a sizeable release of energy in a relatively short time, following

which a pressure wave is generated. The greatest damage is caused by an explosion occurring in

closed-in places, where it will probably bring about fire, smoke emissions, the collapse of whole struc-

tures or parts of buildings. You should take similar measures to those recommended in case of a

fire or earthquake. Explosions taking place in crowded and/or closed-in locations always create a

lot of panic. In consideration of this, let us remind you that the majority of public places that are of-

ten crowded (underground, theatres, etc.) have emergency plans, and the staff is trained to cope with

such situations.

In case of an attack, the first operations units to intervene (the Police Force, Fire Brigade, and

Health Emergency Service 118) carry out a coordinated response to manage the event. The effec-

tiveness of the response depends both on a prompt intervention, and on the accuracy and com-

pleteness of the information given to rescue workers on site. Therefore, it is important that all those

present at the event cooperate, if possible, with the competent Authorities.


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ASSESS WHETHER YOU BELONG TO THE

CATEGORY CONSIDERED AT RISK OR IF

YOU HAVE BEEN OR STILL ARE IN THE AREA

THAT AUTHORITIES CONSIDER UNSAFE >

To implement appropriate safety measures

ASK YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR OR THE PRE-VENTION DEPARTMENT OF YOUR LOCAL

HEALTH UNITS (ASL) FOR ADVICE> To

clear any doubts and get assistance from

the competent health facilities

IF YOUR SYMPTOMS ARE THOSE DESCRIBED

AND YOU FALL WITHIN THE CATEGORY

DEEMED AT RISK, SEEK IMMEDIATE MED-ICAL ASSISTANCE> To protect yourself and

those with whom you come into contact

TAKE CARE OF YOUR PERSONAL HYGIENE

AND DISINFECT YOUR HOME AND WORK

ENVIRONMENTS>To prevent germs from

spreading

FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF YOUR FAMILY

DOCTOR AND OF T HE LOCAL HEALTH

AUTHORITIES > These cases always re-

quire specialist measures

IF YOU FEEL ANY SYMPTOMS, REMOVE YOUR

CLOTHES IMMEDIATELY WHILE TOUCHING

THEM AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE> Some

chemicals act when in contact with the skin

for a certain amount of time. Chemical agents

can contaminate skin even through clothes

USE THE DECONTAMINATION FACILITY PRO-

VIDED BY RESCUE SERVICES; IF NONE IS AVAIL-

ABLE, WASH YOURSELF THOUROUGHLY BUT

WITHOUT SCRUBBING >This helps to remove

or at least to dilute the chemical agents con-

taminating the skin

WHILE WAITING FOR RESCUE WORKERS,STAY IN THE AREA BUT MOVE AWAY FROM

THE SOURCE EMITTING THE TOXIC SUB-

STANCE> It is essential that qualified per-

sonnel take care of you

HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF AGAINST ATTACKS

In case of a declared biological emergency In case of exposure to biological agents

In case of a suspected attack with chemical substances

_____________________ _____________________

_____________________

_____________________

_____________________

_____________________


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IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS, COVER YOUR MOUTH ANDNOSE, TRY TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN AND FIND A

SAFE SHELTER IN A CLOSED-IN PLACE> The ex-

posure level increases as you get closer to the source

and decreases if you are in a protected location

REMOVE THE OUTER LAYERS OF YOUR CLOTHES

AND PUT THEM IN A PLASTIC BAG IF POSSIBLE

> This can help reduce the level of contaminationsignificantly

USE THE DECONTAMINATION FACILITY PROVIDED;

IF NONE IS AVAILABLE, WASH YOURSELF THOR-

OUGHLY > To get rid of the contaminated dust from

your skin

IN CASE OF EMISSION INSIDE THE BUILDING WHERE

YOU ARE, COVER YOUR MOUTH, NOSE AND SKIN, AND

GET OUT IMMEDIATELY > The level of contamination

decreases if you cover the parts of your body that can come

into contact with the substance (nose, mouth, skin)

IF THE RELEASE OCCURRED OUTSIDE AND YOU

ARE IN A CLOSED-IN SPACE, SWITCH OFF ALL AER-

ATION SYSTEMS AND TRY TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS

> If you are in a protected space, the level of expo-

sure and the risk of contamination decrease

In case of a confirmed attack with radioactive materials

USE THE EMERGENCY EXITS IM-MEDIATELY > They are the best

routes to reach a safe place

DO NOT USE LIFTS > The explosion

may have damaged them

DO NOT SCREAM OR SHOVE. IF

POSSIBLE, HELP THOSE AROUND

YOU (ESPECIALLY ELDERLY PEO-

PLE AND CHILDREN) > You help

to reduce the panic effect

DO NOT CALL RESCUE SERVICES

UNLESS YOU ARE SERIOUSLY IN-

JURED> To help rescue workers

focus on the most serious cases

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS GIV-

EN BY RESCUE WORKERS> Res-

cue workers will provide you with

instructions and assistance to cope

with the situation

In case of an attack with explosives

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DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR IF IT IS VERYHOT; INSTEAD, LOOK FOR ANOTHER EX-

IT> Hot doors indicate that there is a fire

inside, with a sizeable emission of gas and

vapours

IF THERE IS SMOKE, GET DOWN ON YOUR

HANDS AND KNEES AND CRAWL > Smoke

is hot and thus tends to rise

IF THERE IS SMOKE AND/OR DUST, COV-

ER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE WITH

CLOTHES, BETTER IF WET> In this way, you

inhale a reduced amount of smoke and/or

dust

IN CASE OF DUST, COVER YOUR MOUTH ANDNOSE WITH ANYTHING AVAILABLE> In this

way you will inhale a reduced amount of dust

ALERT OTHERS OF YOUR PRESENCE BY

KNOCKING ON A PIPE OR WALL>To get the

rescue workers attention

ONLY SHOUT AS A LAST RESORT TO GET

THE RESCUE WORKERS ATTENTION> By

shouting, you could inhale an excessive amount

of dirty air and increase the feeling of panic

and anxiety

In case of fire and/or smoke If you are trapped

COOPERATE WITH THE AUTHORITIES> Tell

the competent Authorities what you have wit-

nessed and remember to limit the use of mo-

bile phones to facilitate emergency commu-

nications

IF YOU GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM ON

YOUR OWN, FOLLOW THE SIGNS AND INDI-

CATIONS CAREFULLY> Hospitals set up

specific procedures in order to receive peo-ple involved in an emergency. Make sure this

has been done, cooperate with health au-

thorities, give information, and help to keep

the order

WAIT FOR RESCUE WORKERS BEFORE LEAV-

ING THE SCENE> They could provide you

with very useful information and assistance,

and you could contribute towards managing

the emergency more efficiently

And whatever the case may be

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2 knowing how to get information



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In order to organize a good Civil Protection Family Plan, you need to know not only the risks that

may affect the areas where you live, work or travel, but also how to obtain accurate information to

keep up to date with any emergency situations and with useful instructions that must be followed dur-ing a disaster.

There are at least three levels of information with which your household should be familiar:

> information included in the Civil Protection Municipal Plans and, in some cases, in the

Regional Plans;

> statements regarding the forecasting and prevention activities of the Civil Protection;

> information addressed to citizens by the Civil Protection during an ongoing emergency.

1. Civil Protection Municipal Plans and other planning documents

Every Italian Municipality must draw up a Civil Protection Municipal Plan. This document includes a

lot of information, some of which concerns all citizens directly:

>information regarding the safe areas to get to within the municipality in case of an emergency;

>evacuation procedures;

>routes to follow to reach safe areas;

>strategies set up by the Mayor for possible emergencies within the municipal territory.

By taking an active interest in the Civil Protection Municipal Plan, by viewing it and becoming familiarwith it, you could also give a civic push to those competent Authorities that have not drawn up a Plan

yet, or have not recently updated it.

2. Statements on the Civil Protection forecasting and prevention activities

The network of national and regional Monitoring Centres ensures a continuous service capable of

providing the authorities in charge of Civil Protection at all levels with all available data in order to de-

cide what to do in case of a probable emergency.

This data concerns weather conditions and the probability that these could cause emergency situa-

tions, for example a hydrogeological one, or situations posing a particular health hazard, such as heat

waves during the hottest summer days. It also concerns the state of volcanoes, the risk of seaquakes,

or the development of conditions that are particularly conducive to forest fires. When a critical situation

is expected, this information is broadcast on TV and radio news programmes. Moreover, you can find it

in newspapers, on the websites of the various national and regional Civil Protection bodies, or even on

the websites of the scientific institutes that cooperate with different levels of the National Service.



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3. News and information about the emergency provided

by the Civil Protection

One of the fundamental tasks of the Civil Protection is to inform citizens of any possible emergency andto provide them with useful instructions to cope with a crisis. In order to do this efficiently at the nation-

al, regional and local levels, Civil Protection officials generally make use of the media press agencies,

newspapers, television and radio which are the information channels generally used by the population.

When an emergency is in progress, the Civil Protection favours communication by means of radio and tel-

evision which, unlike newspapers, allows citizens to follow the development of the situation in real time

and to receive continual updates. For this reason, the Civil Protection recommends that each household

have at least one battery-powered radio; this will work even in case of a power cut. You can also use your

car radio as it is not powered by the electric network. Another means available thanks to modern tech-

nology and already tested by the Civil Protection are text messages (SMS) sent to all mobile phone users

in the crisis area. In this case, mobile phones become (without any invasion of privacy) a precious tool to

convey crucial information needed to make the right choices and decisions about how to act in a poten-

tially delicate situation.

A final remark you may find useful:

During an emergency, when faced with a tragedy or disaster, everyone feels the need to analyse,to make comments and conjectures, or to give explanations. And it is normal for the media to re-

late everything and give space to all opinions.

However, in order not to be mislead by mistaking an experts personal opinion for an official direc-

tive or instruction, it is important to learn to recognize those who speak on behalf of the Civil Pro-

tection; these officials are the only reliable source of information regarding the segments of the pop-

ulation involved in an emergency situation. Moreover, they are the only ones with specific respon-

sibilities towards you.


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3 getting your family organized


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