Disaster Preparedness the Wake Way
September 11, 2024
From tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and fires — disasters can strike quickly and without warning.
Janis Brown, a WakeMed Supervisor for Capital Regional Advisory Committee (CapRAC) and Disaster Planner/State Medical Assistive Team (SMAT) II, offers guidance on how to prepare for an emergency as she leads these efforts at WakeMed.
Brown explains, "WakeMed has an Emergency Management Office housed in the Environmental Health and Safety Office. That team does a variety of activities, ongoing education, warnings and drills each year, including vulnerabilities assessments that determine our top hazards. This team ensures the departments are prepared. They also assess outcomes to determine what additional training may be required."
Barb Bisset, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, the WakeMed Executive Director for Preparedness and Innovative Learning further observes, "In order to best serve our patients and the community in times of disaster, WakeMed recognizes the importance of planning and being prepared for many different types of emergencies."
Planning includes five levels of preparedness:
- The first is the expectation that staff have a personal preparedness plan for themselves and for their families.
- As departments have different responsibilities, department leadership needs to know their role(s).
- Plans are coordinated between all the WakeMed sites.
- There is an established incident management team to coordinate the system’s priorities.
- CapRAC is a valued partner as they coordinate the health care coalition preparedness activities for multiple counties, and they serve as a liaison for WakeMed with community, state and federal response partners.
Brown and Dr. Bisset urge all families to also take action in their personal lives by following these simple guidelines to prepare for a disaster:
Make a Plan
People should evaluate the types of disasters (natural or manmade) that can occur in their area, and talk with their family about a preparedness plan for each kind of emergency.
"In the emergency preparedness world, it is important to plan for all hazards, so the plan isn't overly specific to individual emergencies," shares Brown. "We recommend ensuring that a plan cover every potential situation."
- Hurricane
- Tornado
- Flood
- Home Fire
- Wild fire
- Blackout
- Severe thunderstorm
- Winter storm
Make a Kit
"Having a preparedness kit helps people ensure they are caring for themselves and their family, by having all necessities available in the event of a disaster or emergency," notes Brown. "When items are stored in advance, people are more likely to remember all necessary items, including medications, flashlights, extra clothes and more. It gives extra peace of mind to know everything is ready ahead of schedule."
People should build an emergency supply kit in a clearly labeled, easy-to-gram container with enough supplies to last each family member for seven days.
"Emergency kits should include personal, useful and essential items to sustain a family for at least 72 hours. Remember that in an emergency, responders won’t be able to reach everyone immediately. Help could come in hours, or possibly days, so emergency supply kits should include items to help manage during that time," says Brown.
Kits should be stocked with these basic items:
- First aid kit and essential medications
- Emergency phone numbers
- Cash
- Canned food and can opener
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing and rainwear
- Bedding or sleeping bags
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
- Written instructions to turn off electricity, gas and water
- Road map and car keys
- If advised to evacuate, bring important documents, including your driver's licenses, Social Security cards, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth certificates and tax records.
Brown explains, "Much of what goes into a preparedness kit is non-perishable, but as a rule of thumb, it is wise to check it at least annually to ensure nothing has expired, such as canned foods. It is good to have a set time each year to check the kit. For example, when checking smoke detectors annually, this could also be a great time to examine the preparedness kit."
Families should put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit. Plan for 14 days. Placing items in a backpack (excluding medications) and keeping the pack(s) in the front hallway closet are recommended.
"Preparedness kits should be available at home as well as at work," Brown explains. "For those who need to work in the event of a disaster, it makes sense to have a disaster preparedness kit available. Additionally, it could happen that any employee may need to spend the night, remain longer than expected or stay warm and dry at work during winter weather."
Suggestions for items in the kit include the following:
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Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit Adult |
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|---|---|
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Personal hygiene kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hand soap, towels, brush and comb, shaving soap and razors, feminine products (as applicable), denture needs (as applicable). |
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Toilet paper
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Moist towlettes and liquid hand sanitizer
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Medications (One month’s supply of prescription medications)
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Extra pair of eye glasses or contact lenses, if needed, hearing aids, dentures and/or other assistive devices, as applicable.
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Several sets of clothing, appropriate for the season for all members of the household. Make sure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens and a hat and rain gear. Include underwear, socks, pajamas, waterproof shoes or boots, including a sturdy, safe shoe for walking outside.
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Blankets (or sleeping bags) and pillows |
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Specialty items for infants, elderly, or disabled household members
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Nonperishable foods that do not require cooking. For example canned or boxed juices, soup, peanut butter, granola bars, canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Include a manual can opener (two week supply)
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Paper plates, plastic utensils
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Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person and per pet, per day for a two week supply)
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Paper towels, paper napkins
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House chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts of water to one part of bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. In an emergency, you can use it to treat water by adding 16 drops of bleach to a gallon of water. Do NOT use scented, color-safe or bleaches with added cleaners. |
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Candles and water proof matches. Keep in a waterproof container.
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Emergency telephone numbers (Include telephone company and other utility company numbers in your list.) |
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Cellular telephone and cellular telephone car charger
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Cash and credit card
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Copies of valuable papers and photos of valuables, including photos of children and pets. Copies of insurance policies, contracts and deeds, passports, stocks and bonds, credit card accounts, immunization records, medication lists, important phone numbers, wills, and household inventory.
|
|
|
First-aid kit: sterile bandages, gauze, tape, needle, moist novelettes, gel ice packs, thermometer, antiseptic, cleansing soap, latex gloves, sunscreen, tweezers, scissors, safety pins, pocket mask. |
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Flashlight and extra batteries (Consider self -generator powered)
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Extra batteries for emergency equipment
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Whistle to signal for help
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Paper and pens
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Books and small games for adults and for children
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Put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for your children in the event that you have to evacuate your home
Plan for 14 days. Suggested items for the kit include:
Infant
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Formula, breast milk and bottles, if appropriate
|
|
|
Diapers and wipes
|
|
|
Baby food, if applicable
|
|
|
Extra changes of clothes, including socks and underwear
|
|
|
Copy of Emergency Contact Information
|
|
|
Small comfort items
|
|
|
Prescription medications
|
|
|
Dry, snack foods, if appropriate
|
|
|
Photograph of you and your child(ren)
|
|
|
Shampoo, moisture wipes, lotions
|
|
|
Several blankets
|
Child
|
|
Extra changes of clothes, including socks and underwear, weather related jacket, coat, pajamas, spare shoes |
|
|
Copy of Emergency Contact Information
|
|
|
Small comfort items, reading materials, small games
|
|
|
Prescription medications
|
|
|
Dry, snack foods, if appropriate
|
|
|
Photograph of you and your child(ren)
|
|
|
Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hand soap, towels, brush and comb |
|
|
Several blankets and a pillow
|
Put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for your pets in the event that you have to evacuate your home with your pet(s).
"Pets have very different needs from people. A person would certainly not want to leave a pet behind in the event of an evacuation or when taking shelter in a basement for several days without electricity or running water. Just as it is important for people to be comfortable, pets need to be comfortable. Making sure pets have their medications, foods and more will safeguard pets against negative outcomes should an emergency arise."
Plan for 14 days. Suggested items for the kit include:
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Needed medications
|
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|
Pet food for two weeks
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Pet dish
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Water for five days
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Favorite snacks
|
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Collar, if applicable
|
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Leash, if applicable
|
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Pet carrier
|
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Copies of pet immunization records and pet photos
|
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|
Pet pillows, when applicable
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Pet clothing, if applicable (particularly if the evacuation occurs in cold weather)
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Litter box and litter, if applicable
|
- Do NOT leave pets to fend for themselves.
- Do NOT release pets before evacuating your home.
- Consider an alternate care provider for your pet(s).
Personal Preparedness Resource Information
Personal Contact Information
|
Contact |
Name |
Telephone Number
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|
Personal Emergency Contact |
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|
Out of Town Personal Contact
|
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|
Hospitals Near These Locations: Work: School: Home: |
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Family Physician
|
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Pharmacy
|
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|
Employer Contact
|
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|
School Contact(s)
|
|
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|
Religious / Spiritual Organization
|
|
|
|
Local Emergency Medical Services ( |
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|
|
Local Fire Department
|
|
|
|
Local Police Department
|
|
|
|
Veterinary / Animal Hospital
|
|
|
|
Other:
|
|
|
Put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit. Plan for 14 days. Suggest placing items in a backpack (excluding medications) and keeping the pack(s) in the front hallway closet. Suggestions for items in the kit include:
|
Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit Adult |
|
|
|
Personal hygiene kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hand soap, towels, brush and comb, shaving soap and razors, feminine products (as applicable), denture needs (as applicable). |
|
|
Toilet paper
|
|
|
Moist towlettes and liquid hand sanitizer
|
|
|
Medications (One month’s supply of prescription medications)
|
|
|
Extra pair of eye glasses or contact lenses, if needed, hearing aids, dentures and/or other assistive devices, as applicable.
|
|
|
Several sets of clothing, appropriate for the season for all members of the household. Make sure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens and a hat and rain gear. Include underwear, socks, pajamas, waterproof shoes or boots, including a sturdy, safe shoe for walking outside.
|
|
|
Blankets (or sleeping bags) and pillows |
|
|
Specialty items for infants, elderly, or disabled household members |
|
|
Nonperishable foods that do not require cooking. For example canned or boxed juices, soup, peanut butter, granola bars, canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Include a manual can opener (two week supply)
|
|
|
Paper plates, plastic utensils
|
|
|
Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person and per pet, per day for a two week supply)
|
|
|
Paper towels, paper napkins |
|
|
House chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts of water to one part of bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. In an emergency, you can use it to treat water by adding 16 drops of bleach to a gallon of water. Do NOT use scented, color-safe or bleaches with added cleaners. |
|
|
Candles and water proof matches. Keep in a waterproof container.
|
|
|
Emergency telephone numbers (Include telephone company and other utility company numbers in your list.) |
|
|
Cellular telephone and cellular telephone car charger |
|
|
Cash and credit card |
|
|
Copies of valuable papers and photos of valuables, including photos of children and pets. Copies of insurance policies, contracts and deeds, passports, stocks and bonds, credit card accounts, immunization records, medication lists, important phone numbers, wills, and household inventory. |
|
|
First-aid kit: sterile bandages, gauze, tape, needle, moist novelettes, gel ice packs, thermometer, antiseptic, cleansing soap, latex gloves, sunscreen, tweezers, scissors, safety pins, pocket mask. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flashlight and extra batteries (Consider self -generator powered)
|
|
|
Extra batteries for emergency equipment
|
|
|
Whistle to signal for help
|
|
|
Paper and pens
|
|
|
Books and small games for adults and for children
|
Quick Response Guide
Personal Preparedness Resource Information
Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for Children
Put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for your children in the event that you have to evacuate your home
Plan for 14 days. Suggested items for the kit include:
Infant
|
|
Formula, breast milk and bottles, if appropriate
|
|
|
Diapers and wipes
|
|
|
Baby food, if applicable
|
|
|
Extra changes of clothes, including socks and underwear
|
|
|
Copy of Emergency Contact Information
|
|
|
Small comfort items
|
|
|
Prescription medications
|
|
|
Dry, snack foods, if appropriate |
|
|
Photograph of you and your child(ren) |
|
|
Shampoo, moisture wipes, lotions |
|
|
Several blankets |
Child
|
|
Extra changes of clothes, including socks and underwear, weather related jacket, coat, pajamas, spare shoes |
|
|
Copy of Emergency Contact Information
|
|
|
Small comfort items, reading materials, small games
|
|
|
Prescription medications
|
|
|
Dry, snack foods, if appropriate |
|
|
Photograph of you and your child(ren) |
|
|
Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hand soap, towels, brush and comb |
|
|
Several blankets and a pillow |
Quick Response Guide
Personal Preparedness Resource Information
Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for Pets
Put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for your pets in the event that you have to evacuate your home with your pet(s).
Plan for 14 days. Suggested items for the kit include:
|
|
Needed medications
|
|
|
Pet food for two weeks
|
|
|
Pet dish
|
|
|
Water for five days
|
|
|
Favorite snacks
|
|
|
Collar, if applicable |
|
|
Leash, if applicable |
|
|
Pet carrier |
|
|
Copies of pet immunization records and pet photos |
|
|
Pet pillows, when applicable |
|
|
Pet clothing, if applicable (particularly if the evacuation occurs in cold weather) |
|
|
Litter box and litter, if applicable |
- Do NOT leave pets to fend for themselves.
- Do NOT release pets before evacuating your home.
- Consider an alternate care provider for your pet(s).
Personal Preparedness Resource Information
Personal Contact Information
|
Contact |
Name |
Telephone Number
|
|
Personal Emergency Contact |
|
|
|
Out of Town Personal Contact |
|
|
|
Hospitals Near: Work: School: Home: |
|
|
|
Family Physician |
|
|
|
Pharmacy |
|
|
|
Employer Contact |
|
|
|
School Contact(s) |
|
|
|
Religious / Spiritual Organization |
|
|
|
Local Emergency Medical Services ( |
|
|
|
Local Fire Department |
|
|
|
Local Police Department |
|
|
|
Veterinary / |
|
|
|
Other: |
|
|