Pre
Storm Preparation:With the rainy
season and bad weather coming, kindly start preparing for weather related
emergencies, including storms, flooding, landslides and septic problems. Taking the
necessary precautions can save lives, reduce injuries and minimize damage to
property. Preparation
before a storm can have a dramatic positive impact on the situation after the
storm.
¨ Monitor weather
forecasts indicating a potential for heavy storms, tidal surges, and flooding.
¨ Clear
all roof gutters.
¨ Inspect for
leaks or damage to gutters that could cause flat roofs to flood.
¨ Direct the
water flow from downspouts away from foundations and
other buildings.
¨ Clean
and clear all road sides and storm drainages.
¨ Make
sure water is not being discharged over the edge of a steep hill.
¨
Place hosts on flood/landslide watch during imminent storms.
¨
Check creeks for obstructions.
¨ Assure
evacuation routes to the evacuation areas will not become impassable.
¨ Pre-identify
any hosts or guests who may require special help.
¨ If fire
equipment is stored in areas that have been severely impacted by high winds or
water in the past, arrange for the relocation, protection of fire fighting
equipment away from these vulnerable areas.
¨ Test backup generators.
¨ Check that retaining
walls are properly functioning.
¨ Check for signs
of earth movement, such as leaning trees, or cracks in the soil or sidewalks.
¨ Stock pile sand bags and spill kits.
¨
Keep basic emergency items in a “72-hour” emergency kit.
¨ Keep children
away from creeks and large drains which can be deadly during storms.
¨ Don't store hazardous materials in areas that may be
subject to flooding.
¨ Ensure all LPG tanks are secured properly.
¨ Check outdoor items that might blow
away or be torn loose. Secure these
items or take them indoors.
¨ Ensure all
boats are properly tied down and secured.
¨ Assure all
vehicles are topped off with fuel daily.
¨ Ensure areas
around airfield and aircraft are free of loose objects.
¨ Increase the
volume of PAR stock storage fuel for speed boats (to cover two weeks bad
weather).
¨ Increase the
volume of PAR stock LPG gas storage for kitchen cooking (to cover two weeks bad
weather).
¨ Store emergency
supplies (i.e. first aid kit, essential medicines) in air-tight bags and in
handy locations.
¨ Have sufficient
stock of umbrella and rain coats, plus normal (light weight/thin) rubber boots.
¨ Have at least 1
or 2 small canvas roof tented style units, to be used in case of heavy rain
protection during emergency works.
¨ Have sufficient
battery light LED torches (units that are hanging around the shoulder and
enable to work and see, without holding it in the hands).
¨ Have at least 3
small and 2 medium submersible pumps for 'flooding' relief.
¨ Use the fire pump(s)
to help mitigate any bad flooding.
¨Insure adequate number of life vests on all boats and that all guests
and hosts wear them.
¨ Monitor septic systems, wells,
and fuel tanks. Make sure valves are
shut so tanks won't spill if flood waters or conditions cause the tanks to
move.
Post
Storm Safety:
¨ Look out for small animals including snakes that have
been flooded out of their homes and may seek shelter elsewhere. Use a pole or
stick to poke to scare them away.
¨ Stay clear of any power lines and electrical wires that came down.
¨ Clean everything that got wet. Flood waters can pick up sewage and
chemicals. Spoiled food and
contaminated medicine can be a health hazards (when in doubt, throw it out).
¨ Be alert for gas leaks.
¨ Watch for road
hazards (i.e. washed out pavement, trees, power lines, mud, etc).
¨ Test potable water.
¨ Check for signs
of earth movement, such as leaning trees, or cracks in the soil or sidewalks.
¨ Assess building structural integrity.
¨ Make sure you document all damage and medical related emergencies and forward
copies of incident reports to the director of risk management.
