Jane’s Citizen’s Safety Guide: 1st Edition

Take control - learn how to protect yourself and recover from an emergency

Emergency situations can be overwhelming. Even determining whether or not a threat exists can be complicated. However, you still have the power to protect and/or lessen the impact of such events upon yourself and your loved ones. Education is the best means of preparation. Jane’s Citizen’s Safety Guide is an excellent training resource, giving practical and prudent advice for emergency situations whether the potential crisis occurs in the home, school, community or workplace. Ideally, it should be used to supplement other appropriate written materials in addition to guidance from emergency services. The book contains information collected from multiple sources including first responder expert reports and street smart techniques. Jane’s Citizen’s Safety Guide is also suitable as a direct reference when responding to a biological or chemical disaster.

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Learn to distinguish between imagined and real threats. Familiarize yourself with local environmental hazards and prepare for natural disasters and accidents. Discover how to protect yourself from thieves and other dangers while traveling near and far. Find out your personal risk of terrorism and its likely sources. Jane’s Citizen’s Safety Guide not only covers what to do in natural disasters but how to respond to large scale hazardous materials threats including Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Contained within this manual you will find: an eight-step plan for emergency preparedness, a list of government agencies (federal, state and local), recommendations on who to call for help and what to expect from them, volunteer groups and how to volunteer, how to report an incident, definitions of jargon used in emergency situations, anticipated emotional impact during a crisis as well as a detailed analysis of emergency situations before, during and after the incident. Learn to create an evacuation plan as well as a communication plan and where to seek shelter after a disaster. The positive and negative aspects of safe rooms and sealed rooms during a biological, chemical or other crisis are detailed. Emergency ‘go-kits,’ home supplies, vehicle supplies and other items required in case of evacuation are discussed. Personal information, wills and insurance topics are also discussed in addition to crime prevention during a disaster and special firearm owner considerations.

There is a quiz at the end of each chapter to help you remember what you’ve learned.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Why Should I Use This Planning Guide?

1.1 Introduction – the importance of education in preparedness for disaster.
1.2 Everyday risks – an assessment of real verses imagined risks.
1.1.1 Travel near and away from home – concerns for avoiding dangers near and far from the home for children and adults.
1.1.2 Natural disasters and accidents – a discussion of local potential threats such as utility and transport problems, civil disturbance and forces of nature.
1.1.3 Terrorism – the personal risks and sources of terrorism are assessed.
1.1.4 Hazardous materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction – a practical discussion of the personal risks of a WMD attack verses a Hazardous materials release.
1.1.5 Physical and emotional impact of disasters – the impact of a large scale emergency in both the short and long term.
1.2 Where you can take control
1.2.1 Home – hazardous materials within the home, and organization of personal affairs in the event of an insurance claim.
1.2.2 School – school plans for disaster, accidents or violence.
1.2.3 Work – workplace security issues are addressed.
1.3 Emergency preparedness
1.3.1 Order in the chaos – the order of events in an emergency.
1.3.2 Build on what you know – much of emergency preparedness is common sense.
1.3.3 Emergency planning – planning ahead can reduce panic.
1.3.4 Eight-step Plan to Emergency Preparedness – the eight step plan is detailed.
1.4 Take action: observe, decide, react – three steps first responders use that you can also deploy to protect yourself and your family.
1.5 Help first responders – be independent so first responders can focus on more urgent matters.
1.6 Quiz yourself, family and friends – a review of the chapter.

Chapter 2: Government Protection: Who Does What and What to Expect

2.1 Introduction –government agencies who support emergency preparedness.
2.2 Local agencies
2.2.1 Responders and experts – members of the local community trained to respond.
2.2.2 Local fire services
2.2.2.1 Ongoing responsibilities – protection, prevention and response support for fire, emergency medical assistance, hazardous materials as well as search and rescue.
2.2.2.2 During an incident – duties include fire prevention, cause investigation, urban and underwater search and rescue, civil defense, building rescue and collapsed building prevention, natural disaster response.
2.2.2.3 Fire services and WMD—responds to toxic chemical, biological and radiological material.
2.2.3 Local law enforcement
2.2.3.1 Ongoing responsibilities – maintaining peace and order.
2.2.3.2 During and after an incident – first to arrive on the scene, provide first aid, control the scene and apprehend suspected criminals.
2.2.4 Types of police agencies – distinctions between various police agencies are listed.
2.2.5 Local emergency management – prepare, prevent and respond to disasters within the confines of their city or town.
2.2.5.1 Before an incident – prepares plans detailing how first responding agencies will react during a crisis.
2.2.5.2 During and after an incident – serves as the center of operations.
2.2.6 Local emergency medical services (EMS)
2.2.6.1 Ongoing responsibilities – provides emergency medical attention.
2.2.6.2 During an incident – can provide support in a variety of situations.
2.2.7 Local public health agencies
2.2.7.1 Ongoing responsibilities -- oversee health issues, food and water safety and supplies as well as offer medical services involving communicable diseases.
2.2.7.2 During and after an incident – provide care for patients after the initial incident.
2.3 State agencies -- help the local community restore peace after an incident.
2.3.1 State law enforcement
2.3.1.1 Ongoing responsibilities – provide protection on state roadways.
2.3.1.2 During an incident – may be asked to help local police.
2.3.2 State EMS – support local agencies when help is needed.
2.3.2.1 Before an incident – are similar to local EMS teams but respond on a larger scale.
2.3.2.2 During and after an incident -- ensure quick medical response.
2.3.3 State emergency management agency (EMA)
2.3.3.1 Ongoing responsibilities – supports local EMA organization.
2.3.3.2 During and after an incident – provides local services when local EMA is overburdened.
2.3.4 State public health -- provide data collection, technical consultation and support as well as investigate disease outbreaks and enforce public health laws as well as provide coordination among localities as well as with other states and federal agencies.
2.3.5 National Guard -- the only branch of the military to legally bear arms by order of the governor in order to restore order.
2.3.5.1 During and after an incident -- supports police, fire and EMS personnel during a major emergency.
2.3.6 Governor’s office – able to declare a state of emergency, send out the National Guard and ask for federal assistance.
2.4 Federal agencies
2.4.1 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – provides border, transportation and information security, oversees FEMA and maintains a science and technology department.
2.4.2 US Coast Guard (USCG) -- a branch of the military within DHS whose responsibilities include: search and rescue, illegal drugs and maritime border security.
2.4.3 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – organizes and prepares the federal government to respond to national disasters and emergencies declared by the President.
2.4.3.1 FEMA urban search and rescue teams – local area first responders who are asked to assist in federal search and rescue.
2.4.4 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – under the Department of Justice, the FBI investigates and tracks crime that crosses state, national and international boundaries.
2.5 How local, state and federal agencies work together – a detailed plan is in effect where local agencies respond first followed by state and then federal organizations.
2.5.1 Emergency response cooperation-- the Incident Command System (ICS) defines who is in charge.
2.5.2 Health care cooperation -- public health departments play the main role in mass distribution of vaccine or antibiotics while hospitals and other health care organizations would take care of casualties.
2.6 Public information -- informs and directs citizens before, during and after emergencies.
2.6.1 Role of public affairs -- public agencies are legally obligated to inform the public of important information.
2.6.2 Before an incident -- gathers the facts and explains the situation and necessary instructions to the public.
2.6.3 During an incident – organizes a disaster information center to provide the public accurate and updated information.
2.7 Media role in emergencies – gets information to the public as quickly and as accurately as possible.
2.7.1 During an incident – information can be found on the radio, television and in newspapers.
2.7.2 Change in media coverage of security -- media report a security incident as terrorism-related until proven otherwise.
2.7.3 Stories that make the news – dependent upon presence, or absence, of other significant news.
2.8 Other local resources – many other organizations provide assistance during emergencies.
2.8.1 Hospitals – may be required to organize alternative care facilities.
2.8.2 Transportation: public works sector
2.8.2.1 During an incident -- work to keep roads clear and support evacuations.
2.8.3 American Red Cross (ARC) – is able to provide emergency transportation and other services like food distribution and home repair assistance.
2.9 Training and volunteering – many organizations provide disaster response training for citizens to prepare themselves and help in the event of a disaster.
2.9.1 Sources of emergency training information – a list of resources is provided.
2.10 Citizen Corps – a group of citizens trained to respond to emergency situations.
2.10.1 Medical Reserve Corps – health care professionals who provide volunteer services in their communities
2.10.2 Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) -- police officers who volunteer time patrolling the streets.
2.10.3 Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) -- volunteers with emergency response training.
2.10.4 USA on Watch – a part of the Neighborhood Watch Program.
2.10.5 Private town hall style meetings -- conducted by private consultants who teach citizens how to prevent and respond to disasters.
2.11 Quiz yourself, family and friends

Chapter 3: Personal Disaster Preparedness

3.1Introduction -- being prepared reduces stress and therefore, heightens your chances of survival.
3.2 Understanding stress -- stress is mental and physical pressure experienced in response to positive and negative events.
3.2.1 Stress and emergencies -- each person reacts differently to crisis.
3.2.2 How can I plan to deal with stress? -- shift your focus away from the stressful activity.
3.3 Disaster preparedness – use the Eight-step Plan to Emergency Preparedness from Chapter 1
3.3.1 Risks in your community – such as an interstate, port or major rail line, a factory or nuclear power plant, or an area that sometimes floods are risks.
3.4 Evacuation plans – determine ahead of time the best escape routes out of your home and neighborhood.
3.5 Seeking shelter – research designated shelters for you and your pets located in your community through the local emergency management or mayor’s office.
3.6 Special needs: children, elderly and disabled -- make special arrangements for your disaster plan.
3.7 Communication plans -- how to communicate during a disaster.
3.7.1 Family communications -- create a plan that can go into effect when children are at school and adults are at work.
3.7.2 Leaving messages -- decide together the key information everyone needs to communicate.
3.7.3 Important numbers -- everyone should have access to key numbers during an emergency.
3.7.4 How to contact each other -- establish a central location for everyone to check in.
3.7.5 Meeting places -- select two meeting places during or after an emergency.
3.8 Preparing with neighbors and the community -- band together and face disasters as a unit and recover as a community.
3.8.1 Community and business meetings -- learn about the hazards, meet local officials and experts as well as share information.
3.9 Home preparedness -- prepare your home to reduce the likelihood and impact of potential danger.
3.10 Safe rooms – a room with fortified walls, ceiling, door and even flooring able to withstand extreme winds and flying debris.
3.11 Sealed rooms – an interior room without windows and above ground level.
3.11.1 How to use sealed rooms effectively -- contact emergency services (EMS) and give them important information.
3.11.2 How long can I stay in a sealed room? – a formula is provided to determine the amount of safe air per person per cubic foot of space.
3.12 Emergency Supplies -- have emergency supplies on hand to take care of yourself and your family until help arrives.
3.12.1 Emergency ‘go-kits’Home supplies -- ‘go-kits’ hold supplies that will be needed in the event of an emergency or an evacuation.
3.13 Medical needs – special medical considerations.
3.13.1 Pre-existing conditionsNon-prescription medications -- bleeding disorders, mental health related problems, cognitive disorders, limited mobility or any other condition requiring special care will need to be considered.
3.13.2 Vaccinations – keep your vaccinations up to date to prevent needless complications in a crisis situation.
3.14 Vehicle supplies -- a smaller emergency ‘go-kit’ for your vehicle.
3.14.1 Vehicle radio channels – keep the call letters and frequency numbers of your emergency alert radio and television stations near your radio and t.v..
3.15 Home and vehicle crime prevention during a disaster -- precautions to make should crime (such as looting) increase during an emergency or major disaster.
3.16 Personal information – protect records for tax and insurance purposes.
3.17 Organizing your finances -- plan how to acquire money in an emergency.
3.18 Insurance -- make certain you have adequate coverage for likely hazards in your area.
3.18.1 Making an inventory -- make a visual or written record of your possessions.
3.19 Will -- a will is the only way to assure your property and possessions are passed on as you wish.
3.20 Information security: physical and electronic -- be cautious when giving out personal information over the Internet.
3.20.1 Protecting your Social Security number – very few businesses actually require the use of your Social Security number.
3.20.2 Computer password protection -- use passwords not commonly known or easily obtained, such as: birthdays, children’s names, partners names, celebrities, favorite sports teams, favorite places, your name, pet names or simple numerical sequences like 12345.
3.20.3 Viruses -- the best way to prevent viruses is limit access to your computer.
3.20.4 Computer physical security – keeping your computer safe is an important aspect of information security.
3.21 Considerations for firearm owners -- gun owners should keep up with safety, legal and other related ownership issues.
3.21.1 Home and vehicle storage safety considerations -- firearms and ammunition should be properly secured at all times.
3.21.2 Training – courses should detail how to use firearms safely as well as the laws concerning the use of deadly force.
3.21.3 Legal considerations -- make sure you understand the firearms laws not only in your home state but in each state you plan to visit.
3.22 Training and volunteering -- benefit from having a family member who is trained in home safety, first aid and CPR.
3.22.1 Where can I find training to help with disaster relief? -- take care of yourself and your family first before volunteering to assist others during a disaster.
3.22.2 How can I help without taxing the system? -- join community volunteer agencies.
3.23 Quiz yourself, family and friends

Chapter 4: School Safety: Have You Done Your Homework?

4.1 Introduction -- know what to do when the school is involved in a crisis.
4.2 Back to school safety -- make sure children understand how to communicate during an emergency, travel safely to and from school and protect themselves at home.
4.2.1 Travel safety -- assure your children know how to obey traffic signals, signs, traffic officers and safety patrols as well as be aware of weather hazards and how to react to strangers.
4.2.2 Safety around buses and transportation -- simple bus safety tips to teach your children.
4.2.3 Home alone after school – teach your child independence by setting up simple safety rules.
4.3 Protecting your child from bullying – an important study found a connection between a number of school shootings and bullying.
4.3.1 Signs of bullied victims -- subtle and clear comments or signs are discussed.
4.3.2 Acute signs of bullying -- physical indicators as well as Behavioral changes are listed.
4.3.3 How can I prevent bullying? -- talk to your children about their right to attend school unharmed and unbothered.
4.3.4 How do I address bullying? -- communicate with your child as well as school representatives regarding how they are dealing with the problem.
4.3.5 Talking to school officials about bullying -- speak to teachers and administrators to find out what measures are in place to address social issues.
4.4 Help make schools safer – simple steps are provided to address common issues.
4.4.1 How can I help make my child’s school safe? -- learn about school life as well as the school’s safety planning.
4.4.2 Keep contact information updated -- keep your emergency contact Information updated.
4.5 Safe school planning -- a good safe school plan, employee training and other helpful topics.
4.5.1 What is a good safe school plan? -- detailed preparedness, prevention, response and recovery policies and procedures including dealing with students, parents, teachers and emergency responders.
4.5.2 School employee training -- teachers and other school employees should be trained and prepared to handle a range of emergencies.
4.5.3 Emergency response plans -- should be reviewed and updated annually to address changes in staff and resources.
4.6 Lockdown, shelter-in-place and evacuation plans -- school officials along with emergency response personnel must make the decision either to lock down, shelter-in-place or evacuate the school.
4.6.1 Lockdown -- school should create and practice lockdown procedures.
4.6.2 Shelter-in-place – sometimes the safest place for students during an emergency is inside the school.
4.6.3 Evacuation -- be prepared to pick up your child at an announced location and show your identification to school officials.
4.6.4 What if I can’t enter the school to pick up my child? -- it isn’t safe to go to the school and pick up your child during or soon after most emergencies.
4.6.5 Pick-up sites -- schools should create procedures for relatives to pick up their children from a location other than the school.
4.6.6 Family reunification plans -- your school’s family reunification plan should describe how school staff or designated authorities will sign out students.
4.7 Special planning considerations – schools should plan to address the needs of all students including those with disabilities.
4.7.1 Pre-school and daycare programs -- most babies and toddlers can’t move quickly on their own and emergency plans should be made accordingly.
4.7.2 Primary schools -- school officials should coordinate plans throughout the school district and community.
4.7.3 High schools – the school should develop plans with input from their community, including public safety officials, emergency management experts, public health as well as mental health partners.
4.7.4 Colleges and universities – your daughter and/or son should research safety facilities available on campus.
4.8 Media role in school safety – schools should have a crisis communications plan to work with the media during an emergency.
4.9 Quiz yourself, family and friends

Chapter 5: Security in the Workplace

5.1 Introduction -- employers are legally obligated to provide a safe and secure working environment for employees.
5.2 Workplace security risks – how unsafe is your workplace?
5.2.1 Is my job unsafe? -- major risks include: working with the public either at a facility or in private homes, with cash, alone, at night and/or in high crime areas.
5.3 Terrorism -- government offices, government-affiliated corporations, organizations involving the use, transport or storage of hazardous materials, or organizations that meet violent ideological opposition are likely targets.
5.3.1 Is your workplace a potential target – likely potential targets are government facilities, military bases, defense contractors, financial centers or large corporate offices, healthcare institutions, nightclubs, transportation facilities or modes, waterways, cargo and cruise ships, food suppliers, utilities, large retail stores, educational institutions, houses of worship and large sporting or entertainment arenas.
5.4 Protecting yourself against workplace threats -- workplace security depends on the nature of the organization’s business and location.
5.4.1 Theft and local crime -- the level of local crime determine the safety precautions you and your employer need to take.
5.4.2 Access controls -- visitors should be escorted to places within the organization.
5.4.3 Enclosed or isolated areas -- consider your safety in enclosed or isolated areas at work.
5.4.4 Leaving work -- look outside and around to make sure it appears safe and well lit before leaving as well as keeping your keys in your hand before you reach your car if you drive.
5.4.5 Working late – should you have to stay late at work, tell a co-worker and a friend/family member and call home before you leave with an estimate of your arrival.
5.5 Bomb threats -- businesses should have detailed bomb threat response procedures and provide bomb threat response training.
5.5.1 Searching for bombs -- only professional emergency responders trained in search techniques should conduct searches.
5.5.2 Bomb threat response – immediately contact law enforcement officials.
5.6 Suspicious letters, packages and items – mail handlers should be provided with special training on how to handle the receipt of a suspicious letter, package or item.
5.6.1 Characteristics of suspicious letters and packages -- may coincide with a bomb threat or other threatening phone call, may be stained, discolored or an unusual shape, may be covered in dirt or have an excessive number of postage stamps and/or lack a return address.
5.6.2 Dealing with suspicious letters -- NEVER touch move or open a suspect item, leave the area and call facilities management.
5.6.3 Dealing with suspicious packages – topics include: what to do with a known explosive and what to do with a chemical or biological threat.
5.6.4 Suspicious items -- tend to be portable devices, such as briefcases, laptops, backpacks or suitcases and could contain explosives, electronic devices used to set off explosives, illegal drugs or stolen items.
5.6.5 Dealing with a suspicious item -- follow the same procedures for a suspicious package.
5.7 Violence in the workplace -- warning signs listed should help you identify potential dangers.
5.7.1 Characteristics of a potential offender -- the most common perpetrators include men between the ages of 25 and 40.
5.7. 2 ‘Red flags’ -- the profile of the typical workplace violence offender is as important as knowing how to recognize the ‘red flags’ that serve as warnings of violence.
5.7.3 What do I do if I notice a potential offender at work? -- report observed characteristics or warning signs.
5.7.4 What do I do if someone is threatening me? -- call the police as soon as possible.
5.7.5 Weapons use -- if threatened with a gun, knife or other weapon, take cover and escape to a safe area as soon as you are able.
5.8 Domestic violence in the workplace -- domestic violence is increasingly occurring at workplaces.
5.8.1 Indicators of domestic violence -- incidents of domestic violence have a distinct set of characteristics.
5.8.2 Signs of victimization -- bruises/marks, harassing or argumentative phone calls, behavior changes, decline in work performance, reporting to work early and/or staying late, unable to remain focused, unexplained absences.
5.8.3 Offender characteristics -- controlling behavior, history of abusive relationships, diverts blame from self to others, extremely jealous, overtly authoritative to family members, manipulative and abusive to animals.
5.8.4 What are the options for victims? -- NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund provides guidance on victims’ options.
5.8.5 What should I do if I suspect or see a co-worker victimized? -- encourage the person to seek help at social services.
5.8.6 Employer domestic violence protection obligations -- some states have laws requiring state government offices create internal domestic violence policies.
5.8.7 Could I lose my job from being a domestic violence victim? -- 50 percent of domestic violence victims have reported losing a job directly — or at least in part — due to domestic violence.
5.9 Natural disasters -- consider and plan for likely natural disasters that may affect your ability to work and travel to and from home.
5.10 Employer workplace security responsibilities – employers are required to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
5.11 Security planning -- check with your employer about what workplace security plans are already in place.
5.11.1 Threat assessment team -- employers should create a threat assessment team.
5.11.2 Employer action plan – employers should establish a secure working environment for all employees, particularly victims of domestic violence.
5.12 Employee training -- employers should train employees on policies and reporting and response procedures.
5.13 Employer violation of workplace security standards -- contact OHSA, your union safety representative or if it’s a direct threat to your security, local law enforcement.
5.14 Quiz yourself, family and friends

Chapter 6: Street Smarts and Travel Safety

6.1 Introduction – be aware of your surroundings and use simple, preventive steps to stay safe.
6.2 Street Smarts for Adults – should someone attempt to grab your possessions, let go, and if you feel threatened leave the area.
6.2.1 Indicators of street crime and pickpockets -- criminals often select victims who do not appear to be paying attention to their surroundings because they are most likely distracted or intoxicated.
6.3 How can I protect myself from street crime? – simple steps are discussed.
6. 3.1 Walking -- act with confidence and move as if you know where you are going—even if you don’t.
6.3.2 Confronting strangers -- stay alert when talking with strangers.
6.3.3 Appearance – don’t wear or show expensive-looking clothes, jewelry or watches.
6.3.4 Securing your valuables, wallet and purse -- carry only what you need and keep it where only you can find it.
6.3.5 Filling up the gas tank -- do not carry your cash or credit card in hand when putting gas into your car.
6.4 ATM safety tips -- use ATMs during the day that are located indoors or are in well-lit, low-crime areas, stay aware of your surroundings, beware of distractions and never walk away from an ATM with cash still in your hand.
6.5 Street smarts for children -- there are basic safety rules kids can follow that will increase their awareness and lessen their chance of being harmed.
6.5.1 Teach your child to stay away from strangers – children are made aware of how to respond to strangers.
6.6 Protecting your child from sexual abuse -- sexual abuse can happen within the family, with familiar and stranger community members at school, in the neighborhood or even in houses of worship.
6.6.1 Preventing abuse -- know where your child is and with whom at all times.
6.6.2 Signs of sexual abuse -- changes in your child’s behavior can signal sexual abuse.
6.6.3 Response to an act of abuse -- immediately report it to the police or a child protection agency.
6.7 Transportation security -- transportation has its own risks.
6.8 Vehicle travel -- vehicle-related crime is one of the most common types of crime.
6.7.1 Car-jacking -- criminals have been known to target drivers in a variety of ways.
6.7.2 General vehicle safety precautions -- avoid becoming a victim by keeping car doors locked and windows closed , avoid leaving valuables visible within the car, select a safe, populated and well-lit area to park and drive in the center lane of multiple lane roads.
6.7.3 What can I do if I have problems on the road? -- if your car breaks down, don’t leave your car.
6.9 Air travel -- do a few simple things when flying to help security personnel and to keep yourself and your possessions safer.
6.9.1 Going through security -- place keys, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), change, watches and other metal items in your carry-on luggage before going through to the metal-detector.
6.9.2 Keep an eye on your bags -- make sure that weapons or contraband do not get placed within your luggage.
6.9.3 In-flight -- follow security instructions.
6.10 Cruise trips -- know how to report and evacuate during an incident.
6.11 Personal safety on public transportation -- most criminal incidents occur at night.
6.12 Taxis -- take precautions before entering the taxi.
6.12.1 Use marked and licensed taxis -- unlicensed or unmarked taxis often lack insurance coverage, leaving you without compensation or medical coverage if an accident happens.
6.12.2 How should I respond to a bad experience? -- take steps to contact authorities or shorten the ride if your taxi driver is acting suspiciously.
6.13 Travel Safety – practical steps to take while traveling.
6.13.1 What should I know before leaving? – use guidebooks, tourist information web sites and newspaper articles to familiarize yourself with the area before you travel.
6.13.2 Hotel safety -- simple precautions can make the difference between an uneventful, enjoyable and safe visit and one that turns into a dangerous or unpleasant experience.
6.14 Personal and medical insurance – make sure your medical insurance is valid for your destination and includes evacuation in the event of a serious illness or accident.
6.14.1 Keeping your identification secure -- your most valuable possession when traveling internationally is your government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
6.14.2 Emergency information and communications -- make sure you have key emergency information.
6.15 Differences with international travel – the internet, travel agencies and tourist information offices should have up-to-date and accurate information on your destination.
6.15.1 Pay attention to local laws -- you are subject to the laws of the country in which you are traveling, NOT the laws of the country of which you are a citizen.
6.16 Quiz yourself, family and friends

Chapter 7: Staying Alert and Reporting Incidents

7.1 Introduction – don’t make the mistake of not reporting incidents for fear of Invading others’ privacy or bothering the authorities.
7.2 Suspicious vehicles -- cars, trucks and vans may appear suspicious for a number of reasons.
7.2.1 What could be suspicious about a vehicle? -- vehicle activity, location and occupants are important to note.
7.2.2 Vehicle activity -- a vehicle riding low on the shocks or a vehicle left idling and unoccupied or parked for a long period of time.
7.2.3 Vehicle location -- vehicles repeatedly approaching at extreme speeds facilities of historic, economic, human, military or political value may be a threat.
7.2.4 Vehicle occupants -- people behaving strangely in their vehicle may be a threat.
7.2.5 Surveillance -- people sitting in vehicles could be surveying a building or person.
7.2.6 Changes to vehicles – possible indicators of a stolen vehicle are expired/lacking tags, clean exterior with a dirty tag, dirty exterior with a clean tag or a broken theft recovery system/navigational system antenna.
7.3 Reporting suspicious vehicles – things to keep in mind when reporting vehicles.
7.3.1 What is important to note if reporting a suspicious vehicle? -- write down the activity and the license plate number to avoid forgetting key facts that you will need to explain.
7.3.2 Victim and witness rights -- rights can vary from state to state but they are similar to the rights for US federal crimes.
7.4 Suspicious people – important things to consider.
7.4.1 Suspicious behavior -- follow similar strategies as with observing and reporting suspicious vehicles.
7.4.2 Communication of a threat -- consider context of the threat and any patterns.
7.4.3 Suspicious activities -- know your neighbors at home and at work just as it is helpful to be aware of your surroundings.
7.4.4 Surveillance – watch for people who survey sensitive sites by taking pictures, filming or using listening devices as well as watching entrances to potential targets or trespassing in a secured area.
7.4.5 Other activities – always consider what is normal for your neighborhood.
7.5 Reporting a suspicious person to the police -- write down details about the person and activities.
7.6 Helping a child identify a suspicious person – children must understand that they should never allow strangers into their home or accept any offer from someone they do not trust, such as a car ride, packages, candy, money or any other item.
7.6.1 Child victim and witness rights -- you have the right to be with your child while the authorities question her or him, and you must grant permission for their testimony to be used in court.
7.7 Reporting public safety emergencies -- call emergency services or the police as soon as possible as it can help to save lives, minimize damage or to find those responsible.
7.7.1 General guidelines to reporting emergencies -- report an incident as soon and as accurately as possible.
7.7.2 When to talk to other witnesses -- do not talk to any other witnesses about an incident before filing a police report.
7.7.3 Talking to first responders at the scene -- explain key information to first responders arriving on the scene using the CHALET chart.
7.8 CHALET -- a method to help you remember key information for reporting an incident.
7.9 Quiz yourself, family and friends

Chapter 8: Natural Disasters and Accidents

8.1Introduction -- what to do if you find yourself in the midst of a disaster.
8.2 Natural disasters -- can occur suddenly and may cause devastation across many miles and communities.
8.2.1 Hurricanes -- large storms with far reaching effects.
8.2.1.1 Hurricane preparations -- make preparations for possible high winds, flooding and heavy rain as soon as you hear of a Hurricane Watch.
8.2.1.2 Hurricane warning – if in effect, hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.
8.2.1.3 During a hurricane -- remain indoors and stay away from the windows until officials say it is safe to leave or if instucted to evacuate.
8.2.1.4 After a hurricane -- authorities may advise you to turn off your utilities.
8.2.2 Earthquake -- shifting of rock beneath the Earth’s surface causes earthquakes to erupt without any warning during any time of the year or time of day.
8.2.2.1 Protecting your home -- precautions in your home can save your life and prevent expensive damage.
8.2.2.2 Earthquake response procedures -- move to a safe place to protect yourself from falling objects if inside and buildings, other structures and trees if outside.
8.2.2.3 After an earthquake -- inspect the damage in and near your home.
8.2.3 Tornado -- a tornado can happen regardless of the location or time of year.
8.2.3.1 Tornado Watch – issued if a tornado is likely.
8.2.3.2 Tornado Warning -- a tornado has been spotted or is approaching your area.
8.2.3.3 After a tornado – see the guidance given for return home and/or recovering from earthquakes.
8.2.4 Floods – can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, clogged or poor house gutters, a cracked foundation, inadequate road drainage systems, failed protective devices, such as levees and dams, as well as tropical storms and hurricanes.
8.2.4.1 Before a flood – FEMA provides funds to help homeowners at risk of flooding with such improvement as house elevation.
8.2.4.2 Flood insurance -- homeowners, renters, and business owners can receive federally-backed flood insurance if they take steps to prevent future flood damage.
8.2.4.3 Flood Watch -- indicates that flooding is possible in your area.
8.2.4.4 Flood Warning -- means that flooding is occurring or is expected to occur in your area.
8.2.5 Severe winter weather -- understand the various weather warnings.
8.2.5.1 Before a winter storm – plan for what you will do to help elderly or disabled friends and neighbors or employees during a winter storm.
8.2.5.2 Home preparations – specific winter supplies are listed to add to your ‘go-kit’, protect home structures and prevent pipes from freezing.
8.2.5.3 Vehicle preparations – such as keeping a shovel, windshield scraper, extra hats and mittens, blanket, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand in your vehicle.
8.2.5.4 During a winter storm – specific recommendations are listed for indoor and outdoor situations.
8.2.5.5 Frostbite and hypothermia -- is a serious condition whereby the Body’s temperature goes below 90 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause permanent damage and even require amputation.
8.3 Hazardous substances in the home -- products you use can give off or contain toxic and/or flammable materials.
8.3.1 Poisonous gas in the home: carbon monoxide -- a poisonous gas that is odorless, tasteless, invisible and heavier than air.
8.3.2 Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, confusion and loss of consciousness.
8.3.2.1 Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning -- place alarms in low-lying areas around items that produce CO.
8.3.3 Chemical household products -- simple steps can prevent a hazardous materials (HazMat) incident in your home.
8.3.3.1 L.I.E.S – a pneumonic to help you remember key steps to preventing chemical hazards at home.
8.3.3.2 Throwing away chemical bottles -- avoid polluting the inside and outside of your home, follow specific disposal instructions for different types of hazardous materials.
8.3.3.3 Spilled chemicals -- clean them using plastic gloves and rags.
8.3.3.4 Response to a home chemical emergency – a quick response to chemical incidents is key to limiting pain and damage.
8.3.3.5 After a home chemical emergency -- wash all exposed areas of the body with lots of water and soap, and throw away contaminated clothing.
8.4 Fires -- create a fire evacuation plan.
8.4.1 Using fire extinguishers -- using the wrong type of extinguisher can prove disastrous.
8.4.2 Structural fires – contact your local fire department for information on responding to structural fires.
8.4.3 Vehicle fires -- immediately exit the vehicle or the area in case of explosion.
8.4.4 Wildfires -- evacuate the area as quickly as possible.
8.5 Power outage -- most power outages don’t become emergencies because they are corrected quickly; nevertheless it is important to respond calmly and efficiently.
8.6 Public transportation emergencies -- range from minor subway train schedule interruptions to major airline crashes or train derailments.
8.6.1 Responding to a transportation incident -- locate an intercom or a staff member to inform them of the problem, time it occurred, amount of people in your enclosed area.
8.7 Civil disturbances – examples are festering tensions between neighboring communities, a political event sparking anger from the general public or a particular group, the stress and confusion from major disasters and unrest at an entertainment venue.
8.7.1 Response to civil disturbance -- take care when making decisions to leave or stay.
8.7. 2 Use of personal firearms -- firearms provide limited protection against an angry mob because they may also be armed and/or they may attempt to disarm you.

Chapter 9: Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction

9.1 Introduction – If Al-Qaeda could pull off that attack, could they use even more devastating weapons?
9.2 Hazardous materials in your community -- an industrial chemical incident can happen anywhere since a variety of land, sea and air carriers transport HazMat as cargo, and chemical spills and other releases, such as methane gas and groundwater contamination, can indeed happen anywhere as well.
9.2.1 Identify HazMat risks -- Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) will identify industrial hazardous materials and inform the public about potential risks.
9.2.2 Response to a large HazMat release -- see the seven self-protection responses.
9.3 Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) -- chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons (CBRN).
9.3.1 Danger of WMD agents -- differences exist between the various CBRN agents.
9.4 CBRN weapons delivery -- CBRN materials can be delivered in different ways.
9.4.1 False incidents and hoaxes -- false incidents and hoaxes may cause significant concern and disruption if not dealt with properly.
9.4.2 Clear (overt) releases -- a clear or overt method is when witnesses and/or first responders know that something has happened.
9.4.3 Hidden (covert) releases -- the occurrence and/or source of the attack is difficult to find.
9.5 Symptoms of chemical, biological and radiological release -- the effects of nuclear devices are of a different magnitude than CBR hazards.
9.5.1 Symptoms of a chemical release -- sudden onset of symptoms, unexplained victims, dead or dying animals are some symptoms.
9.5.2 Symptoms of a biological release -- delayed symptoms of illness are many times the first signs of exposure to a biological agent.
9.5.3 Symptoms of a radiological release -- the first indicator of an attack with a ‘dirty bomb’ would be bomb detonation.
9.6 Protecting yourself during a CBRN emergency -- you have three options: evacuate, remain indoors (shelter-in-place) or seek shelter nearby.
9.7 Chemical, biological and radiological incidents -- consider procedures to protect and decontaminate yourself after a CBR release.
9.7.1 Seven self-protection responses – a quick reference to help you protect yourself.
9.8 Possible CBR situations and responses -- seek help on your own if there is no sight or sound of emergency services arriving within 15 minutes.
9.8.1Radiation considerations -- radiation will pose a significant risk until the source is removed.
9.9 Use of sealed rooms – a variety of uncontrollable weather conditions have to be just right to allow chemical and biological releases to be harmful.
9.9.1 Knowing how to use a sealed room -- set aside a room ahead of time and understand how to use it for the short time it’s useful.
9.9.2 How long can I stay in a sealed room? -- leave before oxygen and carbon dioxide levels become dangerous.
9.9.3 How do I leave a sealed room? -- assume you are entering a contaminated environment.
9.10 Emergency decontamination -- notify emergency services and waiting for their arrival.
9.10.1 Taking action if emergency services don’t arrive -- leave the immediate danger area or within 15 minutes, use the evacuation procedures to go the nearest hospital for an examination.
9.11 Nuclear events -- even if you are not affected by the blast and fires, you may need to evacuate if you are downwind of the explosion.
9. 11.1 Nuclear protection – once the shockwave has passed over you twice, debris will begin to fall; therefore take action using the seven listed steps.
9. 11.2 What do I do after the blast? -- emergency responders will probably not be able to handle the entire incident.
9. 11.3 When do I evacuate? – how to decide whether to stay and seek shelter or depart from the blast area.
9. 11.4 Evacuation procedures -- you may have to walk one to 15 miles or more before you come into contact with people who can help you.
9. 11.5 Dangers after a nuclear explosion – a list and description of dangers.
9. 11.5.1 Firestorm -- form when many fires turn into a single, massive fire igniting even the air and may take several hours to build-up.
9. 11.5.2 Fallout -- the raining of radioactive particles out of the cloud of debris tossed up by a nuclear explosion.
9. 12 Fallout shelters -- opinions vary regarding the usefulness of fallout shelters.
9. 12.1 Entering a fallout shelter after an explosion -- keep abreast of news broadcasts via radio or contact outside sources via cell phone.
9. 12.2 Leaving a fallout shelter – once authorities announce it is safe to evacuate, two weeks have passed or food and water run out.
9.13 Quiz yourself, family and friends

Chapter 10: After an Emergency: What Do I Do now?

10.1 Introduction -- interruption of basic services, such as electricity, telephone, gas, and water, combined with evacuation or confinement, make the aftermath of a disaster difficult and frustrating.
10.2 Going through the first few days -- first to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones and then assist others.
10.2.1 Shelter-in-place -- remain inside your home, place of work or where ever you can find protection for an extended period of time.
10.2.2 Power outage – run electrical generators outdoors where poisonous fumes can ventilate into open air.
10.3 Water -- stock ample water and food.
10.3.1 Water Sources – if unable to drink tap water consider using other sources inside or outside of your home.
10.3.2 Water purification – check local news and radio reports for boiling orders or other drinking water safety alerts.
10.3.3 Food – keep non-perishable food items, such as canned goods.
10.4 Damage assessment -- wait for a utility company professional to turn utilities back on.
10.4.1 Secondary emergencies -- restock disaster supplies as soon as you and your family are safe.
10.5 Assistance – available government assistance is outlined.
10.5.1 Government response -- the larger the disaster, the longer it will take for government assistance.
10.5.2 FEMA disaster recovery assistance -- FEMA coordinates a wide range of federal disaster assistance across federal agencies.
10.5.3 Help outside of government agencies -- be wary of individuals or groups who offer to help and are not working for local, state or federal authorities or a reputable caregiving organization.
10.5.4 Hiring contractors – be cautious, where government aid is available, the agency may require an assessment of the damaged property before making any repairs.
10.5.5 Contractor fraud -- if a victim of contractor fraud, contact your State Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection and your local police department.
10.6 Longer-term effects of a disaster -- survivors should be aware of the effects of cumulative stress.
10.6.1 Family -- disasters can put a strain on families.
10.6.2 Finances -- seeking financial assistance and dealing with bureaucracy adds to the high levels of disaster-related stress.
10.6.3 Work -- conflicts with colleagues can accompany a disaster.
10.6.4 Funerals -- you may need to help arrange a wake and funeral while attempting to bring your life back to normal.
10.7 Talking to the media -- you may be asked to give an interview or represent your community or organization at a press conference.
10.7.1 Should you accept the interview request? – you are under no obligation to speak with media representatives.
10.7.2 Approach -- some helpful hints for dealing with the media.
10.8 Volunteering and charitable donations -- listen for specific requests from the government agencies responding to the incident before going to the site or their offices.
10.9 Quiz yourself, family and friends

Chapter 11: Psychological Effects of Emergencies

11.1 Introduction – the ability to deal with the immediate impact of a crisis may determine your mental well-being in the future.
11.2 Five phases of crisis recovery -- five phases of crisis recovery can help explain the natural process that occurs after a disaster.
11.3 Handling stress – is experienced mentally and physically due to positive and negative events in our lives.
11.3.1 What is traumatic stress? -- the mental, physical, emotional and behavioral reactions people often experience after an traumatic event.
11.3.2 Factors affecting traumatic stress – multiple factors are listed but first identify your feelings and how you feel most comfortable in recovering.
11.4 Traumatic stress reactions – a chart lists the cognitive, physical, behavioral and emotional symptoms you may have after an incident.
11.4.1 Traumatic stress disorders -- symptoms are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
11.4.2 Fear and anxiety – a natural response to a traumatic situation.
11.4.3 Traumatic reminders – victims of trauma often re-experience the traumatic event.
11.4.4 Increased reflexes -- feeling jumpy, jittery, or shaky, and/or having trouble concentrating or sleeping.
11.4.5 Avoidance -- avoiding situations and/or thoughts that remind you of the event is a common way of managing trauma-related pain.
11.4.6 Anger and irritability -- anger can occur out of a lack of control throughout the experience.
11.4.7 Guilt and shame -- often people blame themselves for actions they did or didn’t do related to the event.
11.4.8 Self-image and views of the world -- often become more negative after a trauma.
11.4.9 Grief and depression – because trauma can change your self-image and your view of the world, it makes sense to feel sad and to grieve for what you lost.
11.4.10 Sexual relationships -- many people find it difficult to feel sexual or to have sexual relationships.
11.4.11Substance use and abuse -- sometimes people increase their use of alcohol or other substances after a trauma.
11.4.12 Can trauma reactions happen at the same time? -- often reactions to trauma are connected.
11.4.13 Can feelings of trauma cause negative reactions? -- some emotional reactions can make the situation worse.
11.5 Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) -- causes intense fear and strong physical reaction long after the danger has passed.
11.5.1 Symptoms of PTSD – symptoms include re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoidance or numbing and increased arousal
11.6 Going through the grieving process -- use natural sources of support, talk with friends, family and co-workers at your own pace.
11.6.1 Denial -- to refuse to believe what has happened.
11.6.2 Anger – blame, irritability and self-harm are possible reactions.
11.6.3 Bargaining – making an offering in exchange for the reality of what has happened.
11.6.4 Depression – a very common reaction to grieving.
11.6.5 Substance use and abuse -- worsens the person’s symptoms and makes the situation much more difficult to improve.
11.6.6 Acceptance -- final stage of grief and is often confused with recovery.
11.6.7 Traumatic grief – people may not follow the ‘normal’ grief process if the loss was very sudden.
11.7 Healing strategies – helpful steps toward healing.
11.7.1 How can I help myself and others recover? -- strategies to help you when dealing with your own or a loved one’s traumatic stress reactions.
11.7.2 Personal interaction -- tips to putting health strategies into action.
11.7.3 Physical habits -- eating, exercise and sleeping habits affect your health.
11.8 Caring for children – how to help children through a crisis.
11.8.1 How can disasters and crises affect children? – they can temporarily or even permanently hurt their physical and emotional health.
11.8.2 How can I help a child recover from a traumatic event? -- giving immediate attention will start the healing process and prevent further pain.
11.8.3 What could traumatize children? – major and minor events can scare and affect them.
11.8.4 What should I ask a child who suffered from an accident? -- consider asking the the listed questions to understand what happened to them and their reactions.
11.8.5 Helping a child go through the grieving process – grieving can cause even more complex and fearful emotions.
11.9 Preschool and early elementary age children – how to help younger children through a crisis.
11.9.1 Symptoms of child trauma (ages 3 to 7 years) -- keep a close eye on the listed symptoms.
11.9.2 Discussing safety, feelings and behavior changes – in a normal manner, tell children that you care for them and that they are safe.
11.9.3 Caring for a small child after an emergency -- a peaceful, safe environment is critical.
11.10 Older elementary and middle school students -- older children will attempt to understand emergencies, particularly violent acts, through the ideas of responsibility, fairness and assumption of guilt.
11.10.1 Symptoms of child trauma (ages 7 to 13 years) -- generalized and irrational fears are a problem and possible signs are listed.
11.10.2 Discussing safety, feelings and behavior changes – do not appear panicked or frightened and tell them that you care for them and that they are safe.
11.10.3 Caring for older elementary and middle school children – they have some abilities to take care of themselves but they are still very sensitive to their surroundings.
11.11 Adolescents -- can exhibit a wide range of emotions in response to emergencies, including targeted violence.
11.11.1 Symptoms of adolescent trauma (ages 13 to 18 years old) -- symptoms consist of complex feelings and behavior that can be considered child- like or adult-like.
11.11.2 Discussing safety and feelings – if you appear panicked, they will feel upset as well.
11.11.3 Giving explanations – it will help to know that their responses are normal and in reaction to an extraordinary and difficult situation.
11.11.4 Do adolescents need to be taken care of? -- provide a calming, comfortable environment in which to recover and readjust.
11.12 Quiz yourself, family and friends

Chapter 12: Appendices

12.1 CBRN characteristics -- provides the history and background of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials used as weapons of mass destruction.
12.1.1 Chemical weapons -- need specific conditions, such as weather, to harm people.
12.1.1.2 Characteristics of chemical weapons -- highly volatile chemicals will disperse rapidly; whereas, more persistent chemicals can present a hazard for several days or more.
12.1.2 Biological weapons -- recognition of dangerous biological substances is often a question of noticing and reporting a suspicious activity or item before symptoms appear.
12.1.2.1 Characteristics of biological weapons – characteristics are listed.
12.1.2.2 Toxins -- poisons rather than diseases and most have a more rapid onset than infectious diseases, such as anthrax or smallpox.
12.1.3 Radiological weapons -- depending upon concentration and radioactive strength of material, damage would not occur immediately, if at all.
12.1.3.1 Characteristics of radiological weapons -- radiation is invisible, odorless and tasteless.
12.1.8 Three main types of radiological weapons – examples include ‘dirty bombs,’ poisoning food/water supplies with radiation, or using a non-explosive scattering device, such as a fan or atomizer.
12.1.9 Nuclear weapons – a remote but real possibility.
12.1.10 Characteristics of nuclear explosion -- a nuclear explosion would affect an entire city.
12.2 Quiz answers
12.3 Family disaster plan and contact information tear-outs
12.4 Emergency ‘go-kit’ checklist
12.5 Vehicle emergency ‘go-kit’ checklist
12.6 Index