| Truck and rail accidents, fires,
and explosions do happen anywhere and anytime in Alabama. When they occur, dangerous
chemicals sometimes escape into the air...chemicals that may threaten people's health.
Your Local Emergency Planning committee (LEPC) suggests these simple steps you can take to
protect yourself and your family. IN YOUR CAR Trucks carrying hazardous materials in certain quantities must have diamond-shaped signs (placards) displayed on the front, back, and sides of the vehicle. These signs identify the type of chemical being transported. If you witness an accident involving a placarded truck: Go to the nearest phone and report the accident to fire, police, or the Coffee County Sheriff's Department. If you have been able to observe the color and/or number on the placard (without approaching the vehicle) include this information in your report. Do not approach the vehicle, attempt rescue, or remain at the scene. If you see a plume or unusual cloud, it may contain hazardous chemicals: Move away from scene Close your windows and turn off or close ventilation to avoid breathing harmful fumes Turn on your car radio and listen for any emergency information, away from the scene. AT HOME You may hear your community warning siren or an announcement over a public address system from a municipal vehicle on your street. If so, turn on your radio or TV for further information and stay off the telephone. It only takes 20% more phone calls over the normal load to disable the phone system for an entire community, including essential police, fire, and emergency medical calls. Use the telephone for emergencies only. SHELTER IN PLACE You may be told to close air circulation systems. If so, here's what you should do: Close all doors and windows Turn off your air conditioner or furnace. You may be told extinguish the pilot light on your water heater, gas stove, and furnace. Pilot lights can ignite flammable gasses. Find out where and how to turn off these pilot lights and show all members of your family. Turn off your clothes dryer. Turn off all kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans If you have a fireplace, close the damper If you are told to block your doors and window, place wet towels, sheets, or other large items at the bottom of outside doors and windows. Continue listening to the radio or TV broadcasts for further information. HANDICAPPED/ELDERLY PREPAREDNESS If you are visually impaired, tune your radio to a local station for audio emergency information If you are hearing impaired, tune your television to a local channel for visual Emergency Alert System information If you hear sirens or see police and fire officials patrolling your neighborhood, contact neighbors to find out the nature of the emergency. You should establish "buddy systems" to assist handicapped individuals. This will help insure individuals are safe or have received help in getting to an evacuation shelter. If you are a handicapped or wheelchair-bound person, you should remain in your dwelling and implement the "AT HOME" procedures until help reaches you. You should try to make telephone contact or in some other way advise officials where you are located. |
EVACUATION For your health and safety, authorities may order an evacuation. If you hear a community warning siren or a public address announcement from a vehicle on your street, turn on your radio or TV and listen for instructions. You will be told about the emergency and where to go for shelter. Transportation can be arranged if you cannot drive yourself or share a ride with a neighbor. If you are disabled or ill and unable to comply with an evacuation order without special transportation (emergency squad), phone you local fire or police emergency number and request assistance. Take all prescription medicine and supplies you use on a daily basis with you when you do evacuate. (this includes oxygen, needles, etc) If you have small children, take bottles, formula, diapers, and a favorite toy. If time permits, take along one set of comfortable clothing for each family member. If you stay at a Red Cross Shelter, there will be cots, blankets, comfort kits (toothbrush, soap etc.), food, first aid, nursing assistance, and information. Make prior arrangements for pets. EVACUATION CHECKLIST When you hear the warning siren or public address announcement: Keep your radio or TV on and listen for instruction. Do not use the phone, unless you have a medical emergency or fire. Before you leave, turn off air circulation systems/close and lock all windows and exterior doors/turn off air conditioners (you will be told if furnaces, water heaters and gas stove pilot lights should be turned off)/ and close the damper on your fireplace. Collect and pack all currently prescribed medications and related medical supplies such as oxygen tanks, hypodermic needles, etc. Bring the name of your doctor and pharmacy with you if you will need to have any prescriptions refilled prior to returning home. If time permits, pack a change of clothing for each family member. Be sure to bring identification showing your current street address. If your driver's license, State ID card, or welfare card is not current, you can use a bill mailed to you at your current address. Follow evacuation orders given on the radio or TV. PREPLANNING If you have children, for your own peace of mind, find out about the school's disaster plan. Have other members of your family check for the disaster plans for their place of work. If you have children in child care facilities or family members in nursing homes, you may also want to check the disaster plans for these facilities. HOME SUPPLIES In the event that you are required to "shelter" at home, the following items will prove useful: Flashlight with extra batteries; three (3) day supply of food; and water Fire extinguisher(s) [A-B-C type]. MEDICATIONS List of medications, with dosages Name and phone number of your doctor and pharmacy. Three (3) day supply of essential medication for home and work (check with your doctor, he/she will probably prescribe an extra supply for this purpose) PERSONAL ARTICLES Special toys for young children Diapers and accessories for infants Change of underwear per person One set of comfortable clothing per person (i.e. sweat suit) A pillow per person (optional) |
