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Introduction
To prepare for an emergency or survival situation, personnel should become
familiar with the emergency procedures that pertain to their specific work
location. Personnel expected to render first aid in an emergency situation
should be trained in first aid and CPR. A current list of emergency phone
numbers should be kept on hand. In all cases of emergency remember to remain
calm and follow the following procedures.
When representing
a client it is the independent contractor's / employee's responsibility to
identify and follow the facilities procedures in case of an emergency. All
emergency procedures are to be discussed with the onsite supervisor.
Fire
Fighting fires is a dangerous operation; those fighting fires must be properly
trained and equipped. They should understand their responsibilities and
limitations. Persons expected to respond to incipient fires must be trained in
the use of portable extinguishers and other designated equipment. Fire drills
must be held at regular intervals to familiarize personnel with their
responsibilities in the event of a fire. Only designated and trained personnel
should attempt to extinguish a fire that has advanced beyond the incipient
stage.
Actions for
responding to a fire in the incipient stage
1. Activate an alarm, if available.
2. Attempt to extinguish: Use a portable hand extinguisher or other designated
equipment to control and extinguish the fire.
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Note: If the
fire is NOT controlled within the first minute, back out and get help or
evacuate. |
3. Notify proper
personnel: Contact your supervisor and provide him/her with
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your location, |
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the time the
fire was observed, and |
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any actions
taken to contain the fire. |
4. Isolate the
energy source: If necessary and safe to do so isolate the fire's source of
energy according to local procedures.
Action for
responding to a fire beyond the incipient stage
1. Activate an
alarm, if available.
2. Notify proper
personnel: contact your supervisor and provide him/her with
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your location, |
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the time the
fire was observed, and |
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any actions
taken to contain the fire. |
3. Isolate the
energy source: If necessary and safe to do so isolate the fire's source of
energy according to local procedures.
4. Communicate:
Assist the fire brigade or outside agencies by identifying and communicating
additional hazards in the fire area.
5. Fire response:
The fire brigade or outside agency handles response.
Be familiar
with the following survival techniques in case of being trapped by a fire.
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Be aware of
the location of the designated fire exits. |
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Understand
evacuation procedures at the work location. |
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Do not use
elevators. Use designated exits. |
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If caught in a
smoke-filled area, crawl on the floor and take short breaths through your
nose. If possible, hold a cloth in front of your face. |
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Before opening
a door, touch it to check if it is hot. If it is hot, do not open it. |
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If unable to
safely exit a fire or smoke-filled area |
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Proceed to a
room with an outside window |
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Close the door
to isolate the room from the smoke-filled hallway |
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Move to a
window |
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Signal for
help |
Hurricanes
and Tropical Storms
Hurricanes originate in tropical waters and may bring heavy rain, high winds and
tides, and sometimes tornadoes. The hurricane season is from June through
November, but the majority of hurricanes occur in September. A tropical storm
has winds up to 73 mph and a hurricane has +74 mph winds.
Preparations for a
potential hurricane
Motor vehicles should be kept in good running condition and have at least
three-fourths of a tank of fuel. (It could be difficult to obtain fuel within
100 miles of your evacuation site or assembly point.) Drive carefully
during an evacuation, since risk is increased due to high winds, rain, and
traffic conditions.
Be sure that emergency survival supplies are available, such as:
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Fire
extinguishers |
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A portable
AM/FM radio with extra batteries |
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A three-day
supply of non-perishable food and water for each individual |
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Blankets |
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First aid
supplies |
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Water and
water purification supplies |
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Flashlights
with extra batteries |
During
a hurricane
Stay in touch with the movement of the hurricane through radio and television
advisories. Remain inside shelter - DO NOT TRAVEL during a hurricane.
Warning: If the center ("eye") of the hurricane passes directly over
your location, a lull in the wind occurs, which may last from five minutes to
half an hour. Then the wind velocity will increase suddenly, perhaps with
greater force. Remain inside shelter.
After
the hurricane has passed
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Check the
condition of refrigerated food for spoilage due to possible power outage
during the hurricane. |
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Avoid
low-hanging and downed electrical wires because the wires may still be
energized. |
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Follow the
directions of local law enforcement agencies in traveling. Soil may be
washed out beneath roads in coastal areas and the weight of a vehicle may
cause collapse. |
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Be aware of
the increased potential for snakes and other wildlife in unexpected areas. |
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If
contaminated water is suspected or reported, treat each gallon of drinking
water with one of the following:
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Four
water-purifying tablets |
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12 drops
of two percent tincture of iodine |
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Eight
drops of liquid chlorine household bleach. Warning: Only use bleach that
contains hypo chlorite as the only active ingredient. |
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Thunderstorms
and Tornadoes
A tornado is a funnel-shaped cloud that spins rapidly and extends toward the
ground from the base of a thundercloud. Tornadoes occur most frequently in the
months of March and September in the Midwestern, southern, and central states.
Tornado
shelters
Select a shelter in advance. The shelter should be free of water, gas, or debris
and equipped with a pick and shovel, if possible.
Warning: Be cautious when selecting a shelter. Flash flooding caused by
thunderstorm rains could make some locations dangerous.
Before
a tornado
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Seek a tornado
shelter. |
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If a tornado
shelter is not close, seek an inside shelter in a strongly reinforced
building. In a building without a basement, stay against the inside wall of
a lower floor, and, if possible, take cover under heavy furniture. |
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Avoid
auditoriums, gymnasiums, or other structures with large, poorly supported
roof structures. |
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If you are in
an open area and there is no time to escape, lie flat in a depression,
ditch, or ravine and cover your head with your hands. |
During
a tornado
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Remain calm. |
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Do not leave
your shelter during the storm. |
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Stay away from
windows. |
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Lie face down,
draw your knees up under your body, and cover the back of your head with
your hands.
This position
helps prevent head injuries, the most common cause of death during
tornadoes. |
Thunderstorm
precautions
To avoid being struck by lightning, stay indoors and away from electrical
appliances and telephones during a thunderstorm. If you are outdoors, avoid
elevated and metal structures.
Be prepared for possible flash flooding, very strong winds, and hail from
thunderstorms.
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