Adams
and Weld County Emergency Management Programs
Emergency
Alert System
Different
Storm Situations
LEPC
& Hazardous Materials
Emergency
Kit
Additional
Information
PREPAREDNESS is everyone’s job. Not just government agencies but all sectors of
society – service providers, businesses, civic and volunteer groups,
industry associations and neighborhood associations, as well as every
citizen – should plan ahead for disaster. During the first few hours
or days following a disaster, essential services may not be available.
People must be ready to act on their own.
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EMERGENCY
ALERT SYSTEM (EAS)
You
can obtain the most comprehensive and fastest emergency information
from the National Weather Service NOAA Weather Radio. This was expanded
from weather only to all emergency information from 9*1*1 phone outages,
road closures and of course all weather information. Specially built
receivers can be set to audibly warn when one of these warnings are
broadcast. You can purchase a tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio at many
electronic stores.
GENERAL
GUIDANCE
There
are certain things you can do that will help you prepare for and cope
with almost any type of emergency. The most basic thing to remember
is to KEEP CALM. In time of emergency, taking proper action may save
your life. TAKE TIME TO THINK, and then take the considered action
that the situation calls for. Usually, this will be the action you
have planned in advance, or the action you are instructed to take
by responsible authorities.
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Different
Storm Situations
TORNADO
Weld
County is the number one county in the United States for having the
most tornados. Adams County is a close second so there is a very good
chance that you will be in or near a tornado in either of these two
counties. A TORNADO WATCH is when conditions are right for a tornado.
This means to review your family plan for tornados. A TORNADO WARNING
is when a tornado has been sighted and immediate protective actions
are required.
FLOODING
 The
local National Weather Service Offices, along with Regional Weather
Service River Forecast Centers, issue Flood Forecasts and Warnings
when rainfall is enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks or
when melting snow combines with rainfall to produce flooding. FLOOD
WARNINGS are forecasts of impending floods. The warning message tells
the expected severity of flooding (minor, moderate or major), the
affected river or stream and when and where the flooding will begin.
When moving to a new area check with the local flood plain manager
to see if you are in an area susceptible to flooding and also check
to see if you can purchase or are required to purchase flood insurance
from the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is available
for all residents of the county. Careful preparation and prompt response
will assure personal safety and reduce property loss. In many areas,
unusually heavy rains or dam failure may cause quick or "flash" floods.
Small creeks, gullies, dry stream beds, ravines, culverts, or even
low-lying ground frequently flood quickly and endanger people, sometimes
before any warning can be given. There are many things that you can
do before and after a flood. Information flyers are available from
your local emergency manager.
LIGHTNING
In
Colorado, lightning is the number one life threatening weather hazards.
In the past 10 years there have been an average of three fatalities
and 18 injuries reported each year from lightning. The toll may be
worse, as recent studies have shown that many lightning accidents
are not reported.
AVOID:
metal objects, metal fences, metal backpacks, golf carts/clubs, farm
equipment or any open vehicle. Avoid being the tallest object and
stay away from other tall objects. Remember that metal is a very good
electrical conductor!
SEEK:
safety in a sturdy structure such as your house, store, hard top car/truck
with windows shut. If hiking seek shelter in a deep cave or canyon
or below tree line in a large group of trees. Be aware of flooding.
Lightning
may be ready to strike near you if you feel your hair stand on end
or your skin tingle. Drop to a crouch and keep your feet close together.
Do not lie flat on the ground as electricity can travel through the
ground.
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LOCAL
EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC) and HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
You
have the right to know what types of hazardous chemicals are in your
community. Congress enacted the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-know
Act
in 1986. This law, also known as Title III of the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III), involves four complementary
activities:
1.
Emergency Planning
2.
Emergency notification
3.
Community right-to-know reporting
4.
Toxic chemical release reporting.
Together,
SARA Title III creates a working partnership consisting of industry
and small business, state and local government officials, public health
and emergency response representatives, and other interested citizens.
Through this interaction and information-sharing, a safer community
can result. If you would like to know more about SARA Title III, or
have questions about the facilities that use hazardous chemicals in
your neighborhood, contact your Local Emergency Planning Committee
(LEPC) or emergency manager. In Adams County, contact Mike Kercheval at Adams County Office of Emergency Management, 4201 E. 72nd Ave Suite C, Commerce City, CO 80022
WINTER
STORMS
Winter
storms that produce freezing rain, sleet, ice, heavy snow or blizzard
conditions can be a serious hazard for residents and visitors to the
county. The first line of protection is to BE AWARE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS
in your area. By observing storm warnings, adequate preparation can
be made to lessen the impacts of hazardous weather conditions. A winter
storm could isolate you in your home for several days. Be prepared
to be without electricity and conventional forms of heating and cooking. Remember that the danger of a house fire and carbon monoxide poisoning
exists when emergency heating equipment is not used properly. Avoid all scheduled trips and travel only if necessary. If your car
breaks down or stalls during a storm, of if you become lost, don’t
panic. Think through the problem, decide on the safest and best course
of action, and then proceed slowly and carefully. Stay in your car
and wait for help to arrive. Don’t try to walk through a blizzard.
Getting lost can mean almost certain death. Dress to fit the weather.
Thin layers of loose clothing trap body heat while allowing air to
circulate. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold
air.
LARGE
HAIL
IN
CAR: If you get caught in large hail, 3/4 inch or larger, stop driving
if you are in your car. If you can see a safe place close-by to drive
to like inside a garage or beneath a service station awning do so.
Make sure you pull off the highway completely. A tree is not the best
place to seek shelter as it is common for trees to lose their branches
during large hail storms. Do not leave your car until it stops hailing.
Your car will furnish reasonable protection. Stay away from windows
and cover your eyes with something like a piece of cloth. If possible,
get onto the floor face down, or lay down on the seat with your back
to the windows. Put very small children under you, and cover their
eyes.
IN
STRUCTURE: Stay inside until hail stops. Stay away from windows. Check
to make sure that all family members, building occupants, pets, etc.
are inside, but do not go outside for any reason. If you are hit in
the head, you could be seriously injured, or even killed.
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72
HOUR FAMILY EMERGENCY KIT
A 72
hour family emergency kit should be prepared for every family and
should be tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family
for three days to a week. Most families prefer to store their emergency
supplies in one location that is relative safe, yet easily accessible
if evacuation is required. Items may be stored in a 32-gallon trash
can, suitcase, duffel bag, footlocker or individual pack. General
categories of supplies needed are for EMERGENCY NEEDS such as food,
water, first aid supplies, clothing and essential medicines. Establish
an Out-of-state telephone contact as calls out of the area will not
overload the phone lines. All relatives should be informed on procedures
to call the phone contact giving their individual location and status
should families be separated during a disaster. Plan on where the
family will meet in case of a fire or the house is destroyed and you
are unable to return home. Include in your food supply self-feeder
and water dispenser for your pets. Shelters are unable to accommodate
pets during a disaster. Contact your local Emergency Management Office
for a comprehensive list of supplies needed for 72 hours of survival.
AFTER
A DISASTER
Use
extreme caution in entering or working in buildings that may have
been damaged or weakened by the disaster, as they may collapse without
warning. There may also be gas leaks or electrical short circuits.
Don’t take lanterns, torches or lighted cigarettes into buildings
that have been flooded or otherwise damaged since there may be leaking
gas lines or flammable material present. Stay away from disaster areas.
Sightseeing will interfere with first aid or rescue work and may be
dangerous. Don’t drive unless necessary and drive with caution. Watch
for hazards to yourself and others and report them to local authorities.
Notify your relatives after the emergency so they will know you are
safe. Do not pass on rumors or exaggerated report of damage. Follow
the advice and instructions of local government on ways to help yourself
and your community recover from emergencies.
How to Store Water
Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined
metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances.
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CONTACT
YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGER FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
American Red Cross Mile High Chapter – Denver Colorado 24-Hour Hotline - 303.722.7474
NOAA Radio Stations
Colorado Springs – 162.475 MHz
Denver - 162.550 MHz
Fort Collins – 162.450 MHz
Greeley - 162.400 MHz
Longmont – 162.475 MHz
Cheyenne, WY – 162.475
Sample List of Commercial Radio Stations Broadcasting Emergency Alert System Information
KYGO 98.5 FM
KUAD 99.1 FM
KUNC 91.5 FM
KOA 850 AM
72 Hour - Emergency Needs Kit
• Battery Powered Radio
•First Aid Kit & Manual
• Sleeping Bags & Blankets (wool & thermal)
• Manual Can Opener
• Waterproof/Windproof Matches
• Non-Perishable Foods
• Flashlight
• Water Storage (1 gal./day/person)
• Water purification tablets
• Utility Knife
• Emergency Candles
• Extra Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses
• Essential Medications
• Extra Clothing
Suggested non-perishable food items: Ready-to-eat goods in unbreakable containers, canned meats, juice, fruits & vegetables, powdered milk, infant care foods, crackers, peanut butter, freeze-dried & dehydrated goods.
Colorado Division of Emergency Management Sanitation Kit
• Plastic Bucket w/ Tightly Fitted Lid
• Plastic Bags & Ties
• Disinfectant
• Improvised Toilet Seat
• Paper Cups & Plates
• Personal Toiletries
• Baby Supplies
• Aluminum Foil
• Paper Towels
• Personal Hygienic Needs
• Plastic Utensils
• Soap
Other Emergency Needs
• Pen & Paper
• Money
• Address & Phone Numbers
• Work Gloves
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C.A.R.T
- A Manual for Success, 2nd Edition
Complete
information on this and many other Small Acreage topics are now available
in
C.A.R.T
- A Manual for Success, 2nd Edition
To obtain
a copy of this book please contact the Adams County Small Acreage Coordinator
303.637.8003
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