Become Aware
Are you prepared for a natural disaster? The Saratoga Springs Fire Department is committed in educating residents by providing public awareness of what to do incase of a natural disaster.
"Shelter in Place"
In the event of a hazardous materials release the fire or police department may ask residents to “shelter in place” or stay indoors until the release can be contained. To shelter in place means to stay in hour home, close all windows and doors, bring your pets in, and turn off your heating and air conditioning. Stay indoors, and monitor television and radio announcements for further instructions. Shelter in place is preferable to evacuation when it is not feasible to move a large amount of people in a short period of time, or to expose them to a hazardous material. Do not hesitate to call 911 if there is an emergency during the shelter in place order.
Evacuation
An evacuation order may be authorized by the fire or police departments. An evacuation order will be given in the event residents need to leave their homes quickly, but in a calm and orderly fashion. A shelter location such as a church, school, or other property will be detailed in the evacuation order. You can also seek shelter at a family or friends home that is far away from the emergency incident. Pets are usually not allowed in shelters so make sure you have a pre-arranged place for your pet to stay. If an evacuation order is given please take only essential items or your family disaster care kit with you, lock your home, and leave immediately. If you do not have transportation, emergency responders will arrange transportation. Know two ways out of your residential area in case one is blocked. Monitor television and radio for further information on the length of the evacuation order.
Family Disaster Supply Kit (72 hours)
If you cannot leave your home, or need to evacuate immediately and cannot return for several days you need to have a disaster kit readily available with essential items. Here is what you need:
- one gallon of water per person per day for three days
- canned meat/fruit/vegetables
- battery operated radio and extra batteries
- paper cups/plates/utensils
- flashlight and extra batteries
- cash or traveler checks
- non-electric can opener
- toiletries
- soap and liquid detergent
- personal hygiene items
- rain gear
- shoes or work boots
- blankets or sleeping bags
- baby items
- prescription medicines
- and a first aid kit.
For more information, and additional items see www.redcross.org, and www.fema.gov.
Earthquake
Do you know what to do incase of an earthquake? Click here and test your skills.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous and odorless gas that cannot be seen or smelled, and can overcome an exposed person without warning. Carbon monoxide is produced by fuel burning appliances such as furnaces, gas ranges, and water heaters. Other sources for carbon monoxide are vehicles, charcoal grills, and fireplaces.
Recognizing early warning sings of carbon monoxide poisoning is some times difficult because early symptoms of exposure are headache, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, and nausea which may be associated with the flu or cold. Young children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with heart or respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to CO poisoning. The severity of symptoms of CO exposure is influenced by three main factors-the concentration of CO in the environment, how long the exposure lasts, and work load and breathing rate.
Risks to CO poisoning can be minimized if the public pays attention to the following tips
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Have your gas fueled appliances checked annually by a qualified technician.
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Don’t use a charcoal grill, generator, or other gasoline powered device in the house, or near open doors or windows.
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Install CO alarms on every level of your home. If they are battery operated change the battery at each time change. CO alarms aren’t a life time device, and should be changed out periodically. If the alarm sounds call 911, and leave your home immediately.
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Never idle a vehicle in a garage even if the garage door is open.
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CO poisoning can also occur in boats, tents, and campers.
If you want more information about carbon monoxide safety, call Saratoga Springs Fire/EMS at 801 766-6505.
Watch for more public awareness opportunities coming soon!