NCJ Number
198873
Date Published
2002
Length
61 pages
Annotation
This handbook contains information and guidance on what individuals and families can do to enhance their survival in the event of a disaster.
Abstract
The guidance provided is general and basic and should be supplemented with specific instructions issued by local authorities. General guidance includes keeping calm and developing a thoughtful plan before taking action; obtaining survival information and advice from radio or television; using the telephone only to report important events; having a knowledge of basic first aid; preparing to evacuate one's home quickly; developing an escape plan from the house; and keeping important papers in a safety deposit box at a bank. More detailed guidance is provided on the emergency supplies to keep on hand and what to do after a disaster. The latter guidelines pertain to personal hygiene and general cleanliness, illness, food spoilage versus food poisoning, the examination of canned goods, what to do when the freezer and/or refrigerator fails, cleanup, and sewage disposal. Separate sections of the handbook provide survival instructions for the following specific types of disasters: earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, winter storms, fire, nuclear power plant accident, and terrorism incidents. A separate section is also devoted to evacuation procedures.