DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

TIPS ON MAKING YOUR “EMERGENCY ACTION” PLAN1. BE AWARE… Make sure it’s safe to approach area and victim.Use your senses…Listen for cries for help; screams; moans; explosions; breakingglass; crashing metal; gunshots; high winds; popping, humming orbuzzing noises; lots of coughing, etc.Look for broken glass; open medicine cabinet, container or bottlenear victim; smoke; fire; vapors or mist; downed power lines, etc.Watch for signs like trouble breathing; trouble talking; grabbing atthroat or chest; pale or blue color in face, lips or ears; lots of peoplecovering mouth or running away, etc.Smell smoke or something burning; strong odors or vapors (leave ifodor is too strong), etc.Feel something burning your eyes, lungs or skin, etc.2. BE PREPARED… The best thing you can do is STAY CALM…and THINK before you act!Any time there’s an emergency or disaster, most people are scared orconfused and many don’t know what to do. Take a few seconds andbreathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to helpslow your heartbeat and calm down. Always ask if you can help…either ask the victim or people around who may be helping.3. HAVE A PLAN! Check ABCs, call 9-1-1 and help victim, if possible.… Check victims’ ABCs… Airway, Breathing, & Circulation… call 9-1-1, 0 for Operator or local emergency number foran ambulance (see tips on next page)… help the victim, if possible -- and STAY until help arrives.Before giving first aid, you must have the victim’s permission. Tellthem who you are, how much training you’ve had, and how you planto help. Do not give care to someone who refuses it - unless they areunable to respond.www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325159