Last month we put together first aid kits. This month we will learn about evacuating to an emergency shelter.
Week #1—Know
When to Evacuate
Nationally, fires and floods cause the
most evacuations. However, the biggest concern for our neighborhood is a large
earthquake, hazardous chemical spill, or major winter storm. Leave
your home if…
· Local officials tell you to evacuate
· Your home is severely damaged
· Power, water, or gas are out for several
days
Week #2—Know
Where to Go
During
small emergencies, you can choose to stay in a hotel or with a friend or relative.
However, in large emergencies you may have to stay in an emergency shelter. Which
church or school our neighborhood will use will depend on the size of the
emergency and if any buildings are damaged. To find the closest emergency
shelter to Zip Code 84123, Text “Shelter 84123” to 43362 (4FEMA).
Week #3—Know
What to Take
Even
though a shelter will probably open quickly, you will need your own food and
water for the first few days. Bring your 72-hour kit with you. You can prepare children for this major change
by watching this 3-minute
video.
Week #4—Evacuation
Tips
If you need to evacuate, do the following:
· Listen carefully to instructions given
by local officials
· Evacuate immediately when told to do
so
· Lock your doors and windows before you
leave
· If damage forces you to walk to the
shelter, put your 72-hour kits in the large green Murray City recycling bin.
· Notify shelter staff of any special
needs
· Offer to help out at the shelter
· Be patient waiting in long lines
Extra Credit—Shelter
in Place
If
it is safe, staying at your home has several advantages— you can watch over
your property, have more privacy than staying with lots of other people, and have
all of your stuff close by. However, you need to be totally self-sufficient.
Add
the following items into your 72-hour kit:
·
Tent (large),
trailer, or camper
·
Sleeping bags
(warm)
·
Pillows (small)
·
Air mattress or
foam pads
·
Change of clothes
