Emergency Manager Coordinator:  Mary Clohessy

September is National Preparedness Month

During September, the Village of Evergreen Park joins the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Preparedness Coalition in urging residents to take some simple steps to make their families better prepared for emergencies including;

• Get a Kit – Get a kit of emergency supplies that will allow your family to survive without assistance for at least three days in the event of an emergency. The kit should include basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight and first-aid kit. For a complete list of recommended items click here.

• Make a Plan – Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency. You should include a communication plan and address sheltering-in place as well as evacuation from your home.

• Be Informed – learn more about the different natural and man made emergencies and disasters that may affect the community and the appropriate responses to them.

For further information check-out the following webpages.

www.ready.gov

www.state.il.us/iema

www.redcross.org

The Village Office of Emergency Preparedness is responsible for coordinating all village departments and activities during times of emergency. We believe an educated population is a key ingredient to having a successful emergency management program. Throughout the year, the village receives information from various county, state and federal agencies regarding emergency preparedness. It is our hope that the residents of the village will visit this site to obtain the most up to date information available to make our community a safer place to live.

In addition to this web site, information is provided from time to time to residents through press releases to the news media and announcements posted on the village cable access channel.

Winter Weather Safety

There has not been a winter in Illinois in recent history that has not produced a severe winter storm. On average, Illinois experiences five severe winter storms each year. The hazards that winter storms and extreme cold can be catastrophic. However, your family can take actions now that will increase your chances of surviving winter storms and extreme cold. A few tips are as follows;

Know the terms relating to severe winter weather
- A watch means severe weather is possible
- A warning means severe weather is occurring

Learn how to protect your family’s health during winter
- Dress appropriately in layered clothing
 
Gather emergency supplies for your home
- A battery powered radio
- Foods that do not require cooking
- Extra medication
- Extra drinking water
- Flashlights and extra batteries. Do not use candles - they are a fire hazard.
 
Have your home heating system checked for proper operation
- Do not use kerosene heaters inside your home
During the holiday season, use caution when installing decorations. Avoid the use of multiple extension cords and do not overload electrical outlets. Never use candles on or around your decorations or Christmas tree. If you haven’t already done so, change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Warm Weather Safety

There are a number of severe weather hazards that affect Illinois, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, damaging winds and hail.

The Village of Evergreen Park encourages families to plan in advance for actions to be taken in the event of severe weather. Know the terms used to describe severe storm threats. A Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch means Severe Thunderstorms or Tornadoes are possible in our area. Residents should remain alert for the development of severe weather. A Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warning means Severe Thunderstorms or Tornadoes are occurring in our area. In the event of a Warning residents should take cover immediately. The Village Emergency Storm Warning sirens will be activated in the event a Tornado is reported within 20 miles of the Village.

When the Emergency Siren is activated residents should immediately take cover in the lowest level of their homes. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or small inner room with no windows. Stay there until the danger has passed.

Emergency Supply Kits

A disaster of any kind may interfere with normal supplies of food, water, heat and day to day necessities. It is important to keep a stock of emergency supplies on hand sufficient to meet your needs for seventy – two hours (three days). Although you may not be directly in an area impacted by a natural disaster or terrorist event, utilities and other services may be affected.

In an emergency, our first responders (fire, police and public works personnel) will be focusing on treating those who are injured or may need to be evacuated and it may take some time to restore power or other services to you and your family. That is why an emergency supply kit is essential so that you and your family can take care of yourselves for a three day period of time. It is not expected that disruptions would be that long; however, having the necessary supplies will ensure that you are cared for and our emergency workers can focus on those most in need.

If you are forced to remain in your home during a natural disaster or other event, adequate supplies could help you live through a period of danger without hardship. If you are directed to evacuate instead of sheltering-in-place, the emergency kit can be taken with you and used to ease the transition to a shelter.

It is advisable to update your kit regularly. You should replace the water supply and any food that may have reached its use-by or expiration date. An easy way to remind oneself to update your kit is to use Daylight Savings Time. When you change your clocks, you should change your kit. It is also a good time to change the batteries in your home smoke detectors.

An emergency supply kit should include the following:

• A battery powered radio and flashlight, with extra batteries for each
• Bottled drinking water, one gallon per person per day
• As much drinkable fruit juice, soft drinks etc. that can be stored
• Canned or sealed packaged foods that do not need refrigeration or heating
• A can opener
• A blanket for each member of the family
• Writing materials to take notes from authorities
• A hammer, wrench and pliers
• A pocket knife
• A fire extinguisher
• Soap and towels
• Paper towels and toilet paper
• Bleach
• An extra set of car keys
• One change of clothing and footwear per person
• List of family physicians and phone numbers
• A first aid kit
• Non-prescription drugs, including mild pain relievers and antiseptic
• A list of prescription medication to take
• Pre-cut and uncut plastic bags
• Paper cups
• Matches
• Tape
• Disposable diapers
• Hand lotion

Identification collar and rabies tag
Carrier or cage
Leash
Medications
Newspaper, litter, trash bags for waste
Food and water
Veterinary record (necessary if your pet has to go to a shelter)
 

Preparedness For Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Releases

Introduction

The terrorist attacks against our country and the anthrax-laced letters that followed have awakened the conscience of the general public to the realities of terrorism.

The information provided on this site is not only applicable to terrorism. Illinois is home to many chemical, biological and manufacturing plants that store and use a large amount of hazardous materials. It is also a nuclear state, with six operating nuclear reactors dispersed throughout the state. Additionally, large amounts of potentially hazardous materials are shipped daily on highways, railroads, waterways and pipelines. For example a train derailment in Baltimore involving hazardous materials released harmful vapors into the air and required an extended evacuation of part of the city. Even household chemicals, if improperly mixed or stored can cause dangerous releases that can spread into the community. These events can be as or more severe that any terrorist attacks.

This information is designed to give guidance on what can be done to enhance survival in event of a nuclear, chemical or biological release. Experts feel that individuals must be prepared to be on their own for a minimum of three days in case of a disaster. In any type of emergency, the chance for survival is increased if people are prepared for the disaster and know what actions to take. Developing a comprehensive emergency survival plan is important for survival. Be sure to involve all members of your family in the development of your plan. A plan will only work if everyone knows and agrees to follow it.

General Guidance

There are actions you can take that will help get you ready for, and cope with any disaster. Knowing what to do is the best protection.

Perhaps the most basic thing to remember is to keep calm. In emergency situations, people are often needlessly injured or killed because their actions were thoughtless and hurried. Remaining calm may mean the difference between life and death.

During the emergency, taking proper action may save your life. Take time to think, and then act. It is best if the action has been planned in advance, and has been practiced.

Whenever a disaster strikes, it is advisable to have your television or radio turned on in order to hear the latest information or to receive instructions from local, state and federal authorities.

Use your phone only to report important events to emergency officials. Emergency situations place incredible strain on communications systems. By unnecessarily tying up the telephone line, you may prevent others reporting serious emergencies or hamper the ability for authorities to respond to the emergency.

Knowledge of first aid and emergency medical care can save lives and reduce suffering. All members of your family can acquire lifesaving skills by taking a general first aid class and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Nuclear Agents

On a daily basis, humans are exposed to radiation, which is defined as energy that can travel through the air. Some of this radiation is naturally occurring. Traces of naturally occurring radiation are present in food and water. Radiation is also released from man-made sources such as X-ray machines, televisions and microwave ovens.

Another potential source of radiation is a nuclear power plant. Illinois is the most nuclear state, with six operational reactor sites. Nuclear plants use heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water into steam which powers generators. During a radiological emergency gaseous effluent from a nuclear power plant may be released into the atmosphere.

Much has been made recently in the news and in the press about a “dirty nuclear bomb”. This is not a nuclear bomb like the ones dropped during World War II. A “dirty bomb” is a bomb that uses conventional explosives to spread an amount of radiation through the air. The dispersal of radioactive material in an urban area could have serious consequences for anyone who was contaminated with radioactive material, though depending upon how much nuclear material was present the conventional explosive could cause the most damage.

Radiation has a cumulative effect on the human body. The longer a person is exposed to radiation, the greater the risk of illness or death. Precautions need to be taken if there is a catastrophic release of radiation from a nuclear plant or a radiological bomb.

Chemical Agents

Chemical agents are poisonous gases, liquids or solids that can kill or incapacitate people and animals. Some chemicals are odorless and tasteless, making them difficult to detect. Chemicals present in a release can have an immediate or delayed effect.

Depending on the chemical involved, human exposure can occur via skin, inhalation, ingestion of contaminated food and water, or entry through other mucous lines areas, such as the eyes, nose and open cuts.

Exposure to chemical agents can be fatal. The severity of the injuries depends on the type of and the amount of the chemical agent used and the duration of the exposure.

These are the four categories of chemical agents:

Nerve – These types of chemicals can disrupt the transmission of nerve impulses in the body. The effects of nerve agents appear almost immediately and often include visual disturbance, runny nose, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, convulsions and death.
Blister – These agents can cause skin burns and blisters, and may damage eyes, airways, lungs and other internal organs.
Blood – These rapidly acting agents can cause seizures, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
Pulmonary - If inhaled, these types of chemicals can result in varying degrees of pulmonary edema, usually after a symptom free period that varies in duration with the amount inhaled.
In the event of a chemical attack or accidental release, village officials may order residents to “shelter-in-place” or evacuate. Most chemical agents are not detectable without special equipment, so no one should venture outdoors until appropriate notification has been given that the chemical agent is no longer a threat.

Biological Agents

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can produce illness or death in people and animals. Agents can be released intentionally or accidentally as airborne particles. Biological agents can also contaminate food or water supplies.

While numerous biological agents can cause havoc if released, government officials believe that the most likely pathogens terrorists would use would cause disease that include anthrax, smallpox, botulism and salmonella.

If government officials become aware of plans for a biological attack, residents would most likely be told to shelter-in place or evacuate immediately.

However, accidental releases and terrorist attacks may not be detected until after the fact. The emergency would be detected through the public health disease surveillance system.  Health care providers and public health advisors are on constant watch for unusual clusters of illness that are associated with the widespread release of a biological agent.

Shelter-in-Place

An emergency can occur quickly and without warning. The most important thing you can do to keep you and your family safe during an emergency is to prepare, stay calm, and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

In times of emergency, local officials may instruct you to shelter-in-place. This precaution is aimed to keep you and your family safe while remaining in your home. Instructions may be made via the village reverse 911 system, cable TV, and radio stations in the area or vehicle public address systems.

If you are instructed to shelter-in-place, take your children and pets indoors immediately. Then take the following precautions:

• Close all windows in your home
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems
• Close the fireplace damper
• Go to an above ground room with the fewest windows and doors
• Take your family emergency supply kit with you
• Wet some towels and place them in the cracks under the door
• If you are told there is a danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains
• To avoid injury, stay away from windows
• Stay in the room and listen to the radio until you are told all is safe or you are instructed to evacuate
• Authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection. Again, it is important to stay calm, listen carefully and follow all instructions. Do not use your telephone. The telephone lines will be needed for emergency operations.