- Be sure to bring your pets' food, medicines, leash and collar and papers showing shots.
- If you have a pet you should make sure you get to the shelter early because your pets need to go through intake with volunteers.
- To make sure your shelter takes pets please call 311
Showing posts with label information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label information. Show all posts
Saturday, August 27, 2011
City Shelters are opening for Families with Pets
Despite previous policies, some shelters (e.g. Ozone Park) are taking in pets. It is unclear at present if all city shelters will but it seems most will provide arrangements for family pets (service animals have always been allow in crisis centers per Federal Law).
Some More Tips for Hurricane Irene
- Stay indoors. If you must go outside, stay away from downed and dangling lines. Treat all downed lines as if they are live and dangerous.
- If you use a portable generator, follow its important, life-saving instructions. Click here for more information on generators.
- Listen to your battery-operated radio on for updates on our restoration progress and safety tips.
- Use candles and storm lanterns carefully. Keep them out of drafts, away from flammable materials, and out of the reach of children.
- If your power goes out call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).
- Unplug appliances in basement or make sure they are at least 18 inches off the floor to avoid fires and electrical shocks.
- Water services may be interrupted in some areas so store water ahead of time.
- If you expect power failure turn your fridge and freezer to highest setting and avoid opening the door as much as possible.
- Click here for step-by-step on turning off gas, water and electricity
Re: Hurricane Irene
Neighbor,
We know this can be a difficult and confusing time but you are not alone. You live in the most resilient city in the US. If you follow some simple guidelines you can aid yourself, your family and your neighborhood. You and your neighbors are the best emergency resource this city has to offer.
Basics
Make sure you hydrate yourself. Dehydration is one of the most common injuries during a disaster. If you where there is no water, check your ice-cubes, hot water heater, or purify a gallon of water with 3 drops of regular bleach (wait 30 seconds before drinking). Also make sure you eat and get rest (even if it is a nap).
Check on your neighbors.
Even if phone service is out, sometimes payphones still work. You can dial 0 to get an operator if you have no change.
If you evacuate leave a note inside the door in a clear waterproof container (like a jar) where you went and when and how to be reached. If you decide to go somewhere bring a flashlight, water, any medications you are taking, money and first aid kit.
In high winds it is safer to be indoors. If you must be out, go with someone else in case you are injured by falling debris. Walk in a single file line.
If you see downed wires stay away from them. If there is sparking, popping noises, or the smell of ozone (like after a lightening strike) stay out of any standing water. If you can get to the fuse box, throw the top breaker to turn off the main.
If your roof has been seriously damaged (for example a fallen tree) do not go up there because it could be very unsafe from collapsed electrical wires or more falling debris.
During high-winds stay away from glass windows and stay out of the street (where most debris blows).
If there is a flooding, do not try to drive through deep standing water.
First Aid
If someone is unconscious but not breathing, tilt their head back lightly by putting your hand on their forehead. Look in their mouth for any object blocking their breathing. Pinch their nose and give three short breaths into their mouth. Take a deep breath yourself and continue.
If someone is bleeding a lot apply direct pressure with a bandage, shirt or towel directly on the wound. Hold for at least 60 seconds. Tie the bandage onto the wound putting a bow knot over the wound. Raise the wound, if possible, above the heart to reduce blood loss. If the bandage has been bled through, put another bandage on top of the old one (do NOT remove the bandage). If the bleeding continues put direct pressure back on top of the bandages and hold until bleeding stops.
If glass or any other object is protruding in a person, do NOT remove it. Put pressure around the wound and banadage it as best you can keeping the object from moving too much.
If a person may have a back injury do not move them.
If a person appears to be in shock (confused, cold and clammy, fixed pupils and/or very pale) lay them down. Elevate legs and arms and cover them.
Utilities
If a pipe is broken, turn off the water main. The water main is a gray tear-drop shaped box located in the basement or ground floor on the wall closest to the street. Pull down the lowest lever towards the floor to turn off the main.
If you need to turn off the power go to the basement and look for a fuse box (a gun metal box on the wall). To turn off the main power flip all the switches starting from the top to the left. If there is a lever on the side, pull it down it will turn off all the power.
If you smell gas, leave your house immediately and leave the door open to avoid dangerous gas build up.
Information
National Weather Service SW 162.4 to 162.5 AM 700
Office of Emergency Management AM 750 FM 89.8
Aftershock Community Rescue FM 88.9 SW 440MHz
For emergencies call 911. If you need help and phones are not working put a sign in a street facing window saying “Need 911”
Be careful of rumors and always try to verify with an outside source
You can do it. Connect with your neighbors and work together to provide for your building, block and/or neighborhood. Your best asset is your mind. If you are stressed take a few seconds and breath before doing anything.
What To Expect
A hurricane comes in 5 different types ranging in severity from the least severe to the most severe. Government agencies determine severity simply by measuring wind speed and tidal influence (not rain or lightening). Currently Irene will probably be a Level 1 when it hits NYC based on the official definition. Hurricanes are strange in that they can increase or decrease rapidly in strength. Katrina was expected to be a Level 2-3 and ended up being a level 5 within a few hours. There are some researchers that believe the level system is not an effective determination of the damage caused by hurricanes.
Here is the official definition of a category 1 from the National Weather Bureau:
CATEGORY 1 HURRICANE:
We know this can be a difficult and confusing time but you are not alone. You live in the most resilient city in the US. If you follow some simple guidelines you can aid yourself, your family and your neighborhood. You and your neighbors are the best emergency resource this city has to offer.
Basics
Make sure you hydrate yourself. Dehydration is one of the most common injuries during a disaster. If you where there is no water, check your ice-cubes, hot water heater, or purify a gallon of water with 3 drops of regular bleach (wait 30 seconds before drinking). Also make sure you eat and get rest (even if it is a nap).
Check on your neighbors.
Even if phone service is out, sometimes payphones still work. You can dial 0 to get an operator if you have no change.
If you evacuate leave a note inside the door in a clear waterproof container (like a jar) where you went and when and how to be reached. If you decide to go somewhere bring a flashlight, water, any medications you are taking, money and first aid kit.
In high winds it is safer to be indoors. If you must be out, go with someone else in case you are injured by falling debris. Walk in a single file line.
If you see downed wires stay away from them. If there is sparking, popping noises, or the smell of ozone (like after a lightening strike) stay out of any standing water. If you can get to the fuse box, throw the top breaker to turn off the main.
If your roof has been seriously damaged (for example a fallen tree) do not go up there because it could be very unsafe from collapsed electrical wires or more falling debris.
During high-winds stay away from glass windows and stay out of the street (where most debris blows).
If there is a flooding, do not try to drive through deep standing water.
First Aid
If someone is unconscious but not breathing, tilt their head back lightly by putting your hand on their forehead. Look in their mouth for any object blocking their breathing. Pinch their nose and give three short breaths into their mouth. Take a deep breath yourself and continue.
If someone is bleeding a lot apply direct pressure with a bandage, shirt or towel directly on the wound. Hold for at least 60 seconds. Tie the bandage onto the wound putting a bow knot over the wound. Raise the wound, if possible, above the heart to reduce blood loss. If the bandage has been bled through, put another bandage on top of the old one (do NOT remove the bandage). If the bleeding continues put direct pressure back on top of the bandages and hold until bleeding stops.
If glass or any other object is protruding in a person, do NOT remove it. Put pressure around the wound and banadage it as best you can keeping the object from moving too much.
If a person may have a back injury do not move them.
If a person appears to be in shock (confused, cold and clammy, fixed pupils and/or very pale) lay them down. Elevate legs and arms and cover them.
Utilities
If a pipe is broken, turn off the water main. The water main is a gray tear-drop shaped box located in the basement or ground floor on the wall closest to the street. Pull down the lowest lever towards the floor to turn off the main.
If you need to turn off the power go to the basement and look for a fuse box (a gun metal box on the wall). To turn off the main power flip all the switches starting from the top to the left. If there is a lever on the side, pull it down it will turn off all the power.
If you smell gas, leave your house immediately and leave the door open to avoid dangerous gas build up.
Information
National Weather Service SW 162.4 to 162.5 AM 700
Office of Emergency Management AM 750 FM 89.8
Aftershock Community Rescue FM 88.9 SW 440MHz
For emergencies call 911. If you need help and phones are not working put a sign in a street facing window saying “Need 911”
Be careful of rumors and always try to verify with an outside source
You can do it. Connect with your neighbors and work together to provide for your building, block and/or neighborhood. Your best asset is your mind. If you are stressed take a few seconds and breath before doing anything.
What To Expect
A hurricane comes in 5 different types ranging in severity from the least severe to the most severe. Government agencies determine severity simply by measuring wind speed and tidal influence (not rain or lightening). Currently Irene will probably be a Level 1 when it hits NYC based on the official definition. Hurricanes are strange in that they can increase or decrease rapidly in strength. Katrina was expected to be a Level 2-3 and ended up being a level 5 within a few hours. There are some researchers that believe the level system is not an effective determination of the damage caused by hurricanes.
Here is the official definition of a category 1 from the National Weather Bureau:
CATEGORY 1 HURRICANE:
A tropical storm with winds of 39-73 mph becomes a hurricane when its winds near the center reach 74 mph. The storm surge is generally 4-5 feet above normal. Damage is mostly to trees and shrubbery, with no real building damage. Average wind speed for a cat. 1 is 74-95mph. Minimum central pressure (980 mb.)
What can we expect here in NYC.
The last major hurricane in NYC was in 1985 (Hurricane Gloria). It caused about 385 million dollars in damage in today's dollars. It was mostly high winds and only produced 3.4 inches of rain in the city. The tide was not too high--a little over 6 feet. It produced about 100 injuries and 2 deaths. Gloria was an easier ride because of the low tide, small amount of rain, and to its fast moving nature. We are expecting about 12-16 inches rain from Hurricane Irene. The sewers and water processing plants routinely shut down with 6 inches. We can expect interruptions in both water service and electricity. It could be until mid-morning Monday before any public transportation will be running including Access-A-Ride. Some bridges will be closed for certain periods of time, with late Saturday and Sunday morning being the most likely times. Hospitals will have limited capabilities but seem somewhat prepared to handle an increase of about 15% with no real delays. Flood Zone A has received the first mandatory Hurricane Evacuation in NYC history. The bridges to the Rockaways will be shut down. In evacuation zones one should not expect to receive city emergency services.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Anatomy of a Disaster
Anatomy of Disasters
Researchers for the government have been studying “Disaster Psychology” for decades and have collected tons of materials related to the psychological, sociological (and covertly the political) effects of disasters. Below is some of their findings.
“Traumatic events can generate feelings of powerlessness and a perception of being out of control as well as the capacity to impact all aspects of a community's life, regardless of educational background or socio-economic level. “
“Most people pull together and function during and after a disaster, but their effectiveness is diminished. “
Survivors may go through distinct emotional phases following a disaster:
In the impact phase, survivors do not panic and may, in fact, show no emotion. They do what they must to respond to the situation and keep themselves and their families alive.
In the inventory phase, which immediately follows the event, survivors asses damage and try to locate other survivors. During this phase, many discard routine social ties in favor of the more functional relationships required for initial response activities, such as searching out family members and seeking medical assistance.
In the rescue phase, emergency services personnel are responding and survivors take direction from them without protest. They trust that rescuers will address their needs and that they can then put their lives back together quickly.
In the recovery phase, survivors may believe that rescue efforts are not proceeding quickly enough. That feeling, combined with other emotional stressors (for example, dealing with insurance adjustors, or living in temporary accommodations), may cause survivors to pull together AGAINST those who are trying to help them.
Taking care of others following a traumatic event . . .
Listen carefully
Spend time with the traumatized person
Offer your assistance and a listening ear even if they have not asked for help
Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for children etc . . .
Give them time to be alone
Help them stay away from alcohol and drugs
Keep in mind what they've been through
Don't try to explain it away
Don't tell them that they are lucky it wasn't worse
Don't take their anger, other feelings or outbursts personally
Insurrectory Mutual Aid affinity groups must be flexible, able to adapt to the needs of a changing situation.Part of the organizational challenge following a disaster is to be able to:
◦ Size up the scope and requirements of the situation. The best way to do this is draw heavily on local community groups.◦ Identify resources as they become available. “Disaster areas almost always have resources it is the distribution networks that may no longer be available” (FEMA) ◦ Deploy those resources within already existing social networks (e.g. community centers).As an individual responder, you must be ready to function in various roles perhaps and wear more than one "hat" at a time or "change hats" as the availability of resources changes. You must begin by assessing and managing your own personal situation, then that of the immediately adjacent area (neighborhood), and then join others in forming response teams based on affinity. This type of concentric development results in an evolving self-organizing structure and requires flexibility in its members
Researchers for the government have been studying “Disaster Psychology” for decades and have collected tons of materials related to the psychological, sociological (and covertly the political) effects of disasters. Below is some of their findings.
“Traumatic events can generate feelings of powerlessness and a perception of being out of control as well as the capacity to impact all aspects of a community's life, regardless of educational background or socio-economic level. “
“Most people pull together and function during and after a disaster, but their effectiveness is diminished. “
Survivors may go through distinct emotional phases following a disaster:
In the impact phase, survivors do not panic and may, in fact, show no emotion. They do what they must to respond to the situation and keep themselves and their families alive.
In the inventory phase, which immediately follows the event, survivors asses damage and try to locate other survivors. During this phase, many discard routine social ties in favor of the more functional relationships required for initial response activities, such as searching out family members and seeking medical assistance.
In the rescue phase, emergency services personnel are responding and survivors take direction from them without protest. They trust that rescuers will address their needs and that they can then put their lives back together quickly.
In the recovery phase, survivors may believe that rescue efforts are not proceeding quickly enough. That feeling, combined with other emotional stressors (for example, dealing with insurance adjustors, or living in temporary accommodations), may cause survivors to pull together AGAINST those who are trying to help them.
Taking care of others following a traumatic event . . .
Listen carefully
Spend time with the traumatized person
Offer your assistance and a listening ear even if they have not asked for help
Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for children etc . . .
Give them time to be alone
Help them stay away from alcohol and drugs
Keep in mind what they've been through
Don't try to explain it away
Don't tell them that they are lucky it wasn't worse
Don't take their anger, other feelings or outbursts personally
Insurrectory Mutual Aid affinity groups must be flexible, able to adapt to the needs of a changing situation.Part of the organizational challenge following a disaster is to be able to:
◦ Size up the scope and requirements of the situation. The best way to do this is draw heavily on local community groups.◦ Identify resources as they become available. “Disaster areas almost always have resources it is the distribution networks that may no longer be available” (FEMA) ◦ Deploy those resources within already existing social networks (e.g. community centers).As an individual responder, you must be ready to function in various roles perhaps and wear more than one "hat" at a time or "change hats" as the availability of resources changes. You must begin by assessing and managing your own personal situation, then that of the immediately adjacent area (neighborhood), and then join others in forming response teams based on affinity. This type of concentric development results in an evolving self-organizing structure and requires flexibility in its members
Friday, April 27, 2007
If you wish to join our Listserv
We now have a new moderated and private listserv covering the topics of climate chaos, emergency preparedness and disasters from a radical grassroots perspective. If you are interested, send an email to the moderators at greenapplecollective@yahoo.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
