top of page
Shivwits Band Members Information on Planning Ahead
Emergency Logo.jpg

Shivwits

Emergency

Management

A Message from your Shivwits Emergency Manager

Hello Everyone, this is Norine, your Emergency Manger. The information given here was written and gathered by myself and our past Emergency Manager, Angus Snow in  April of 2014. The Emergency Management Handbook was given to our tribal members of that same year. We will be adding the information in that handbook to this page and hope this will be a more accessible way to prepare if there is ever an emergency:

​

This newsletter is full of information, more than you will ever need.

If you follow and read carefully all instructions given, it can and will help you and your family survive certain situations.

Our hope is that you make your own Emergency plans and kit(s), that fits you and your whole family.

Take time to explain to your kids as to what can and will happen to them that will interrupt their everyday normal lives.

This Newsletter has numerous kinds of attacks and disasters that you may not encounter, but if and when it does, you will be somewhat prepared and will know what to do to keep you and your family safe and out of harms way.

Our local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they wont reach everyone right away, and medical help may not arrive at all.

Our 911 system will be over whelmed with calls and will shut down.

Knowing what to do is best protection and your responsibility. Especially when dealing with your own family members.

Remember traumatic stress can happen to a person of any age. It can change their behavior and thoughts and how they may react to any given situation.

Remember everyone's physical health and well being is our priority.

​

Norine Castro (from the handbook 2014)

​

​

YOUR FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

Disaster can strike at any times without warning. Sometimes it can force you to evacuate your home or neighborhood. It can confine you to your home or fore you to take shelter elsewhere.

Here are a few types of disasters that could happen to you and your family in your area.

​

  • Terrorist-biological & shooters

  • Bomb threats

  • Wild land fires

  • Technological interruptions (cell & computer)

  • During winter storms, utilities failure

  • Hazardous materials spills

  • Floods

  • High winds (tornadoes etc)

  • Cold/heat waves

  • During an earthquake, structural failures

  • pandemic influenza

​

Here are 10 things to help you when making your disaster plans and kit for you and your family

 

1. Identify the risk:

  • Ask yourself, where will you and your family be when disaster strikes? Your family could be anywhere at work, at school, playing or in your car.)

  • Ask yourself, if separated, how will you and your family find each other?

  • How will you know if all your family members will be/and are safe?

  • What would you do if all basic services, water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off?

 

2. Create a Family Disasters Plan that includes your kids, prepare your children:

  • Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster.

  • Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children (let them know what to expect.)

  • Make your plans and share the work load with all your family members (work together as a team.)

Pick two places to meet;

  • Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like your house is on fire. 

  • Outside your neighborhood during wild-land fire & floods.

Ask an out of state friend or relative to be your "family contact." After a disaster, its often easier to call out of state to a relative or family friend then it is to call across town.)

  • All family members should call & report to this person and tell them where they are.

  • All family members must know your contacts name and phone number. 

  • Discuss what each family member needs to do in/during an evacuation.

  • Make sure you and your family knows where everyone's 72 hour kits are located, in case you/they are not home.  

 

3. Practice your plan:

  • Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.

  • Have fire and emergency evacuation drills. Crawl through your escape routes with your eyes closed to see if your plans will work. 

  • Replace your stored water every three months and stores food every six months

  • Test and recharge all batteries in flashlights, radios and especially your fire extinguisher (s) according to all manufactures instructions. 

  • Test your smoke detectors monthly and change batteries every six months or when you set your clocks.

  • Walk through each step with your children.

 

4. Build a disaster supply kit for your car.

 

5. Make a pet evacuation plan for your pets.

 

6. Don't forget those with disabilities and Special Needs or elderly.

 

7. Learn CPR and First Aid.

 

8. Eliminate hazards in your home and work place.

 

9. Get involved and volunteer your services to those who can't do for themselves.

Remember your family can, and do, cope with disaster by preparing and working together as a team.

 

10. Complete the checklist:

  • Post emergency telephone numbers by phone (fire, police, ambulance, etc.). Teach your children how and when to call 911 number for help.

  • Teach your children your last name and your address.

  • Show each family member how, where & when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.

  • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, or place them especially near all you bedrooms.

  • Conduct a home hazard hunt. 

  • Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit for each member of your family.

  • Take a First aid/CPR class, become certified.

  • Have at least 2 escape routes from your home. Especially from each room in your house during a fire.

  • The safest spot in your home is your bathroom, for each type of disaster, it has running water, a toilet & the bathtub can be used as a bomb shelter or a bed, etc. 

​

How to Prepare a 72-Hour Kit Checklist for Emergencies                  

 

Checklist: 72-Hour Kit ~ One 72-Hour Kit per family member (children's kit will vary according to age and needs).

​

Food and Water: A three-day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available.               

  • Protein/granola bars

  • Trail mix/dried fruit                                          

  • Crackers/cereals (for munching)

  • Canned juice                                               

  • Water (1 gallon/4 liters per person)

  • Candy/gum (warning: Jolly Ranchers can melt and using mint gum might make everything taste like mint.)

  • Canned tuna, beans, turkey, beef, Vienna sausages, etc. ("pop-top" cans that open without a can-opener are most convenient)

 

Bedding and Clothing

  • Change of clothing depending on what time of year it is.

  • Undergarments, socks, shoes                                  

  • Cloth sheet

  • Raincoat/poncho                                           

  • Plastic sheet

  • Blankets and emergency heat blankets, Sleeping bags if there is room

 

Fuel and Light

  • Battery lighting (flashlights, lamps & head lamps etc.)             

  • Lighter

  • Extra batteries (wrap them in plastic wrap so not so bulky)     

  • Flares

  • Candles                                                                          

  • Waterproof matches

 

Equipment

  • Can opener                                                                           

  • Duct tape

  • Dishes/utensils for every member of your household including pets

  • Shovel 

  • Radio (with batteries!)

  • Pen and paper                                                             

  • Ax or hatchet

  • Pocket knife                                                                   

  • Rope                                                                                                                                    

 

Personal Supplies and Medication

  • First aid kit and supplies

  • Toiletries (roll of toilet paper -- remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc.)

  • Cleaning supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Warning: Scented soap might "flavor" food items.)

  • Immunizations up-to-date

  • Medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)

  • Prescription medication (at least 3 days' worth)

 

Personal Documents and Money (Place these items in a water-proof container!)

  • Legal documents (birth/marriage certificates, wills, passports, contracts, etc.)

  • Vaccination papers                                           

  • Insurance policies

  • Cash                                                                       

  • Credit card

  • Pre-paid land-line phone cards

 

Miscellaneous

  • Bag(s) to put 72-Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or backpacks). Make sure you can easily lift/carry it.

  • Infant needs (if applicable) Diapers, formula etc.

 

Notes:

  1. Update your 72-Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date, and batteries are charged.

  2. Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.

  3. Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.

  4. You can include any other items in your 72-Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.

  5. Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, "flavor" other items, or break open. Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.

PREPARING YOUR VEHICLES

​

If/When you are evacuated from your area or your stranded in your vehicle, you should make sure your vehicle is prepared to help you survive.

​

Prepare now by storing these in your vehicle & be sure to rotate your items. Keeps your vehicle fueled and in good condition, check the weather and road conditions before any trip. Here's a check list to help you create an emergency kit for each vehicle:

​

  • First Aid Kit with manual

  • Flashlight & extra batteries

  • List of all your important phone numbers, both local & out-of-town

  • Cell phone (extra phone card if using pay-as-you-go)

  • Detailed maps of your planned route

  • Waterproof matches & candles

  • Radio & extra batteries

  • Whistle and a mirror

  • Pen, pencil, paper

  • Extra fuses

  • Cash (bills & coins) at least $50

  • Flares or hazard reflectors

  • Drinking water

  • Jumper cables

  • Bleach (disinfecting)

  • Properly inflated spare tire

  • Non-perishable energy foods

  • Jack, lug wrench, tire gauge

  • Can opener

  • Basic tool kit

  • Medication

  • Windshield scraper & brush

  • Toiletry

  • Small folding shovel

  • Moisten baby/hand wipes

  • Sand/cat litter for traction

  • Good/extra pair of shoes

  • Duct tape

  • Extra clothing, coats & hats

  • Gloves, rags, paper towels

  • Blankets and/or sleeping bag

  • High calorie non-perishable food that requires no cooking  & water (candy, granola bars etc.)

  • Keep fuel in your car. At least a half a tank, but also depends on how far you are evacuated from your home. 

​

​

SANITATION AND WASTE

​

After a major disaster, water & sewage lines may have been contaminated, you will need to improvise emergency sanitation facilities.

​

SUPPLIES

Have basic sanitation supplies on hand.

  • Medium sized plastic bucket with tight lid

  • Toilet paper

  • Plastic garbage bags and ties (heavy duty)

  • Soap & liquid detergent

  • Towelettes

  • Household chlorine bleach (optional)

  • Kitty litter/sand

​

Built a makeshift toilet

  • If sewage lines are broken, but the toilet bowl us usable, place a garbage bag inside the bowl.

  • If the toilet is completely backed up, make your own by lining a medium sized bucket with a garbage bag.

  • Make a toilet seat out of two boards place facing each other & place on the rim of the bucket (an old toilet seat will also work.)

  • Number two just poop in the litter/sand.

​

Sanitize waste

  • After each use, pour disinfectant such as bleach in to the container.

  • This will help avoid infection and stop the spread of disease

  • Cover the container tightly when not in use. 

​

Waste Disposal

  • Bury the garbage bags & waste to avoid the spread of disease

  • Dig a pit 2-3 feet deep & 50 feet downhill or away from any well, spring or your water supply

  • Bury the garbage immediately, straining any liquids into an emergency toilet

  • If you can't bury it, wrap your waist in a newspapers & store it in a large can with a tight fitting lid

  • Place the can outside until it can be buried

​

SHELTER IN PLACE

Choosing to take shelter is necessary in many emergencies.

Taking appropriate shelter is critical in times of disaster. Sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment or other location when disaster strikes. Sheltering outside the hazard area could include staying with friends and relatives, seeking commercial lodging or staying in a mass care facility operated by disaster relief groups.

To effectively shelter, you must first consider the hazard and then choose a place in your home or other building that is safe for that hazard. For example, for a tornado, a room should be selected that is in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.

The safest locations to seek shelter vary by hazard. Be Informed about the sheltering suggestions for each hazard.

There may be situations, depending on your circumstances and the nature of the disaster, when it's simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside by “sheltering in place".

The length of time you are required to shelter may be short, such as during a tornado warning, or long, such as during a winter storm or a pandemic. It is important that you stay in shelter until local authorities say it is safe to leave. Additionally, you should take turns listening to radio broadcasts and maintain a 24-hour safety watch.

​

During extended periods of sheltering, you will need to manage water and food supplies to ensure you and your family have the required supplies and quantities. Read more about Managing Water and Managing Food.

Stay-At-Home

  • Remain indoors as much as possible, and try to only leave your home when absolutely necessary. If your home has outdoor spaces, such as patios, porches, yards, etc. you may still access them.

  • Outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and exercise, as well as walking your dog, are fine as long as you practice social distancing (maintaining six feet away from the next person).

  • When outside, try not to touch anything (light signals, polls, signs, playground equipment, benches, etc.) because viruses can remain on certain surfaces for multiple hours.

  • Essential services such as grocery shopping, filling your car with gas, pharmacies, going to the Post Office, etc. are still fine to do.

  • Limit visitors if possible. Try to utilize video chatting. Call the people the you would normally text.

  • If available, use delivery services for groceries, meals, and other items. It is advisable to clean every item’s packaging with sanitizing wipes or other 60% alcohol products before putting away or placing on home surfaces. Make sure to wash any open foods (such as fruits, vegetables, etc.) before eating.

​

Information taken from www.ready.gov/shelter

EVACUATIONS

​

There are several types of disasters that may force you to be evacuated from your home. Be prepared to leave your home if:

  • If your area is without electricity or water for an extended period of time

  • There is a chemical spill affecting your area

  • Flood water is rising

  • A wild land fire is burning close to your home

  • Your home has been damaged in any way

  • local officials tell you to evacuate

  • Tune into radio station 890 in the Washington County area

​

If you are told to evacuate, take the following steps:

  • Listen carefully to instructions given by local officials

  • Evacuate immediately

  • Grab your disaster kit (72-hour). Make sure that you include item, such as prescription & medications

  • Wear appropriate clothing & sturdy shoes

  • Lock your home, close all blinds/curtains, doors etc.

  • Use routes outlined by your local officials (do not take shortcuts)

  • Gas stations may be closed during emergencies

  • If you go to a shelter, notify staff of any special needs so they may accommodate you & make you & your family more comfortable

ELDERLY~SPECIAL NEEDS IN A DISASTER

​

When preparing for family members with disabilities, special needs, or the elderly need to take precautions. Consider the following:

  • Establish a close network of relatives and friends/buddy who can assist you & your family in an emergency.

  • Make sure they know where to find your 72-hour kit. Which should include all your/their emergency supplies, medicines, medical devices/equipment.

  • Remind all your family members to always wear a medical alert tag or bracelet if they have any medical/health conditions and/or allergies.

  • Make a list of special medical equipment & supplies family members will need during a disaster.

​

Extra supplies people with disabilities and special needs may require:

Prescription medications with a record of when and how much of the medicine you should receive.

Prosthetic devices.

List of style and serial numbers of medical devices.

Extra eye glasses and a record of their current prescription/medications.

Emergency medical certification.

Extra oxygen.

Extra pillows, bedding.

Medical insurance and medicare cards.

Extra wheelchair batteries.

Hearing aids, batteries. 

CHILDREN AND DISASTERS

​

Children experience trauma and fear during a natural disaster. If they know what to do/expect during a disaster, it's because they have practiced family disaster & drills that will help them cope better. When the parents are calm, children calm down more quickly.

​

Before a disaster:

  • Familiarize yourself with the emergency response plans of your children's schools and/or daycare

  • Find out if the school/daycare will keep kids or send them home in an emergency

  • Decide if your children can take care of themselves or if a neighbor can take care of them

  • Teach your children how to recognize danger signals

  • Teach your children how/when to call for help (911)

  • Help children memorize their street address, not PO BOX

  • Include children's toys and special foods in their 72-Hour Kit

​

After a Disaster

Children may be afraid the disaster will happen again & someone will be hurt or killed, or they will become separated from their family and/or be left alone.

​

Parents can help minimize their children's fears by:

  • Trying to keep your family together, do not leave children with relatives or friends; take your children with you.

  • Calmly & firmly explain the situation & your plans.

  • Talk to your children at their eye level.

  • Encourage children to talk about the disaster & ask questions.

  • Include children in recovery activities by giving them chores that will help them feel they are helping things get back to normal.

  • Reassure your children.

  • Sympathize with & resolve their anxieties.

  • Hold your children & spend more time talking with them.

COPING WITH DISASTERS

​

Remember, physical & emotional reactions will occur as a result of an emergency or traumatic event. Reaction may happen immediately or can take weeks or months after an event.

​

Common Responses

The physical effects caused by traumatic event (s) may include:

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Increased in their respiratory rate 

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea

  • Muscle and joint aches

  • Tremors

  • Headaches

Seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist

​

Thoughts, behaviors & emotions may also change. These changes may include:

  • Flashbacks or re-experiencing the event

  • Withdrawal from normal social relations

  • mental/emotional problems at work or school

  • Loss or increase in appetite

  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares

  • Feeling overwhelmed

  • Being extremely anxious, fearful, agitated or irritable

  • Feeling depressed

  • Increased in consuming of alcohol or prescribed, over-the-counter drugs

ANIMALS AND DISASTER

​

Your animals need to be included in your family disaster plan for their well being. Your disaster plan should include a list of emergency phone numbers for your local agencies that can assist you if/when a disaster strikes, this includes your local & state veterinarian, local, county animal control or shelter (s), county extension services, and your local agricultural schools and the American Red Cross. These numbers should be with your family disaster kit in a secure, but accessible place.

​

NO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!

  • If you must evacuate , there is a chance they will not survive or get lost before you return.

  • With the exception of service animals, pets are not permitted in emergency shelters.

  • Find out who allows pets and where your local boarding facilities are. Boarding facilities will require veterinarian records to prove vaccinations are current.

  • Include your local animal shelters number in your list of emergency numbers. They might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster. 

  • Only some animal shelters will provide care for pets during an emergencies. They should only be used as a last resort. Use friends and family or keep them with you if possible. 

  • Be sure your pet has proper identification tags securely fastened to their collar. if possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.

  • Make sure you have a secure pet carrier and leash for your pet.

Remember your pets need to be restrained during tense emergency situations.

​

Create a disaster supply kit for your pet. Take it with you and be prepared to leave it with whomever assumes responsibility for your pet, items include:

  • Pet food & water

  • Medication and Veterinary records

  • litter box

  • Food and water dish

  • first aid kit

  • Information sheet with pets name, feeding schedule and any behavior problems

​

If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, take these precautions:

  • Confine your pet to a safe area inside your home or barn.

  • NEVER leave your pet chained outside!

  • If left outside, leave in a visible area, or advise local officials where they are located.

  • Leave a phone number where you or a contact can be reached with the name & number for your vet.

  • Have a back-up plan in case you are not at home when evacuation is ordered.

  • Find a trusted neighbor who will take your pets in, in case you aren't available & can meet you at a designated area.

  • Make sure this person is comfortable with your pet & your pet (s), know this person & where to find their pet emergency kit.

​

LIVESTOCK

  • Evacuate Livestock whenever possible

  • Prepare in advance by having transportation an evacuation plan with destination already prearranged. Include alternate routes in case the planned route is not accessible.

  • The evacuation sites should have food, water.

  • If evacuation is not possible. Decide whether to move a large animal or turn them loose.

  • All animals should have some form of identification to help in their return especially if they are turned loose. 

​

WILDLIFE

  • Wild or stray domestic animals no matter how innocent they may be, can pose a danger during many types of disasters. 

  • Do not corner any animal.

  • They may feel threatened and may endanger themselves or you and/or another family member.

  • If an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control or local authorities.

TOP 10 LIST FOR PEOPLE ON A BUDGET

​

1. Plan for the types of disasters that can happen in the area where you live. You may need to plan for a snowstorm instead of a hurricane.

2. Create your own personalized list. You may not need everything included in "ready made" kits and there may be additional items you need based on your personal situation. For example, if you have pets, you may need special items. Don't forget to have supplies in your car and at work.

3. Budget emergency preparedness items as a "normal" expense. even $20.00 a month can go a long way to helping you  be ready. buy one preparedness item each time you go to the grocery store.

4. Save by shopping sales. Make use of coupons and shop at stores with used goods. Don't replace your ready kit items annually, just replace and cycle through those items that have a shelf life (e.g., batteries, food). You may want to test the radio and flashlight every September to make sure they are in good working order. 

5. Review your insurance policy annually and make necessary changes. When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will help you get back on your feet. Renters need policies too, in order to cover personal property.

6. Store water in a safe container. You don't have to buy more expensive bottled water, but make sure any containers you use for water storage are safe and disinfected.

7. Request preparedness items as gifts. We all receive gifts we don't need or use. What if your friends and family members gave you gifts that could save your life? Don't forget to protect them by sending preparedness gifts their way too.

8. Think ahead. You are more likely to save money if you can take your time with focused and strategic shopping. It's when everyone is at the store right before a storm hits that prices are going to be higher. Use a list to avoid duplicating items when you are stressed or panicked.

9. Update contact records. have an accurate phone list of emergency contact numbers. if you are prepared, you may be able to help friends and neighbors who need assistance by sharing preparedness supplies, you can help each other.

10. Trade one night out to fund your 72-Hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80-$100. Just one night of sacrifice could fund a 72-Hour ready kit

INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS AGENCIES:

​

www.fema.org

www.firewise.org

www.beready.utah.org

Firewise Guide for Arizona; azsf.az.gov/system/files/documents/files

Firewise Earthquake Country-california

extention.org.az/newmexicoclimate

Firewise.plants.garden

Washington County LEPC meetings

Citizens Corp Meetings & Conference: citizencorp.utah.gov

Division of Emergency management: dem.utah.gov

America Red Cross: redcross.org

Center for Disease Control: cdc.gov

Disaster Help: disasterhelp.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency: fema.gov

U.S. Department of Homeland Security: ready.gov

Be Ready Utah: bereadyutah.gov

Southwest utah Public Health Department: swhealth.org

© 2023 by Coach.Corp. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page