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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Keep Water Safe After an Emergency

Safe Drinking Water

After an emergency, especially after flooding, drinking water may not be available or safe to drink for personal use. Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, make ice, or make baby formula.

Note: Caffeinated drinks and alcohol dehydrate the body, which increases the need for drinking water.

Floods and other disasters can damage drinking water wellsand lead to aquifer and well contamination. Flood waters can contaminate well water with livestock waste, human sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants which can lead to illness when used for drinking, bathing, and other hygiene activities.

Before an emergency or a temporary problem with a community water system, a community drinking water treatment facility should have an emergency plan in the event that service is disrupted. Water treatment facilities monitor drinking water to meet federal and state regulations.

Make Water Safe

Water often can be made safe to drink by boiling, adding disinfectants, or filtering.

IMPORTANT: Water contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals will not be made safe by boiling or disinfection. Use a different source of water if you know or suspect that water might be contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals.

Boiling

If you don’t have safe bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling is the surest method to make water safer to drink by killing disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

You can improve the flat taste of boiled water by pouring it from one container to another and then allowing it to stand for a few hours, OR by adding a pinch of salt for each quart or liter of boiled water.

If the water is cloudy,

• Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter OR allow it to settle.
• Draw off the clear water.
• Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).
• Let the boiled water cool.
• Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.

If the water is clear,

• Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).
• Let the boiled water cool.
• Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.

Disinfectants

If you don’t have clean, safe, bottled water and if boiling is not possible, you often can make water safer to drink by using a disinfectant, such as unscented household chlorine bleach, iodine, or chlorine dioxide tablets. These can kill most harmful organisms, such as viruses and bacteria. However, only chlorine dioxide tablets are effective in controlling more resistant organisms, such as the parasite Cryptosporidium.
To disinfect water,

• Clean and disinfect water containers properly before each use. Use containers that are approved for water storage. Do not use containers previously used to store chemicals or other hazardous materials.
• Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter OR allow it to settle.
• Draw off the clear water.
  • When using household chlorine bleach:
    • Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops; about 0.625 milliliters) of unscented liquid household chlorine (5–6%) bleach for each gallon of clear water (or 2 drops of bleach for each liter or each quart of clear water).Add 1/4 teaspoon (or 16 drops; about 1.50 milliliters) of bleach for each gallon of cloudy water (or 4 drops of bleach for each liter or each quart of cloudy water).
    • Stir the mixture well.
    • Let it stand for 30 minutes or longer before you use it.
    • Store the disinfected water in clean, disinfected containers with tight covers.
  • When using iodine:
    • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Store the disinfected water in clean, disinfected containers with tight covers.
  • When using chlorine dioxide tablets:
    • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Store the disinfected water in clean, disinfected containers with tight covers.

Filters

Many portable water filters can remove disease-causing parasites such as Cryptosporidium andGiardia from drinking water. If you are choosing a portable water filter, try to pick one that has a filter pore size small enough to remove both bacteria and parasites. Most portable water filters do not remove viruses.

Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the water filter you intent to use. After filtering, add a disinfectant such as iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide to the filtered water to kill any viruses and remaining bacteria. For more information about water filters, see the Water Treatment Resources section.

Source: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.asp#water

Power Outage Safety Tips

If the power goes out, know what steps to take to be comfortable and safe.

• Use flashlights. Avoid using candles, they are fire hazards.
• Report your power outage to your utility company.
• Turn off major appliances. The water heater and heating system breakers need to be turned off to avoid overloading your circuits when the power is restored. Unplug any voltage-sensitive equipment.
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food in a refrigerator will last 12 to 24 hours if the doors are kept closed. A full freezer can last 24 to 48 hours. Helpful Hint: You can drape a sleeping bag over your refrigerator or freezer for added insulating value in case of an extended power outage.
• Listen to radio reports. Keep either a battery operated or battery free (hand crank) radio on hand for emergencies. During an extended outage, please listen to the local radio stations for updates and information.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, use generators, grills, and similar items outdoors only.

Map of Shelter Locations: http://mema.maryland.gov/current/Pages/PowerOutages.aspx

MEMA Urges Maryland Residents To Be Prepared for Possible Visit from Hurricane Sandy

REISTERSTOWN, MD (October 25, 2012) – Maryland residents are being urged to prepare now for Hurricane Sandy, which might affect our area as early as Sunday. While forecasts are still uncertain, computer models have been predicting the path of the storm to move closer to Atlantic coast states as the system has developed.

If the storm hits our area, it is expected to move slowly and could bring as much as 48 hours of heavy rain and strong winds. Potential issues could be stream and tidal flooding, trees falling due to the combination of wind and wet ground, and power outages caused by winds and falling trees. Ocean City and Assateague Island likely will see higher than normal waves, even if the storm does not make landfall in the Maryland area, and forecasters are predicting that Garrett County and adjacent parts of Allegany could receive a heavy wet snow as a cold front clashes with the western fringe of the tropical system.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reminds residents to make plans now to deal with the possible effects of the storm and follow weather forecasts over the next several days to learn more about the possible path of Hurricane Sandy. Activities to prepare include:

• Prepare for possible power outages lasting several hours or even several days.
• Realize that the daytime temperatures are expected to be about 20 degrees cooler after the storm. If the power goes out, make sure you have extra blankets and appropriate clothing to deal with cooler temperatures if you power is out.
• If using a generator, make sure it is not in a basement or garage and make sure it is located a safe distance from any door, windows or ventilation systems.
• Make sure cell phones and other electronic devices are fully charged. Consider purchasing a car charger if you don’t already have one.
• Secure any loose items such as yard furniture and grills outside of your house.
• Make sure you have a disaster supply kit with water, non-perishable food, a change of clothes, extra medications and any special items you might need for infants, children and pets.
• Have a battery-operated or crank powered radio available to follow news and weather reports if the power goes out.
• Stores may be crowded on Sunday; consider stocking up on essentials a day or two sooner.
• If you lose power, practice safe food handling. Several web sites can provide appropriate information.
• If you are driving in or just after heavy rains and you see standing water, do NOT drive through it. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.

For more preparedness information, please visit the following web sites:

www.Mema.maryland.gov/prepared

www.ready.gov/hurricanes

www.hurricanes.gov

www.bt.cdc.gov/disaster/hurricanes

Halloween Safety Tips from the State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard

Jack-o-Lanterns are ushering in Halloween across Maryland and State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard has put together several fire and life safety tips to help everyone enjoy a safe Halloween. “Planning ahead can help make this Halloween a fire safe one. Taking simple fire and life safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant, can prevent fires and avoid needless burn injuries”.

The State Fire Marshal provides these sensible Halloween fire safety tips:

The Great SouthEast ShakeOut

Are You Ready to ShakeOut?

With 38 million people living and working in SouthEast, a major earthquake could cause unprecedented devastation. What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine what our lives will be like afterwards.  With earthquakes an inevitable part of SouthEast’s future, we must act quickly to ensure that disasters do not become catastrophes.

Great ShakeOut drills worldwide involved over 12.5 million people through broad-based outreach programs, media partnerships, and public advocacy by partners in each region. The drill is held statewide annually on the third Thursday of October, and is organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance (www.earthquakecountry.org).  The 2012 Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill will be at 10:18 a.m. on October 18.

A key aspect of the ShakeOut is the integration of comprehensive science-based earthquake research and the lessons learned from decades of social science research about why people get prepared.  The result is a “teachable moment” on par with having an actual earthquake (often followed by increased interest in getting ready for earthquakes).  ShakeOut creates the sense of urgency that is needed for people, organizations, and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do to be safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved.

Not just any drill will accomplish this; it needs to be big.  It must inspire communities to come together.  It must involve children at school and parents at work, prompting conversations at home. It must allow every organization, city, etc., to make it their own event.

The 2012 ShakeOut drill will be the largest preparedness event in U.S. history. To participate, go to www.ShakeOut.org/SouthEast/register and pledge your family, school, business, or organization’s participation in the drill. Registered participants will receive information on how to plan their drill and how to create a dialogue with others about earthquake preparedness. All organizers ask is that participants register (so they can be counted and receive communications), and at the minimum practice “drop, cover, and hold on” at the specified time. It is only a five minute commitment for something that can save your life. It all begins with registering, which is free and open to everyone.

For more information, visit www.ShakeOut.org/SouthEast.

The Advocate- Oklahoma Road Middle School wins PSA Competition

“Two former Oklahoma Road Middle School students won first place in their category in a public service announcement video competition focusing on emergency preparedness.”

Full Story: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/advocate_of_eldersburg/news/oklahoma-road-middle-school-wins-psa-competition/article_569e6c2a-620c-54e8-b852-06335ceea644.html#.UGtWdinr7Jo.email

MEMA Encourages Safety and Awareness during Jewish High Holiday Celebrations

The Jewish high holidays are in full swing. During the holidays, it is important to take extra precautions with traditional cooking and candle rituals in the home. Here are some safety tips to keep you safe during the holidays.

In the Kitchen

• Do not leave cooking food unattended
• Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing that could be caught on pot handles or catch on fire
• Limit distractions while in the kitchen
• Keep children at least three feet away from stove
• Do not use water to smother a fire! Keep a pot lid and baking soda nearby to put out a pan fire
• If you do get burnt, treat immediately with running water and seek medical attention

When burning candles

• Use sturdy candle-holders, with flame-protective non-combustible (glass or metal) shades or globes.
• Place candles at least four feet away from flammable materials
• Place candles out of reach of small children and pets
• Extinguish candles when they burn within two inches of the holder
• If you must leave burning candles unattended, place them in the kitchen sink
• When handling candles make sure your sleeves and hair are secured
• Keep candles, matches and lighters, including lit memorial containers and Chanukah menorahs, out of reach of children

Do not forget to check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors. Have a safe and happy holiday!

“Maryland Prepares” Social Media Challenge Rules

Launch Date: September 1, 2012

The idea for this challenge came from Washington State’s Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (@cresa) “30 Days, 30 Ways Challenge” and their creativity in making preparedness  interactive.

Who Can Play?

We encourage everyone to participate in this challenge. Winners will be chosen from Maryland.

How Do I Play?

Every day in September a different challenge will be posted for you to view on Youtube.com. You can participate on Facebook,  Twitter or via email.

• Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/MarylandPrepares/videos
• Facebook Page: Maryland Emergency Management Agency https://www.facebook.com/MDMEMA
• Twitter: @mdmema http://twitter.com/MDMEMA
• Gmail: [email protected]

At the end of the month, the points and names of participants will be tallied into a spreadsheet. Make sure you use the same name for each challenge so your points can be tallied under the same name at the end of the month. If you are participating on twitter, please use the hashtag #MDPrepares with your answer.

The daily challenge will be posted every morning at 9:00 am Eastern Standard Time. Each challenge is worth one point unless stated otherwise. Some challenges will be worth more points than others so even if you miss a few, you can make up some points by participating in other daily challenges. Not all questions have a “correct” answer and will vary person to person; however, some questions have specific answers we will be looking for as responses. All questions will close for participation on September 30^th at midnight.

Disclaimer: All inappropriate comments/posts will not be counted for the challenge and will be deleted immediately from the site.

What Will I Win?

The prize for the person(s) with the most points will be a tour of our State Emergency Operations Center.

September Is Campus Fire Safety Month

PIKESVILLE, MD (August 27, 2012) – The beginning of a new term means classes, homework, friends and parties.  With such hectic lives, students often do not pay attention to one thing that could seriously injure or kill them: Fire.  As a new semester begins on college campuses throughout the state, the State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard reminds students to take actions to protect themselves and their friends from the devastating effects of fire.  An estimated 86% of fire deaths occur in off campus apartments and homes, which is where three-fourths of college students live. This is the primary reason why the State of Maryland has declared September as ‘Campus Fire Safety Month.’  “Unfortunately, most college students do not fully realize how quickly a fire can grow out of control,” said the State Fire Marshal  “Studies have shown you have an average of three minutes from when the first smoke alarm sounds to escape the effects of fire.  Students need to realize they are not invincible, fires do happen in campus related settings and they can take proactive steps to protect themselves no matter where they live.”

Many fatal fires involving college students have four common elements:  Missing or disabled smoke alarms, careless disposal of smoking materials, alcohol consumption and a lack of automatic sprinkler systems.

Carelessly disposed of smoking materials are a contributing cause of fatal fires in all residences including rental properties where college students live.  Students also fall victim to fires started by unattended open flame devices, such as candles.

Missing or dead batteries are the leading cause for smoke alarms not working properly.

The influence of alcohol, although not condoned by college administrators, is sometimes a factor in college related activities.  Studies show alcohol decreases inhibition and impairs judgment, which can increase a student’s risk of not waking to the sound of a smoke alarm and potentionally not surviving the effects of fire.

The State Fire Marshal offers these safety tips for both parents and students when heading off to college:

• Check for the proper installation of working smoke alarms.  These devices provide early warning no matter where the fire starts, giving more chance for escape.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries as needed.
• Look for housing that is equipped with automatic sprinkler systems.  Not every residence hall or rental property has them.
• Know at least two ways out of every room and the building.
• If smoking is allowed, designate an area outside.  Properly dispose of smoking materials in sturdy ashtrays and ensure they are completely extinguished.  Just in case, always check cushions in chairs and sofas for smoldering cigarettes.
• If using extension cords, use only approved laboratory listed cords such as UL®, and don’t overload the electrical outlets.
• Consider using flameless candles or battery operated lights instead of regular wax candles.
• If using regular candles, never leave them or other open flame type devices unattended and keep combustibles away from their location at all times.  Always extinguish the flame prior to leaving the room.
• Cooking should only occur in permitted locations.  Never leave cooking food unattended.
• If using a barbeque grill, fire pit, chiminea or other outdoor open flame device, check out the local regulations beforehand.  When these items are used improperly, an enjoyable time can quickly turn into a tragedy.

For more information about campus fire safety related issues, please see the following websites:

www.campusfiresafety.org

www.campus-firewatch.com

http://www.campusfiresafety.wikispaces.com/

(See signed Maryland Governor’s Proclamation for Campus Fire Safety Month on page 3).

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Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876

          The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering.  For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: www.mdsp.org/firemarshal and/or http://facebook.com/MarylandStateFireMarshal.

Private Nonprofit Organizations May Be Eligible for Disaster Aid

REISTERSTOWN, MD—Kenneth Mallette, Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, is urging all private nonprofit organizations who incurred costs from the severe storms and straight-line winds, which impacted Maryland beginning on June 29, 2012, to apply for disaster assistance under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Public Assistance Program.

Here are some qualifiers to help determine eligibility:

1. Private nonprofit organizations must hold tax exempt status under Section 501 (c), (d) or (e) of the IRS Code or have State certification that your organization is a non-revenue producing nonprofit entity, organized or doing business under State law.
2. Organizations must have incurred costs related to the June storm.  These costs could be for debris removal and clean-up, emergency protective measures (emergency response services, evacuation) or permanent damage to your facility.
3. The service or facility being claimed must be open to the public.
4. The organization must provide essential government-like services, and be in a county designated under the Federal disaster declaration.  The designated areas are Calvert, Charles, Kent, Montgomery and St. Mary’s Counties and the Independent City of Baltimore.
5. Eligible damage must meet the $1,000 threshold.

If private nonprofit organizations feel they qualify and may be an eligible applicant, they should contact the Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program office at 410-517-3604 or 1-877-636-2872.

An Applicants’ Briefing will be held at the Rice Auditorium, located on the grounds of Spring Grove Hospital Center, 55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Potential applicants are encouraged to attend.  The Request for Public Assistance (RPA) and PNP Questionnaire (attached) must be completed and received by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency by 09/01/2012.  Forms may be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 410-517-3610.