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Disaster Response Reference

The Observatory Almanac — Section 14.2

Use this guide for preparedness and reference. Actual emergencies require following instructions from local authorities. Evacuation orders are mandatory where issued.

How to Use This Guide

Each response card follows the BEFORE / DURING / AFTER framework. Preparation done before a disaster dramatically improves survival odds. Read these cards before emergencies — not during them.

🌍 Earthquake

BEFORE

  • Secure your home: Strap tall furniture (bookshelves, water heaters) to walls. Secure heavy items on high shelves. Install latches on cabinet doors.
  • Identify safe spots: Under sturdy tables, against interior walls away from windows.
  • Identify dangerous spots: Near windows, under overhead fixtures, outside.
  • Build emergency kit: 72-hour supply of water (1 gallon/person/day), food, medications, flashlight, radio, first aid kit.
  • Plan family reunification: Agree on meeting spots (one near home, one farther away). Designate an out-of-area contact.
  • Know utility shutoffs: Learn to shut off gas, water, and electricity at the main valves.
  • Practice Drop-Cover-Hold On drills.

DURING

  1. Drop to hands and knees — reduces chance of being knocked down.
  2. Cover head and neck with arms; crawl under a sturdy table or desk if nearby.
  3. Hold On to shelter until shaking stops.
  4. Stay indoors until shaking stops — most injuries occur when people try to move or run.
  5. If outside: Move away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires. Drop to ground.
  6. If in a vehicle: Pull over away from bridges, overpasses, buildings. Stay inside.
  7. If trapped: Signal with whistle, tap on pipes, or shout at intervals. Conserve air — do not light matches (gas leaks).

AFTER

  • Expect and prepare for aftershocks — drop, cover, hold on again.
  • Check for injuries; provide first aid; do not move seriously injured persons unless there is immediate danger.
  • Check for hazards: Smell for gas (if detected, open windows, leave immediately, do not use electrical switches). Look for fire. Check for structural damage.
  • Use flashlights, not candles or lighters (gas leak risk).
  • Listen to battery/hand-crank radio for official information.
  • Check water, gas, and electrical lines. If damaged, shut off and call utilities.
  • Stay away from damaged buildings.
  • Clean up spilled hazardous materials (bleach, medications) carefully with gloves.
  • Use text messages over phone calls (networks get overloaded).

🌪️ Tornado

BEFORE

  • Know the difference:
  • Watch: Conditions favorable for tornado. Be ready to shelter.
  • Warning: Tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Shelter immediately.
  • Identify shelter: Lowest floor, interior room (bathroom, closet, hallway). Away from windows.
  • Get a NOAA weather radio.
  • Know your community's warning system (sirens, apps).
  • Plan for mobile homes: Never shelter in a mobile home during a tornado — always evacuate to a substantial building or designated shelter.

DURING

Shelter Protocol: 1. Go to the lowest level of the building (basement preferred). 2. In basement: Get under a sturdy table or staircase. Cover head and neck. 3. No basement: Go to an interior room on the lowest floor — bathroom, closet, or hallway. Stay away from windows. 4. Cover yourself with blankets, mattress, or couch cushions. 5. Protect head and neck with arms.

If outdoors: - Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle on open terrain (exception: driving at 90° to the tornado's path may work if it's far away). - Abandon vehicle. Lie in a ditch or low-lying area. Cover head. Do NOT shelter under a bridge or overpass (wind tunnel effect).

If in a vehicle: - If shelter is reachable quickly, go there. - If not, drive at right angles to the tornado path. - If caught: Stay buckled, head below windows, cover head.

AFTER

  • Watch for downed power lines.
  • Check for injuries; help neighbors.
  • Document damage with photos before cleanup.
  • Be aware of hazardous debris.
  • Use caution entering damaged buildings.

🌀 Hurricane

BEFORE (Days/Weeks Ahead)

  • Know your zone: Most local governments publish evacuation zone maps. Know yours.
  • Stock supplies: 7-day water and food supply (at minimum). Medications, first aid, cash, important documents in waterproof container.
  • Board windows or install hurricane shutters. Bring in outdoor furniture.
  • Fill car with gas. ATMs and gas stations may not work post-storm.
  • Charge all devices. Backup power banks.
  • Fill bathtub with water for flushing toilets.
  • Know your evacuation route — multiple routes in case roads are blocked.

Evacuation Decision: - Evacuate if ordered. Do not wait. - Evacuate if in a mobile home, low-lying area, or flood zone. - Evacuate if you cannot safely shelter in place.

DURING

  • Stay indoors. Stay away from windows and glass doors.
  • The calm "eye" of the hurricane may pass — do not go outside. The worst winds may return from the opposite direction within minutes.
  • Keep listening to weather radio or emergency broadcasts.
  • Be aware of storm surge — rapidly rising water is the most deadly aspect of hurricanes.
  • If flooding threatens: Move to upper floors but do not enter attic (become trapped). Get to roof only if necessary.

AFTER

  • Wait for official all-clear before returning.
  • Avoid floodwaters — they may be electrically charged from downed lines, contaminated, or moving faster than they appear. 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult down. 12 inches can carry away a vehicle.
  • Do not use generator indoors or in garage — carbon monoxide kills.
  • Check for structural damage before entering buildings.
  • Document damage; contact insurer.
  • Conserve water — supply may be contaminated.

🌊 Tsunami

Warning Signs (Natural Warnings)

  • Strong or unusual earthquake near coast
  • Sudden and dramatic sea withdrawal (ocean recedes far from shore)
  • Loud roaring sound from the ocean
  • Unusual wave activity

You may have only minutes between an earthquake and the arrival of a tsunami.

BEFORE

  • Know your community's tsunami evacuation zone and routes.
  • Know the elevation of your home and workplace.
  • Identify high ground (100+ feet above sea level, or 1+ mile inland).
  • Practice evacuation route on foot.

DURING (When Warning Issued or Natural Signs Observed)

  1. Move immediately to high ground or inland. Do not wait for an official warning if you observe natural warning signs.
  2. Go on foot if roads are congested — cars may not make it.
  3. Do not wait to see the wave. If you can see it, it's too late to outrun it.
  4. Move to a minimum of 100 feet above sea level or 1 mile inland.
  5. If caught in a wave: Grab something that floats. Protect your head.

AFTER

  • Stay at high ground until officials declare it safe — there will likely be multiple waves, and later waves may be larger.
  • Tsunami waves can continue for 8+ hours.
  • Avoid floodwaters.
  • Stay out of flooded areas.

🌧️ Flood / Flash Flood

BEFORE

  • Know if your home is in a flood plain (FEMA flood maps).
  • Purchase flood insurance (standard home insurance does not cover flooding).
  • Elevate appliances, electrical panels, and valuables.
  • Know where to turn off electricity at the main switch.
  • Identify local flood shelters and evacuation routes.

DURING — Flash Flood

  • If a flash flood warning is issued: Act immediately.
  • Move to higher ground. Do not wait.
  • Do not walk through moving water — 6 inches can knock you down; 2 feet can carry away most vehicles.
  • Do not drive through flooded roads. Turn Around, Don't Drown. More than half of flood deaths occur in vehicles.
  • If your vehicle is swept into water: Get out immediately and move to higher ground.

AFTER

  • Wait for official all-clear to return.
  • Document damage with photos.
  • Wear rubber boots and gloves — floodwater is contaminated.
  • Do not use electrical appliances until inspected.
  • Pump out flooded basements gradually (pumping too fast can cause structural collapse).
  • Discard food that contacted floodwater.

🔥 Wildfire

Evacuation Decision Tree

Wildfire in region?
│
├─ Evacuation ORDER issued?
│   └─ YES → LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Take pets, medications, documents.
│
├─ Evacuation WARNING issued?
│   └─ Be ready to leave at a moment's notice. Load car. Go early.
│
└─ No order/warning but fire nearby?
    ├─ Can you see smoke or flames? → Consider leaving now.
    ├─ Is road blocked? → Shelter in place.
    └─ Unsure? → Leave early. Roads get congested fast.

BEFORE

  • Create defensible space around home (clear brush 100 feet in all directions where possible).
  • Use fire-resistant building materials.
  • Prepare go bag: 72-hour supplies, important documents, medications, water.
  • Know multiple evacuation routes.
  • Sign up for local emergency alerts.
  • Plan where your pets will go.

DURING — Evacuation

  • Take your go bag.
  • Wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes.
  • Close windows, vents, and pet doors before leaving.
  • Leave lights on inside — makes house visible in smoke.
  • Take irrigation/hose to roof if time permits.
  • Follow designated evacuation routes — do not take shortcuts.
  • If trapped in vehicle: park away from vegetation, turn engine off, headlights on, lie on floor, cover with wool blanket.

DURING — Shelter in Place (If Evacuation Is Impossible)

  1. Go to the most protected room. Close all windows and doors.
  2. Seal gaps under doors with wet towels.
  3. Fill bathtubs, sinks, buckets with water (for fire suppression).
  4. Turn off fans and HVAC (pulls smoke in).
  5. Monitor radio for official instructions.
  6. If inside gets too smoky: Go to room with most ventilation and signal for help.

AFTER

  • Do not return until authorities declare it safe.
  • Ash and debris are hazardous — wear N95 mask, gloves, protective clothing.
  • Document damage.
  • Check utilities carefully before use.

❄️ Winter Storm / Blizzard

BEFORE

  • Home heating supplies: Extra fuel, blankets, wood if wood stove.
  • Power outage prep: Flashlights, candles (with caution), battery/hand-crank radio.
  • Vehicle kit: Blankets, sand/kitty litter, shovel, jumper cables, ice scraper, extra warm clothes, snacks, water.
  • Food and water for 72+ hours.
  • Pipes: Know how to shut off water; let faucets drip if temps may fall below freezing.
  • Prescription medications: Stock up before storms.

DURING

  • Stay indoors. Wind chill is the primary killer.
  • If you must go outside: Dress in layers (wool or synthetic — not cotton, which loses insulation when wet). Cover all exposed skin.
  • Limit travel. If you must drive: Tell someone your route and ETA. Carry your vehicle kit.
  • If stranded in vehicle: Stay with vehicle (easier to find). Run engine 10 min/hr for heat (open window slightly; check exhaust pipe for blockage). Signal for help.
  • Avoid carbon monoxide: Never use generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills indoors.
  • Check on neighbors, especially elderly.

AFTER

  • Beware of overexertion when shoveling — heart attack risk.
  • Watch for frostbite and hypothermia signs (see CPR & First Aid guide).
  • Check on pipes — frozen pipes burst as they thaw.
  • Remove snow from roof if load becomes heavy (risk of collapse).

⚡ Extended Power Outage

BEFORE

  • Battery backup: Battery banks, UPS for critical equipment.
  • Lighting: LED lanterns, flashlights with extra batteries, glow sticks.
  • Manual alternatives: Manual can opener, non-electric heating source (camping stove, wood stove).
  • Generator: If purchasing, get appropriate size. Store fuel safely. Learn operation.
  • Food preservation: Keep freezer and fridge closed. Freezer food safe 24–48 hrs. Fridge safe 4 hrs.
  • Medical equipment: If you use powered medical devices, register with utility company; have backup plan.
  • Cash: ATMs and card readers may be down.

DURING

  • Unplug appliances to protect from power surges when power returns.
  • Leave one light on so you know when power is restored.
  • Generator safety: Run OUTSIDE only, at least 20 feet from windows/doors. Never in garage. CO kills quickly.
  • Food: 40°F or below = safe. Above 40°F for 2+ hours = discard.
  • Stay cool/warm depending on climate — extreme heat or cold are life-threatening without power.
  • Ice for coolers — local emergency supply points often provide ice.

AFTER

  • Check food safety before eating. When in doubt, throw it out.
  • Throw away any medication that requires refrigeration.
  • Reset clocks. Check smoke and CO detectors.
  • Report lingering outages.

🏠 House Fire

BEFORE

  • Install smoke alarms on every level, in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas. Test monthly.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.
  • Plan escape routes: Two ways out of every room. Agree on outside meeting point.
  • Practice: Run fire drills. Everyone practices "get low, go."
  • Keep doors closed at night — closed doors slow fire spread significantly.
  • Fire extinguisher: Know location, type (ABC multipurpose), and how to use (PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

DURING — Escape

  1. On hearing alarm: Get out immediately. Don't gather belongings.
  2. Before opening a door: Feel it with the back of your hand. If hot, find another way out.
  3. Stay low — smoke and toxic gases rise.
  4. Close doors behind you as you go (slows fire spread).
  5. If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, Roll. Cover your face.
  6. Once outside: Stay outside. Do not re-enter.
  7. Call 911 from outside.
  8. Go to the designated meeting point.

If trapped: - Close door. Seal gaps with clothing. - Signal from window. - Call 911 and tell them your location.

AFTER

  • Do not re-enter until fire department declares it safe.
  • Contact insurance company immediately.
  • Document damage with photos.
  • Check with Red Cross or local emergency management for temporary housing assistance.
  • Discard food, medications, and cosmetics exposed to heat/smoke/soot/water.

💨 Gas Leak

Signs

  • Smell of rotten eggs or sulfur (added odorant)
  • Hissing or blowing sound near gas line or appliance
  • Dead or discolored vegetation over pipeline
  • Dirt or water blowing up from ground
  • Visible flames at a pipe

DURING

  1. Do not operate any electrical switches — including light switches, phone chargers. No open flames.
  2. Do not use your phone inside the building.
  3. Leave immediately. Leave doors open as you go.
  4. Warn neighbors.
  5. Once outside and away from the building: Call your gas utility's emergency line and 911.
  6. Do not re-enter until cleared by utility company.

🔫 Active Shooter

Run-Hide-Fight Framework

RUN — If there is a safe escape path: - Leave immediately, regardless of others' willingness to go. - Leave belongings behind. - Evacuate even if others do not follow. - Warn others as you go. - Call 911 once safely away. - Hands visible when police arrive.

HIDE — If escape is not possible: - Get out of the shooter's view. - Lock or barricade door. Turn off lights. - Silence phone completely (not just vibrate). - Do not cluster together — spread out. - Hide behind heavy, solid objects. - Do not open the door for anyone claiming to be police until you have confirmed via other means.

FIGHT — As a last resort, when your life is in imminent danger: - Commit fully and act aggressively. - Improvise weapons (fire extinguisher, furniture). - Yell and create commotion. - Attempt to disarm the shooter.

When police arrive: - Remain calm. Raise hands. Spread fingers. - Follow all instructions immediately. - Do not make sudden movements. - Police may handcuff you initially as a precaution — comply.

💣 Bomb Threat

Receiving a Threat (Phone)

  • Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.
  • Note exact words used.
  • Note voice characteristics, background sounds, accent.
  • Signal a coworker to call 911.
  • Ask: "Where is the bomb?" "What does it look like?" "When will it go off?" "Why are you doing this?"
  • After call: Immediately report to supervisor and call authorities.
  • Do not touch suspicious packages.

Received Written Threat

  • Do not handle excessively.
  • Preserve for authorities.
  • Evacuate per company/building protocol.

If a Suspicious Device Is Found

  • Do not touch, cover, or move it.
  • Clear the area (minimum 300 feet; 1,500 feet for large vehicle bomb).
  • Call 911.
  • Evacuate. Follow emergency personnel instructions.

☢️ Nuclear / Radiological Emergency

Extremely unlikely but worth knowing.

Types

  • Nuclear blast: Large yield weapon or power plant meltdown with explosion.
  • Dirty bomb (radiological dispersal device): Conventional explosive + radioactive material. Primarily a panic/contamination event; immediate blast is the main injury, not radiation.
  • Nuclear power plant accident: Radiation release without explosion.

BEFORE

  • Know if you live within 50 miles of a nuclear facility. Facilities provide emergency planning information.
  • Keep potassium iodide (KI) tablets available if within 10 miles of a nuclear plant (check local emergency management guidance).

DURING — Get Inside, Stay Inside, Stay Tuned

  1. Get inside a substantial building as quickly as possible. Dense materials (concrete, brick) provide shielding.
  2. Move to the center of the building, away from windows and exterior walls.
  3. If outside during detonation: Take cover behind anything solid. Lie face down with hands under body. After blast wave passes, quickly move inside.
  4. Turn off HVAC systems. Close windows, doors, fireplace dampers.
  5. Tune to emergency broadcasts.
  6. Potassium iodide (KI): Take only if directed by public health authorities and only if you are exposed or at risk of thyroid exposure from radioactive iodine. It protects the thyroid only; it does not protect the rest of the body.

AFTER

  • Stay inside for at least 24 hours (radiation falls off rapidly after initial event — the "seven-ten" rule: for every 7-fold increase in time, radiation decreases 10-fold).
  • If you believe you were exposed outdoors: Remove outer clothing (removes ~80% of contamination). Shower with soap and water. Do not use conditioner. Blow nose, wipe eyelids, clean ears.
  • Follow authorities on when it is safe to leave shelter.
  • Do not consume local food or water until cleared.

🦠 Pandemic Basics

BEFORE

  • Build a 30-day supply of prescription medications and over-the-counter health supplies.
  • Supply cache: N95 masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, non-perishable food, water.
  • Identify healthcare resources: Telehealth providers, nearest hospital and urgent care.
  • Stay current on vaccinations.

DURING

  • Follow official guidance from health authorities. Guidelines may change rapidly.
  • Reduce transmission:
  • Wear appropriate masks (N95 most effective) in high-risk settings.
  • Wash hands frequently (20+ seconds with soap).
  • Avoid touching face.
  • Stay home when sick.
  • Increase ventilation (open windows, use air purifiers with HEPA filters).
  • Monitor symptoms. Know when to seek care vs. manage at home.
  • Maintain mental health: Routine, social connection (remote), limit news consumption to 1–2 credible sources.
  • Protect vulnerable household members.

AFTER

  • Continue monitoring for resurgence.
  • Address mental health impacts (anxiety, grief, PTSD are common post-pandemic).
  • Restock supplies gradually.
  • Review and update your preparedness plan based on lessons learned.

Universal Emergency Preparedness

The Go-Bag (72-Hour Kit)

Every household member should have or share:

Water: 1 gallon per person per day (minimum 3 days) Food: 3-day supply of non-perishable food Medications: At least 7-day supply of all prescription drugs Documents: Copies of ID, insurance cards, medical records, bank info — in a waterproof bag Communication: Battery/hand-crank radio, charged power banks First aid kit Flashlight + extra batteries Multi-tool or knife Cash (small bills) Whistle (to signal for help) Dust masks / N95 Local maps (paper — cell towers may be down) Sanitation: Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, moist towelettes

For infants: Formula, diapers, baby food For pets: Food, water, carrier, vaccination records For elderly/disabled: Extra mobility aids, hearing aid batteries, medical supplies

Information to Keep Accessible

  • Emergency contacts (written, not just in phone)
  • Medical information: blood type, medications, allergies, doctor contacts
  • Insurance policy numbers
  • Utility company emergency numbers
  • Family meeting points and out-of-area contact

Section 14.2 — The Observatory Almanac

Disaster Response Quick Cards