8. Handling a Disaster - Ongoing
When the initial shock and confusion of a disaster has abated, and a general survey of the situation is completed and reported to the communications center, there are a number of ongoing tasks which must be performed to minimize the effects of the disaster and begin recovery.
As before, the primary focus of the Captain is on human health and safety, and ongoing efforts should focus first on any tasks which may locate additional injured persons or serious safety hazards. For example, more extensive search of a seriously damaged house where the occupants have not been located may be warranted.
Some of the ongoing duties of a Captain are listed below.
8.1.1. In case of earthquake, be aware of the possibility of aftershocks. Quickly move to safe areas.
8.1.2. Evaluate the situation and assign tasks as necessary to achieve the best results.
8.1.3. Coordinate the reporting of information to the disaster communications center and assure the accuracy of information.
8.1.4. As neighbors who are not part of the program volunteer their services, assess the current needs of the neighborhood and assign them to a task within your area.
8.1.5. Verify that all tasks have been completed and that the appropriate help has been requested.
8.1.6. Monitor AM/FM radio for disaster information.
8.1.7. Conduct a detailed survey of the damage to the neighborhood and report the damage assessment figures to the Communications Committee.
8.1.8. Dress properly. Sturdy shoes or boots and leather gloves are essential. A hard hat dust mask and goggles are also recommended. You may be climbing over rubble.
8.1.9. Within the first 24 hours after the disaster, count the number of
each item of the following "Preliminary Survey". This should take only a few
minutes to complete:
# homes off their foundations
# fires
# homes
with collapsed walls or ceilings
# broken gas lines
# front and side
windows broken
# toppled or cracked chimneys
# front doors that appear
blocked or jammed
# large cracks in street, driveways, lawns
# broken
water lines
# uprooted trees fallen on houses
# uprooted trees
#
items blocking street (trees, cars, etc.)
# houses flooded with water
Add up the tally marks for each item and report this to the Communications Committee.
8.1.10. If evacuation is needed, remind the neighbors to take their medications with them.
8.1.11. Identify and rope off hazardous areas.
8.1.12. Confine pets.
8.1.13. During an evacuation, if Sheriff or Fire Brigade personnel are present (there may also be other municipal employees), follow their directions as to where you should go and the route you should take.
8.1.14. Check on the status of all homes that display the "OK" side of the neighborhood communications card to verify that they are "OK".
8.1.15. If you find any children, elderly or disabled at home alone and frightened, send them to the neighborhood child/adult care center.
8.1.16. Keep a log of all the homes you search. Record their address, whether they were OK or needed help, and what type of help they were given. Also include the date and time the search was conducted. YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST
8.1.17. Monitor Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) stations for information about the disaster. Share the information with neighbors.
8.1.18. Continue to monitor your AM/FM radio for disaster information.
8.1.19. Within 72 hours of the disaster, complete the "Detailed Damage Survey" of the neighborhood, using the "Detailed Damage Survey" form and report to the Communications Committee.
8.2. Search and Rescue Basic Guidelines
All Captains should be trained in various emergency procedures, including Search and Rescue. This set of guidelines is included here for reference.
8.2.1. Dress properly. Sturdy shoes or boots and leather gloves are essential. A hard hat dust mask and goggles are also recommended. You may be climbing over rubble.
8.2.2. Work in pairs. Establish who your partner will be. Never conduct a search and rescue alone. Plan your search. Do not wander aimlessly.
8.2.3. Before you enter each home, feel the top and bottom of the front door with the back of your hand. If it is hot, do not enter. If it is cool, cautiously open the door. Call to someone inside to let them know you are there - even if you "know" the building is empty.
8.2.4. Check the door jamb, and its accompanying wall and ceiling for cracks and splinters. If the house appears unsafe, do not enter.
8.2.5. Enter the house low, preferably on your knees. Be alert. Watch for falling objects.
8.2.6. While still in the entry way, smell for the odor of natural gas. If you can smell it, open the front and back doors and as many windows as you are able, without going inside, to provide ventilation. Enter the home only after the smell of the gas is gone.
8.2.7. While still in the entry way, loudly call out, "Is anyone here?" Listen carefully for a response. If someone answers, ask them to tell you where they are, and what type of help they need. Pause occasionally during the entire search to listen for cries, moans, and other indicators of someone needing help.
8.2.8. Systematically search each room. Stay with your partner. Communicate frequently. Pay careful attention to these critical areas: Under beds, behind furniture, inside closets, under the stairs, and inside the tub or shower.
8.2.9. If it is dark, slowly sweep each room with your flashlight. Frequently check the floor and the ceiling of the area you are in for hazards.
8.2.10. If it is dark, keep in contact with the wall. It is easy to become disoriented after experiencing trauma. Should you become disoriented, following the wall will eventually lead you back to the original door.
8.2.11. If you find a victim, move them as quickly as possible to the neighborhood First Aid Station - unless it would cause further injury. Transport them if there is further danger to the victim or you.
8.2.12. It is important that Search and Rescue efforts are not duplicated - and thereby unnecessarily risk the lives of rescuers. Mark the front door of each home, apartment, office or building with a large "S" or "X" at the completion of a search. If a large building has been cleared, then all office doors and the outside entry should be clearly marked. Avoid duplication of effort and exposure to risk.
8.2.13. There is no rule for risking your life to rescue others. If your attempts are obviously beyond your physical capability or skill, you may lose your life, and you may endanger others who have to come to your aid. Sometimes it is better to wait for help than to create the need for more help.
SAFETY FIRST
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