Emergency Preparedness
Winter Preparedness
With cold weather approaching and winter right around the corner, are you prepared?
Preparedness Tip # 1: You should keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of you and your family for at least three days. Build an emergency supply kit to take with you in an evacuation. The basics to stock in your portable kit include: water, food, battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, change of clothing, blanket or sleeping bag, wrench or pliers, whistle, dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, trash bags, map, a manual can opener for canned food and special items for infants, elderly, the sick or people with disabilities. Keep these items in an easy to carry container such as a covered trash container, a large backpack, or a duffle bag.
Preparedness Tip # 2: You should also keep a smaller version of your emergency supply kit in your vehicle, in case you are commuting or traveling when disaster strikes. The emergency kit for your vehicle should include: bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter; flashlight and extra batteries; blanket; booster cables; fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type); first aid kit and manual; maps; shovel; tire repair kit and pump; and flares or other emergency marking devices.
Preparedness Tip # 3: Take a moment to imagine that there is an emergency, like a fire in your home, and you need to leave quickly. What are the best escape routes from your home? Find at least two ways out of each room.
For more information on Winter Preparedness: view the Winter Storm Safety Checklist
What to Do Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold: http://m.fema.gov/wi_before.htm
What to Do During a Winter Storm: http://m.fema.gov/wi_during.htm
The City of Dublin encourages its residents to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. The City of Dublin encourages its residents to be prepared and make plans for emergencies. We've included information on this web page as well as links to other resources to help you and your family better prepare in case an emergency or disaster. Only by working together will we continue to make Dublin a safe place to live, work, and visit!
30 Tips for Emergency Preparedness
Here are 30 tips to help you and your family become better prepared for an emergency. Visit: http://www.dhs.gov/xcitizens/editorial_0711.shtm
Emergency Supply List and Family Emergency Plan
Basic Emergency Supply Kit | Family Emergency Plan
Through its Ready Campaign, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security educates and empowers Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
Ready asks individuals to do three key things: get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.
All Americans should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs.
Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
www.ready.gov
Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.
www.fema.gov/hazard/types.shtm
Learn About the Types of Disasters
www.weathersafety.ohio.gov
Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness
www.dublin.oh.us/police/services/emergencywarning.php | Dublin Emergency Warning System Brochure
Dublin Emergency Warning System
www.dublin.oh.us/police/crime/callingsystem.php
Dublin Emergency Calling System
waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?03221000
Water Gauge in the Scioto River south of O'Shaughnessy Dam
www.bepoisonsmart.com
Central Ohio Poison Control Center
Disaster and Emergency Planning for Your Pets
Are you prepared to keep your pets safe in case of a disaster?
Plan ahead and you can be ready for an emergency!
Please visit the following link for valuable information on planning for your pets safety during a disaster:
http://www.franklincountydogs.com/programs/shelter_disaster.cfm
Earthquake Preparedness
It is surprising to many Ohioans that the state of Ohio has experienced more than 200 felt earthquakes since 1776, and that 15 of these events have caused minor to moderate damage. The largest historic earthquake centered in Ohio was in 1937 in Shelby County. This event, estimated to have had a magnitude of 5.4, caused considerable damage in Anna and several other western Ohio communities. At least 40 earthquakes have been felt in the Anna area since 1875.
Northeastern Ohio, east of Cleveland, has experienced many small earthquakes, including a 5.0 magnitude event in 1986 that caused moderate damage and a damaging 4.5 magnitude earthquake at Ashtabula in 2001. A broad area of southern Ohio has experienced more than 30 felt earthquakes.
Ohio is on the periphery of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, an area in Missouri and adjacent states that was the site of the largest earthquake sequence to occur in historical times in the continental United States.
Seismic risk in Ohio is difficult to evaluate and predict because of the unpredictability of earthquake activity. However, earthquake activity can occur in central Ohio.
Information courtesy of The Ohio Seismic Network
Simple Earthquake Precautions
-
Bolt bookcases to the wall.
-
Strap water heaters to the wall.
-
Put latches or bolts on cabinet doors.
-
Make sure mirrors, picture frames, and lamps are properly mounted.
-
Maintain an emergency supply of canned food.
-
Maintain an emergency supply of drinking water.
-
Have a fire extinguisher for each floor of your home.
-
Use flexible connectors for gas supply to gas fueled appliances.
-
Consult your insurance agent about earthquake insurance.
-
If you're indoors, stay there but seek cover under an interior doorway or heavy desk or table. Avoid windows and outside doors.
-
If you're outside, stay there. Get away from buildings and watch for chimneys, overhead wires, poles or other objects that might fall.
-
If you're in a car, pull over and stop away from bridges and overpasses. Stay in the car and turn on the radio for information.
Earthquake Information Links:
Earthquakes and Seismic Risk in Ohio
Lightning Safety for You and Your Family
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
Each year in the United States, more than 400 people are struck by lightning. On average, between 55 and 60 people are killed and hundreds of others suffer permanent neurological disabilities. Most of these tragedies can be avoided with a few simple precautions. When thunderstorms threaten, get to a safe place. Lightning safety is an inconvenience that can save your life.
All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. In the United States, in an average year, lightning kills about the same number of people as tornadoes and more people than hurricanes. Lightning often strikes outside the area of heavy rain and may strike as far as 10 miles from any rainfall. Many lightning deaths occur ahead of storms or after storms have seemingly passed. If you can hear thunder, you are in danger. Don’t be fooled by blue skies. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to pose an immediate threat.
Many lightning victims say they were “caught” outside in the storm and couldn’t get to a safe place. Other lightning victims waited too long before seeking shelter. Some people were struck by lightning because they went back outside too soon. Others were in contact with plumbing, a metal door or a window frame when lightning hit the structure they were inside.
With proper planning, these tragedies could be prevented. When you hear thunder or see lightning, do the following.
-
Head to a safe place immediately. By heading to a safe place 5 to 10 minutes sooner, you could avoid being struck by lightning. Examples of a safe place include: home, school, church, hotel, office building, shopping center, hard topped car, minivan, bus, or truck.
-
Stay inside a safe building or vehicle for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder clap.
-
Do not use electrical equipment or corded telephones when inside a building during thunder and lightning. Also avoid contact with other electrical conductors inside a building (i.e. plumbing, metal doors, or window frame).
The City of Dublin’s Lightning Detection System | download brochure
The City of Dublin owns and operates a lightning detection system. The primary purpose of the lighting detection system is to notify the public of potential lightning strike hazards during severe weather. The Parks Department is responsible for the testing and maintenance of the system which is located at the Dublin Justice Center. The system is programmed to operate from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week from March 15th to November 10th every year. Audible warning horns are located at Avery Park, Darree Fields, Emerald Fields, North and South Outdoor Pools. The alarm system is triggered when cloud to ground lighting strikes within a 10-25 mile radius of the Justice Center. The system is tested monthly starting in February of each year, and every second Tuesday of each month, beginning in March and ending in November.
For more information about lightning/lightning safety, please visit: http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/ThunderstormsAndLightningSafety.aspx
Severe Spring and Summer Weather Preparedness
Severe spring and summer weather is a constant threat to Ohioans. Lightning, thunderstorms, flooding and tornados destroy homes and lives far too often. When a disaster strikes, you may have only seconds to seek safe shelter. Knowing what to do can greatly increase your safety. Make a plan for when severe weather happens.
-
Put as many walls and floors as possible between you and the tornado
-
A basement is one of the best places to go, but if there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet
-
Cover yourself with a blanket or mattress to protect yourself from possible flying debris
-
Stay away from exterior walls or glass enclosed places and windows
-
Make yourself as small as possible and remember to protect your head
-
Keep a disaster kit in your home in case of emergencies (battery powered weather radio, flashlight, blankets, cell phone, batteries, etc.)
-
When it looks like severe weather is approaching, monitor your local radio or television for current weather information and further instructions.
The City operates 26 outdoor warning sirens within the City and Washington Township. These sirens complement the Franklin County Outdoor Siren Warning System, which is one of the largest systems in Ohio and the U.S. These outdoor warning sirens are referred to as the Dublin Emergency Warning System.
The Dublin Emergency Warning System is sounded whenever the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning that impacts the Dublin area or whenever an on-duty police or fire official has spotted a tornado in the Dublin area. The sirens will activate for three minutes followed by silence for seven minutes. This activation cycle will continue until the weather warning is canceled.
For more information contact Tom Hirschy, emergency management coordinator, 614-410-4808.
Tornado Safety
Tornadoes develop from severe thunderstorms. They are usually preceded by very heavy rain and/or large hail. A thunderstorm accompanied by hail indicates that the storm has large amounts of energy and may be severe. In general, the larger the hailstones, the more potential there is for damaging winds and/or tornadoes.
The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths have exceeded the width of one mile and 50 miles long. Tornadoes generally move from southwest to northeast, but have also been recorded traveling in any direction. The forward speed of a tornado varies from 30 mph to 70 mph.
Even though Ohio had tornadoes in November of 2002 and 2003, the peak tornado season for Ohio is generally April through July. Tornadoes usually occur between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., but have been known to occur at any hour.
What you need to know about Tornados
Dublin Emergency Warning System Brochure
Tornado Safety Tips
Whether practicing in a tornado drill or sheltering during a warning, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness encourages Ohioans to DUCK!
D - Go DOWN to the lowest level
U - Get UNDER something
C - COVER your head
K - KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed
-
Take responsibility for your safety and be prepared before a watch or warning is issued. Meet with household members to develop a disaster plan to respond to tornado watches and warnings. Conduct regular tornado drills. When a tornado watch is issued, review your plan – don't wait for the watch to become a warning. Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
-
Despite Doppler radar, tornadoes can sometimes occur without any warning, allowing very little time to act. It is important to know the basics of tornado safety. Know the difference between tornado watches and tornado warnings.
-
Tune in to one of the following for weather information: NOAA Weather Radio, local/cable television (Ohio News Network or the Weather Channel), or local radio station.
-
NOAA Weather Radio has available an alerting tool for people who are deaf or have hearing impairments. Some weather radio receivers can be connected to an existing home security system, much the same as a doorbell, smoke detector or other sensor. For additional information, visit: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/special_need.htm.
-
The safest place to be during a tornado is a basement. If the building has no basement or cellar, go to a small room (a bathroom or closet) on the lowest level of the structure, away from windows and as close to the center of the building as possible.
-
Be aware of emergency shelter plans in stores, offices and schools. If no specific shelter has been identified, move to the building's lowest level. Try to avoid areas with large glass windows, large rooms and wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways or shopping malls.
-
If you're outside or in mobile home, find shelter immediately by going to the lowest level of a nearby sturdy building. Sturdy buildings are the safest structures to be in when tornadoes threaten. Winds from tornadoes can blow large objects, including cars and mobile homes, hundreds of feet away.
-
If you cannot quickly get to a shelter, get into your vehicle, buckle your seatbelt and try to drive to the nearest sturdy shelter.
- If you experience flying debris while driving, pull over and park. Choose to either stay in your vehicle, stay buckled up, duck down below the windows and cover your head with your hands, or find a depression or ditch, exit your vehicle and use your arms and hands to protect your head. Never seek shelter under highway overpasses and bridges.
Ohio Tornado Database
The tornado database contains reports of over 950 tornadoes that have touched down in Ohio between 1950 and 2010. You can view a map of where the tornado first touched ground and view a report of the size and duration of the tornado.
Click here to search database (The Columbus Dispatch)
Learn flood tips to keep you and your family safe
Floods kill more Americans each year than any other natural disaster. Only 6 inches of fast moving water could sweep a person off their feet and cars can become buoyant in about 2 feet of water. In addition to heavy rainfall, floods are caused by melting snow and rising rivers, lakes and streams. Listed below are helpful tips and information about floods to keep you and your family safe.
Staying Ahead of the Flood:
-
Know your flood risk elevation and routes
-
Visit the floods section of FEMA's website to determine your risk at www.fema.gov
-
If you live near the Scioto River, you can monitor the water gauge at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?03221000
-
Pay close attention to water levels during heavy rain
-
Avoid flood prone areas
-
Never let children play close to creeks or storm drains
In the Event of a Flash Flood:
-
Get to higher ground
-
Never drive into flooded areas
-
If your vehicle stalls in water, abandon it and get to higher ground
After a Flood:
-
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe
-
Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink
-
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from flood water can contain sewage and chemicals.
What is your flood risk profile?
Knowing your relative flood risk level can help you assess your risk of financial loss. To determine your flood risk, click here.
HEAT
Excessive Heat Warning
Extreme heat index making it feel very hot, typically above 105 °F (41 °C) for 3 hours or more during the day for two consecutive days or above 115 °F (46 °C) at any time.
Heat Advisory
A heat advisory means that a period of unusually high temperatures is expected. The combination of excessive heat and humidity will create a situation in which heat related illnesses and fatalities are possible. Extreme heat index making it feel hot, typically between 105 °F to 115 °F for up to 3 hours during the day and at or above 80 °F at night for two consecutive nights.
WHAT HEALTH OFFICIALS SUGGEST FOR HOT, HUMID DAYS
-
Drink plenty of water - don't wait until you are thirsty.
-
Stay inside in air conditioning whenever possible (movie theaters, malls, etc.) if you do not have it at home.
-
Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar; they will dehydrate you.
-
Eat light meals.
-
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat.
-
Stay in the shade.
-
Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
-
Check on neighbors if they are older, in poor health or live alone.
-
Pet owners should make sure animals have plenty of water and a place to get out of the sun.
Source: City of Columbus
Air Quality Forecast
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's Air Quality Program seeks to address our region’s growing air quality issues and inform, educate and alert individuals, businesses and organizations of the actions they can take to reduce air pollution.
Homeland Security
 |
 |
Water Gauge in the Scioto River just south of O'Shaughnessy Dam.
Check the water level and other valuable information in the event of flooding, controlled water release, or dam failure.
Terrorism
The Dublin Police encourage residents to report suspicious activities that may be related to terrorism.
Brochures |
|
Ohio Strategic Analysis and Information Center |
|
See Something Suspicious - Say Something |
|
Seven Signs of Terrorism |
National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)
The National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, replaces the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). This new system will more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation hubs, and the private sector.
It recognizes that Americans all share responsibility for the nation's security, and should always be aware of the heightened risk of terrorist attack in the United States and what they should do.
After reviewing the available information, the Secretary of Homeland Security will decide, in coordination with other Federal entities, whether an NTAS Alert should be issued. NTAS Alerts will only be issued when credible information is available. These alerts will include a clear statement that there is an imminent threat or elevated threat. Using available information, the alerts will provide a concise summary of the potential threat, information about actions being taken to ensure public safety, and recommended steps that individuals, communities, businesses and governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat. The NTAS Alerts will be based on the nature of the threat: in some cases, alerts will be sent directly to law enforcement or affected areas of the private sector, while in others, alerts will be issued more broadly to the American people through both official and media channels. NTAS Alerts contain a sunset provision indicating a specific date when the alert expires - there will not be a constant NTAS Alert or blanket warning that there is an overarching threat. If threat information changes for an alert, the Secretary of Homeland Security may announce an updated NTAS Alert. All changes, including the announcement that cancels an NTAS Alert, will be distributed the same way as the original alert.
Imminent Threat Alert - Warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States.
Elevated Threat Alert - Warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States.
For more information about the new National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, please visit:
http://www.dhs.gov/files/publications/ntas-public-guide.shtm
American Red Cross
Preparedness Information When It's Needed Most
Get the facts you need - before, during, and after a disaster or emergency situation. As the nation's preeminent preparedness and safety training organization, the American Red Cross developed the following emergency-specific checklists using the latest research, science, best practices and expert opinion.
Pandemic Flu
www.columbuspandemicflu.org
Columbus Pandemic Flu Website
h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov
Ohio Department of Health - H1N1 Vaccine Application
www.flu.gov
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website about the Flu
Emergency Management Agencies
www.franklincountyohio.gov/emahs
Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
ema.ohio.gov
Ohio Emergency Management Agency
www.fema.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Public Health Agencies
www.co.franklin.oh.us/board_of_health
Franklin County Board of Health
www.odh.ohio.gov
Ohio Department of Health