Disaster Supply Kit

Being prepared for any emergency should include sufficient supplies, medications and food to last you and your family several days.  Some of the items may be perishable so should be rotated as needed. Some of these items include:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)

• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

• Flashlight

• First aid kit

• Extra batteries

• Whistle (to signal for help)

• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

• Manual can opener (for food)

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

• Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.

• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives

• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream

• Pet food and extra water for your pet

• Cash or traveler's checks

• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes

• Fire extinguisher

• Matches in a waterproof container

 

Treating Burns

There are three types of burns: 

• First-degree burn damages only the top layer of skin. These are minor burns.

• Second-degree burn damages the top layer and some underlying layers of skin.

• Third-degree burn damages all layers of skin and the underlying fat, muscle, or bone.

A third-degree burn is a medical emergency that should be treated at your nearest emergency department or call 911. You should also seek medical attention (same day or urgent care) for first- or second-degree burns if the burn is larger than two to three inches or if the burn is on your face, scalp, genitals, hands, feet, or major joints.

Burn treatment depends on the degree of the burn.

First-degree burn:

• Soak or run the burn under cool (not cold) water for five to 10 minutes. Do not use ice.

Second-degree burn: 

• Follow the treatment for first degree burns: cool water, aloe vera, antibiotic cream, and dry gauze. 

• Remove jewelry or other tight items before swelling occurs. 

• Do not break blisters. If blisters burst on their own, gently wash them, and apply a special wound dressing (for example, the brand Telfa) that won’t stick to the surface of the blister. Cover the dressing with clean gauze. Tetanus vaccination status should be checked.

Third-degree burn:

• Call 911 or go immediately to the nearest hospital. 

• Do not remove clothing stuck to the burn. 

• Do not soak the burned area in water. 

• Cover the burn with a cool clean cloth or bandage. 

• Keep the burn raise above the level of the heart.

Seek medical care if you are unsure of treating a burn or if you experience new or worsening symptoms.

​

Extreme Cold Safety

            When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Extreme cold temperatures often accompany a winter storm, so you may have to cope with power failures and icy roads. To keep yourself and your family safe, you should know how to prevent cold-related health problems and what to do if a cold weather health emergency arises.

General Information

•  Minimize travel.

• Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.

• Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.

• Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.

• Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.

• Check on the elderly.

• Bring pets inside.

How Should I Dress?

• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.

• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.

• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.

• Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

For more information about staying safe during extreme cold conditions, visit: cdc.gov/disasters/winter/pdf/extreme-cold-guide.pdf

 

Why Cancer Patients Need a Natural Disaster Plan

People with cancer have more to think about and prepare for in the event of an emergency. 

They have to think about maintaining their treatment schedule and keeping up with their medications. Disasters such as hurricane Ian in 2022 can disrupt essential services, such as power, cell phone service and travel routes for days or weeks. 

If power is down and roads are blocked, how will cancer patients access the chemotherapy they’re scheduled to have or get a refill on the prescription they need? 

Planning ahead for an emergency or natural disaster is stressful but necessary. The more you do to prepare ahead of time, the better equipped you and your family will be to respond. 

What to Determine Before an Emergency

• Your shelter plan

  • Talk to your oncologist before developing your plan. Ask for important contact information and steps you should take in case a disaster causes any changes to your treatment schedule.

• Your evacuation route

• Your family communication plan

• How you’ll keep your pets safe

·       How you will receive emergency alerts and warnings

• Email and phone numbers of your family members and neighbors 

• Contact information for your oncologist, veterinary office, local police, fire department and utility companies

Discuss your emergency plan with your family to ensure everyone is on the same page; All members of your family should have a copy.  For more info visit cdc.gov/cancer

​

Food Poisoning

     Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites — or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning.  Symptoms can be anywhere from mild to very serious depending on the germ you swallowed, and it may take hours or days to develop symptoms. The most common symptoms: Upset stomach, Stomach cramps, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fever. If suffering from diarrhea or vomiting, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. For more details as to when to see a doctor, visit cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms

 

Be Visible

     Be sure your house or apartment number is plainly visible and is reflective so it can be seen in the dark. If you call for help it will identify your location for emergency responders.  

 

​​9 Tips for How to Clean Up Your Home After a Hurricane

1.    Wait until daylight. 

2.    Take photos.

3.    Do a walk-around inspection.

4.    Assess damage to your home's exterior.

5.    Check for water damage.

6.    Inspect your appliances

7.    Check for gas leaks.

8.    Don't use wet appliances.

9.    Check if your HVAC system has been flooded

For more details about cleaning up safely checkout: cdc.gov/disasters/cleanup/facts

 

Dangers of Mold

     Molds are very common in buildings and homes. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture and grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;

• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;

• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;

• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

• For more information about mold checkout: cdc.gov/mold/faqs 

​​

​Teach your child about calling 911

     Everyone needs to know about calling 911 in an emergency, but kids also need to know the specifics about what an emergency is. Teach kids that a 911 emergency is when someone needs help right away because of an injury or an immediate danger. For example, they should call 911 if:

• there's a fire

• someone is unconscious 

• someone has trouble breathing

• someone is choking

• they see a crime happening

• there's a serious car accident

For more details check out: kidshealth.org/en/kids/watch.  

 

Treatment of Bleeding

     If someone is bleeding extremely heavily from either a major artery or vein, they can quickly lose a lot of blood.  Apply direct pressure to try and control bleeding. If you control the bleeding with this direct pressure, keep holding for 10 minutes as it takes this long for clots to form.

Once you control bleeding, dress the wound – if the wound bleeds through the first dressing, apply another on top. For more details on controlling bleeding: verywellhealth.com/how-to-control-bleeding

​

​Get Vaccinated

 Keep Up To Date With Vaccinations.  Refer to  vaccines.gov  and your healthcare provider" for more information about COVID & Flu vaccines.

 

Be Bear Aware

​            Black bears are increasing in numbers and being seen more frequently. They are rarely aggressive towards humans but can create a variety of problems.  Birdfeeders, garbage, pet food and compost attract bears and should be made unavailable to them. Above all, do not approach or try to take a close video or a selfie with a bear. 

For more Do’s and Don’ts check out CT.Gov/deep/blackbear.  

 

Prepare for Thunderstorms & Lightning

     Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can create or cause:

• Powerful winds over 50 mph

• Hail

• Flash flooding and/or tornadoes

When thunder roars, go indoors! Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.

• Pay attention to alerts and warnings.

• Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.

• Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. 

For additional storm tips, visit READY.GOV/Thunderstorms.  ​

 

Driving in Wintery/Snowy weather

     Driving in snowy conditions could be hazardous.  

When severe winter weather approaches, your safety is most important. 

If you find you must drive in winter conditions, please remember the following:

1. Do not rush. Driving slowly will help prevent accidents.

2. Never warm-up a vehicle in a closed area.

3. Clear windshield and windows completely before driving.

4. Be sure the tailpipe is clear before you sit in a running vehicle.

5. Do not follow snowplows too closely. Stay back at least 5 car lengths.

Prepare for winter driving:

1. Keep your vehicles in good working order by having them serviced regularly. 

2. Store jumper cables, snow brush, scraper, gloves, hat, blanket, flashlight and water in your vehicle in case you get stuck.

3. Carry a first-aid kit and refresh any supplies that may need to be replaced.

4. Keep gas tanks full to prevent ice in the tank or fuel lines.

5. Replace worn tires and check tire air pressure.

​

​​Be Mindful

• If you have a fire hydrant in front of your home or business, please help the FD by digging them out. Ditto with mailboxes, utility meters, propane & oil tanks.

  • Never go near downed wires. You must assume ALL wires are live. Stay as far away as possible.

  • Have any emergency generators installed by a professional. Never use them indoors.

​

​

​5 things you should never do in a fire

1. Breaking windows. ... 

2. Opening hot doors. ... 

3. Returning for your belongings. ... 

4. Hiding. ... 

5. Do not use elevator/lifts. ... 

Use the appropriate fire extinguisher. ... 

Call the emergency services. ... 

 

​Commuter emergency plan

     Make sure you have a plan for traveling between work and home, and other commonly visited locations, in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, list your normal and some alternative routes you can use to get to your destinations. Keep a copy of this plan where you can access it in the event of a disaster.  Download a free worksheet at Ready.gov.  

​

Important Emergency Contacts

Key Telephone #'s

• Police/Fire/EMS: 911

• Police Non-Emergency (New Milford): 860 355 3133

• Assistance for food, housing, child care or help for your aging parent: 211

• Poison Control: 800.222.1222

• Power Company (Eversource): 800.286.2000

• Other Utilities 

•      Frontier: 800.921.8101

•      Comcast: 800.934.6489

•      Charter: 888.438.2427

• If you have Oil or Propane tanks, have access to the providers 24 hour phone line

 

Run-Hide-Fight

     Active Shooter Protocol

An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. To help in better understanding your options during an active shooter incident, the RUN, HIDE, FIGHT video just might save someone’s life. Click on link to view.

 

​Prepare your pets for a disaster

     If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency. If local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your pet should evacuate too.

1. Make a Plan

2. Build an Emergency Kit

3. Stay Informed.

For details on how to best prepare your pet for potential emergencies, check out www.ready.gov/pets.

​

​CyberSecurity

     Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting and responding to cyberattacks that can have wide-ranging effects on individuals, organizations and the community.

Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system. Cyberattacks can lead to loss of money, theft of personal, financial and medical information that can damage your reputation and safety.  You can avoid cyber risks by setting up the proper controls that can help in protecting yourself, your family, and your property before a cyberattack occurs. For a list of helpful tips go to www.ready.gov/cybersecurity

​

Protect important documents

     Organizing and protecting those documents before a disaster strikes is vital for personal safety and peace of mind. Examples of documents that may be gathered & scanned for safekeeping include vital records, insurance policies, property records, medical information, financial records, and any other important personal papers.

​

​Prepare for hurricane season

     Atlantic Hurricane season starts June 1. Here are some helpful tips to help prepare:

• Know your evacuation routes

• Have your go-bag prepared

• Download the FEMA app to receive real time alerts

• Strengthen your home by de-clogging gutters and drains

         For more tips, go to: ready.gov\hurricane#before.  

​

​Extreme Heat

     Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. 

• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.  

• Cover windows with drapes or shades.

• Weather-strip doors and windows.

• Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.

• Add insulation to keep the heat out.

• Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing hot air.

• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.  

For more tips visit:  https://www.ready.gov/heat.  

​

Drought

     Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall. Planning in advance for a drought can protect us in dry years.

The best way to prepare for a drought is to conserve water. Make conserving water a part of your daily life.

Tips Before a Drought

• Fix dripping faucets by replacing washers.

• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.

• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.

• Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.

• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.

For more water conservation tips visit https://www.ready.gov/drought.  

 

​Snake Safety

     Let’s preface by saying that the chances of getting bitten by a venomous snake are Super Low.

We have 14 species here in CT and only 2 are venomous. (Copperhead and timber rattlesnake)

If you suspect you have been bitten by a venomous snake, get directly to the hospital.

Do not wait to experience symptoms. Do Not apply a tourniquet. Do not take OTC medicines.   Do go directly to the hospital.  

​

​Helping Children Cope

     Emergencies and disasters can be scary, especially for children, but there are ways to help you stay safe before, during, and even after a disaster. 

• Encourage dialogue and answer questions

• Limit media exposure

• Make time for them and find support

• Keep to a routine

• Visit Ready.gov/kids/be-ready-kids to play games to become a Disaster Master and learn how to build an emergency kit. You will meet Pedro the Penguin, who will teach kids all about staying safe. You will even be able to make your own emergency plan with your family. . 

​

​Precautions using a chainsaw

     When using a chain saw, always follow manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to wear appropriate protective gear and be sure that bystanders are a safe distance away. Choose the proper size of chain saw to match the job.

Avoid contact with power lines and take extra care in cutting trees or branches that are bent or caught under something else.

Use extreme caution to avoid electrical shock when using an electric chain saw.

For tips on safely operating a chain saw visit: cdc.gov/disasters/chainsaws. 

​

​​Preparing for sheltering

​            In the event that out of home sheltering is required due to extreme temperatures, hurricanes, or power outages, its good to be prepared as to what you should bring with you to the shelter.

          Even though mass care shelters often provide water, food, and basic sanitary facilities, you should plan to take your emergency supply kit with you so you will have the supplies you need especially needed medications, pillows and special toys\books for your children.  

For information about building a Disaster Supply Kit go to Ready.Gov\kit.  

 

​Ticks

     Tick bites are often harmless; however, ticks can cause allergic reactions, and certain ticks can pass diseases onto humans and pets. 

The most important thing to do when you find a tick on you is to remove it with a tick removal tool or with a set of tweezers. Preventing tick bites is the best way to avoid a tick-borne illness:wear a long sleeve shirt and pants when walking in the woods, use tick repellent that’s at least 20% DEET, and check skin closely after being in tick-prone areas. For more details on symptoms, prevention, and treatment, go to healthline.com/health/tick-bites.  

 

​Power Outages

     Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly.

A power outage may:

• Disrupt communications, water and transportation.

• Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services.

• Cause food spoilage and water contamination.

• Prevent use of medical devices.

           Power Outage Tips

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.

• Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.

• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.

• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

• Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.

 

Call 211

       2-1-1 provides information and referral to callers on where to obtain assistance from local and national social service programs, local and national governmental agencies and local and national non-profit organizations as well as where to volunteer or make a donation locally. Get help paying bills, finding food, and locating other resources near you. They also provide up-to-date information on agencies and programs, make referrals to appropriate community resources and intervene in crises, including suicide prevention.

​

How to dispose of unwanted medications

      Flushing medications down the toilet or sink causes water pollution, impacts drinking water and has adverse effects on septic systems, fish and aquatic life.  

Safe ways to dispose of medications:

1) the New Milford Police has a locked drug drop box

2) Bring them to a one day collection event

3) Follow directions to place in trash:

     a) Keep medications in its original container. Cross out the patients name or remove label

     b) Modify the medications to discourage consumption: Add water, charcoal, litter, salt, flour depending on pill or liquid.

     c) Seal and conceal. Do not conceal in food as animals may get to it.

     d) Discard in trash, not in recycling.

For more details, click here. 

​

When is it too hot for dog paws?

If the air outside is pleasantly warm, you may think there’s no risk that your dog’s paws will get burnt. But the ground can get much hotter than the surrounding air and absorbs heat fast,  the table below compares the temperatures of the air and asphalt under similar conditions:  

Air temperature              Asphalt temperature

     77 °F                                         125 °F

     87 °F                                         143 °F

    95 °F                                          149 °F

​

Family Safety Code Words (not only for children & seniors)

Does your family have a secret code word or phrase that can be used to provide family members with an added layer of confidence that a situation is safe &/or to be able to alert family when an uncomfortable situation is at hand. 

A family safe word is a code term that you, as a family, decide and use as a safety measure. The point of the family safe word is that it is for the immediate family only and is there to help keep our children stay safe.

Here are a few ways they can be used:

• Families can use the safety code word as a signal of danger.

  •  If a child is somewhere, maybe home with a babysitter or at a friend's house, the child can use the word in a sentence over the phone with the parents to let them know that she needs them to come right away because there is danger

• Families can use the safety code word to signal a family emergency.

  • Make a plan of what to do if the word is used, then practice the plan. For example, if the family is out together and someone ominous approaches them, a parent could say the safety code word and everyone knows that they need to immediately execute the plan. 

• Families can use the safety code word for unplanned pick-ups.

  • Parents who need to send another adult to pick up their child for some reason, maybe an emergency situation, can tell that adult the safety code word. Children are told that they should never go with anyone, even someone they know, unless that person knows the safety code word.

• Protect our seniors from potential scammers using code words that only family members know.

  • Someone calls or contacts you saying they’re a family member or close friend. They say they need money to get out of trouble. Not so fast. Is there really an emergency? Is that really your family or friend calling? It could be a scammer.

There are numerous articles online about how to select a code word, situations when to use it and how to use it.  Here are just a few:

• https://www.newyorkfamily.com/family-safe-words-and-their-importance/

• https://www.revvedupkids.org/blog/safety-code-words

• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/news/a43654/family-code-words/

• https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/scammers-use-fake-emergencies-steal-your-money

​

Earthquakes: Drop, Cover. Hold On.

 

In most situations if you feel shaking or get an earthquake alert, immediately:

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling or flying objects.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

• If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter.

• If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall.

• Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

• If under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts

• If no shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

• If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.

• If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.

• If you are outdoors, stay outdoors away from buildings.

• If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.

 For additional information about how to best protect yourself see attached links:

https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

https://www.shakeout.org/dropcoverholdon/

​

If you can’t call to 911 what should you do?

Look for an alternative number
9-1-1 dispatch centers may have a couple numbers in addition to 911 that you can call to reach them. Look for alternative 10 digit number for emergencies or non-emergencies. You can find these numbers on the city/counties emergency management page, local police/fire/ems pages or on google maps. 

Do not call 911 to check if it’s working!
If the system is already having problems don’t call just to see if it’s working or not. This will only make it harder for people having emergencies to get service. 

Use a different phone/carrier
911 outages can be specific to your mobile carrier as well. The AT&T outage earlier this year left many people without service including emergency 911 calls. 
If your call isn’t going through try someone else phone. An old phone without a sim/active plan may even work. 

Text to 911
Larger counties began rolling out texting service for 911 years ago. Only about 20% of counties support it. If it is not available at your location your carrier is required to send a message back saying 911 text services are not available. 

Use a land line phone or cellphone
Each outage is different sometimes landline phone calls may go through while cellphone calls will and other times it’s the opposite. If you can try it on a different style connection go for it. 

Call the police/fire department/ambulance district directly
Try calling the service you need directly at their station. If the station can’t help they can relay the message via radio to 911. 

Have the numbers beforehand 
It’s a good idea to save the alternative phone numbers to your phone now before you need them. The last thing you need to be doing during an emergency is searching google or google maps for the emergency numbers. 

If help isn’t coming 
Do you have a first aid kit? Can you be self sufficient for a few days? Storms and disasters will come and emergency services will do their best but they are not a grantee. A little bit of disaster prep will go a long way if it’s ever needed. 

​

Drowning issues that can be prevented.

• More children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause.

• Drowning happens in seconds and is often silent.

• Drowning can happen to anyone, any time there is access to water.

Ways to prevent:

1. Learn basic swimming and water safety skills

2. Build fences that fully enclose pools

3. Supervise closely

4. Wear a life jacket

5. Learn CPR

6. Know the risks of natural waters

7. Avoid alcohol

8. Use the buddy system

9. Consider the effects of medications

10. Don’t hyperventilate or hold your breath for a long time

For more details about how to keep your family safe from drowning, check out this sheet from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html​