Skip to Content

Disaster of Conseqence Checklist - Off-Duty

Last modified by superadmin on 2016/09/20 13:02

DISASTER OF CONSEQUENCE OFF-DUTY CHECKLIST

  • ACCOUNT FOR YOUR FAMILY AND PROVIDE FOR THEIR NEEDS AND SAFETY.
    • Care for injured family members first.
    • Assign the care of others to C.E.R.T., bystander’s etc. in the area, as soon as possible. (DO NOT get drawn into a long term operations. It is important that you remain available to assist your family and to work in the highest priority assignments as determined by the incident managers.
  • Expect secondary incidents from the event.
    • Aftershocks. These secondary shock waves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first few hours, days, weeks or even months after the initial quake.
    • Debris Flows. The initial flow of water and debris may be followed by a secondary flow and debris as impacted areas release trapped contents.
  • LISTEN to your radio for the latest emergency information. Establish contact with WCSO or the EOC and advise of your location, status, and plans. Do not contact Control. Follow the communications section of the Disaster Response Policy.
  • ASSES THE STABILITY OF YOUR HOME.
    • Determine if your home is safe for occupancy. Do a complete walk around and evaluate for structural integrity.
    • Evaluate for natural gas/propane leaks.
      • If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open windows and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve. If you turn off the gas, do not turn it back on. Relighting should be done by the gas company following a safety evaluation.
    • Evaluate for electrical hazards.
      • If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
    • Evaluate for water and sewer hazards.
      • If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using toilets. If water pipes are damaged, turn off water at the main valve or water meter. Avoid using water from the tap or building if a leak is present.
    • Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris (trees cracking, boulders knocking together etc.) A trickle of flowing or falling debris or mud may precede a larger landslide. Moving debris can flow quickly and sometimes without warning.
      • If you live near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase in water flow or a change in water clarity from clear to muddy. Such changes may indicate landslide activity upstream. A complete or drastic reduction in water flow may indicate an upstream blockage which can result in a sudden release of water built up behind the blockage. Be prepared to move quickly and leave belongings behind if necessary.
    • Evaluate the stability of the area related to additional disaster effects.
  • Evacuate your family to a safe location or shelter in place based upon the results of your evaluation.
  • Establish contact with the Sheriff’s Office or EOC by any means available.
  • If you cannot establish contact prepare to report to the Sheriff’s Office or your assigned location at what would be the start of your shift hours (0600 or 1800.)
  • While en route to the Sheriff’s Office or assigned location:
    • Complete a windshield assessment of damage along your route of travel.
    • Be alert and drive cautiously. Embankments along roadsides are susceptible to land movement, Watch for collapsed pavement, mud, falling rocks, and other indicators of hazard.
    • Avoid collapse zones around buildings that have suffered significant damage or are surrounded by flood waters.
    • Avoid moving water and flood waters; water may be contaminated by oil, gas raw sewage or other contaminates. Water may also be electrically charged, or hide other hazards.
    • Beware of areas with road damage or where flood waters have receded. Roads may have been weakened and could collapse under the weight of your vehicle.
    • Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the utility company.
    • Use extreme caution when entering or exiting buildings; there may be hidden damage, to supporting structures and foundations.
  • Integrate with the established Incident Command Structure as outlines in the Disaster Response Policy.
  • Prepare for emergency response.
    • Obtain a briefing from incident managers.
    • Begin response activities based on assignments.