Spring is just around the corner. Thank goodness! We’ve all been subject to our challenges this winter with extreme cold, above average snowfall, and icy roads. However, there IS light at the end of the tunnel. This past weekend was “Spring Forward” for those areas observing daylight savings time.
With spring upon us, we will be able to enjoy longer days, warmer weather, and the sights and sounds of spring. Along with the joys and wonders of this new season come new challenges, including tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
Because of the recent force of nature that spread from Japan to Hawaii to the mainland, I think this is a good time for us all to review some of the important safety tips and resources available to us.
Remember to create your own emergency preparedness plan for your area. This will help to keep you and your family safe. Better safe than sorry!
Tornadoes
Tornados are natures’ most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds.
- If you are inside, go to the safest place you can find: a safe room, basement, storm cellar; if no basement the lowest level of a building interior room. Any safe place where you can protect yourself from glass and other flying objects is ideal.
- If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
- If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety.
- Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- Do not open any windows
For more details see Tornado Safety: FEMA.
Floods
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states and coast lines. There are many different types of floods.
- Listen to the radio or television for information.
- Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
- Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
- Prepare to evacuate if necessary.
For more info see Flood Safety: FEMA.
Earthquake
It’s important to take “quake-safe” action at the first indication of ground shaking. Don’t wait until you’re certain an earthquake is actually occurring. As the ground shaking grows stronger, danger increases.
Steps to take if at home:
- It is safer to stay inside than to get out or try to hide in another place.
- Hide under a table, stay in a doorway, or stand in the corner of a room.
- Stay away from windows, balconies, hanging wall & ceiling objects, free-standing cabinets and bookshelves – anything that can fall or topple onto you.
- Cover you neck unless you need to hold onto an object to keep from moving.
For more tips, visit FEMA’s Earthquake Safety page.
Tsunami
Earthquake-induced movement of the ocean floor most often generates tsunamis. If a major earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, the first wave in a series could reach the beach in a few minutes, even before a warning is issued.
- Turn on your radio to learn if there is a tsunami warning if an earthquake occurs and you are in a coastal area.
- Move inland to higher ground immediately and stay there.
- Stay away from flooded and damaged areas until officials say it is safe to return.
- Stay away from debris in the water; it may pose a safety hazard to boats and people.
Visit FEMA’s Tsunami Safety page for more information.
Cynthia Shea is the National Sales Manager for the Cardiopulmonary division of Aureus Medical Group. She joined C&A Industries, the parent company of Aureus Medical, in July 1987 where she began her career with AurStaff (a division of C&A Industries, Inc.) as a staff supervisor. Since then she has received promotions to Assistant Manager, Division Manager, and National Sales Manager, the position which she currently holds. Cynthia has extensive experience in recruiting, hiring and developing work teams, performance counseling, problem resolution as well as creating strategic divisional plans and executing operational programs, all of which have resulted in an explosion of growth that has positively impacted the company’s bottom line. She is a master at creating innovative ways to generate new business. She also possesses outstanding sales and people development instincts, along with superior communication skills.
Contact info:
Telephone: 800-456-5857, ext. 6061 / Fax: 402-895-7812 / E-mail: cshea@aureusmedical.com