Emergency Management Division

About the Emergency Management Division

The LRFD Emergency Management Division is responsible for emergency preparedness and disaster planning, as well as coordinating efforts of multiple agencies during disaster response and recovery efforts.This division is also charged with the operation and maintenance of the City's Outdoor Warning System.Along with the emergency management functions of this division, it is also responsible for the management of the City's state and federal disaster preparedness and Homeland Security Grants, including the CERT Program.

All Hazards Preparedness

• Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness- http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
• Tornados - http://www.fema.gov/hazards/tornadoes/
• Thunderstorms and Lightning - http://www.fema.gov/hazards/thunderstorms/thunderf.shtm
• Winter Storms - http://www.fema.gov/hazards/winterstorms/
• Extreme Heat - http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/heat.shtm
• Fire Safety - http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/
• Floods - http://www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/
• Terrorism- http://www.fema.gov/hazards/terrorism/

Family Disaster Preparation Kit

Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. A highway spill or hazardous material could mean evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado, or any other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones-for days. After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?

Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

Prepare Your Kit

• Review the checklist below.
• Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.
• Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*).
• There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container--suggested items are marked with an asterisk().

Possible Containers Include

• A large, covered trash container,
• A camping backpack,
• A duffle bag.

Water

• Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
• Store one gallon of water per person per day.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).

Food

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of thee following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include:

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex gloves (2 pairs)
• Sunscreen
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Triangular bandages (3)
• Non-prescription drugs
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-Prescription Drugs

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for stomach upset)
• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by thePoisonControlCenter)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by thePoisonControlCenter)

Tools and Supplies

• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
• Emergency preparedness manual
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Cash or traveler's checks, change
• Non-electric can opener, utility knife
• Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
• Tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Paper, pencil
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
• Whistle
• Plastic sheeting
• Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

• Toilet paper, towelettes
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding

• Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses

Special Items

• Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons

For Baby

• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications

For Adults

• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Insulin
• Prescription drugs
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses

Entertainment

• Games and books

Important Family Documents

• Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
  • Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
  • Passports, social security cards, immunization records
  • Bank account numbers
  • Credit card account numbers andcompanies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
• Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Severe Weather Preparedness Guide For Persons With Special Medical Needs

BEFORE THE DISASTER There are several important things that can be done in order to reduce the effects of a disaster:

1. Make sure you have a support system in place.
2. Complete your personal individual assessment and prepare your individual disaster plan.
3. Gather the supplies you will need before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure the supplies are specific to your disability.
4. Make sure your residence is as safe as possible in the event of an emergency.

Little Rock's Outdoor Warning System

56 Whelen WPS
Sirens

• Tone 1 – WAIL – Wildfire Alert
• Tone 2 – ATTACK – Evacuation Tone
• Tone 3 – ALERT – Tornado Warning
• Tone 4 – HI/LO – Hazardous Materials Incident
• Tone 5 – AIR HORN – All Clear
• Tone 6 – SLOW WHOOP – Test

*To listen to all 6 siren tones please visit: http://www.whelen.com/outdoor/warningtones.htm

SUPPORT SYSTEM

A support system, sometimes called the "buddy system," can help you prepare for a disaster as well as during and after a disaster. Members of your support system, or "buddies," can be roommates, relatives, neighbors, friends and co-workers. They should be people you trust to determine if you need assistance. Your support system members should know your capabilities and needs, and be able to help in a matter of minutes.

1. Have your "buddies" assist you in preparing a written personal assessment.
2. Give your support system copies of your emergency information list, medical information list, disability related supplies and special equipment list, evacuation plans, any emergency documents and your personal disaster plan.
3. Arrange for your support system to check on you immediately if local officials announce a recommendation to evacuate or if a disaster occurs.
4. Agree on the methods of communication to be used during a disaster.
5. Give your "buddies" any keys they need for your place of residence or vehicle.
6. Make sure your support system knows how to operate and transport any equipment specific to your disability. Make sure it is labeled and laminated, instruction cards are attached.
7. If you have a service animal, ensure that the animal is familiar with your support system members and have written instructions on any care the animal may require.
8. Review and update your personal assessment and disaster plan with your support system on a regular basis.

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

The assistance you will need before, during and after a disaster will be determined by the nature of the disaster itself and your individual capabilities. The answers to the following questions should be written or recorded and distributed to all members of your support system:

• Personal Care: Do you need assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and grooming? Do you use adaptive equipment to help you get dressed?

• Water Service: What will you do if there is no water for several days? What will you do if you are unable to heat water?

• Personal Care Equipment: Do you use a shower chair, tub-transfer bench or other similar equipment?

• Adaptive Feeding Devices: Do you use special utensils that help you prepare or eat food independently?

• Electricity Dependent Equipment: What equipment do you have that runs on electricity and how will you operate it if electrical service is disrupted?

• Transportation: Do you need a specially equipped vehicle or accessible transportation?

• Necessities: Who will get groceries, medication, and medical supplies? How will this be accomplished if the roads are blocked because of the disaster?

• Evacuating: Do you need assistance if you are requested to evacuate?

• Exits: Who will you call if you need help exiting your residence? What available alternate exits are in your residence?

• Service Animals: Who will care for your animal(s) in case of an emergency?

PERSONAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Preparation, which includes practice, is the key to success in dealing with a disaster. Preparation is an ongoing process. Keep in mind that the usual means of support and assistance may not be available during an evacuation and after the disaster. Prepare a personal disaster plan.

Included in this guide is information for the plan and a disaster plan checklist for you to follow. Keep several copies at different accessible locations, and remember, share the plan with your support system.

Emergency Information List: An emergency information list is to let others know the people that should be called if you are found unconscious, unable to speak or need assistance to evacuate. Include emergency out-of-town contacts as well as all names and numbers of your support system. Have a relative or friend who lives from 50-100 miles away from you as your "contact person." This is advisable because normally someone outside a disaster area is more able to be contacted. Ask your "contact person" to relay information to others; this will help reduce phone calls into and out of the affected area. Be sure your emergency information list states the best way to communicate with you.

Medical Information List: A medical information list should contain information about your medical providers, the name, dosage, and prescribing physician of medications, your medical condition and physician's phone number. List any adaptive equipment you use, your allergies and sensitivities, and communications or cognitive difficulties you may have. Attach copies of health insurance cards. Make arrangements to have additional medication, enough to last a minimum of 14 days, in case of a disaster. Have additional copies of prescriptions.

General Preparation Information: Install adequate smoke detectors. If you are hearing impaired, install a system that utilizes strobe lights. Test your detectors monthly, and replace batteries at least twice a year.

Write down the location of the utility cutoff valves and how they are turned off, if directed by City Officials. Have the proper tools available and provide this information to your support system members. Remember, if it is necessary to turn off the gas, it should only be turned back on by a professional.

Have a floor plan of your residence. Note your primary and alternate escape routes.

Practice using different ways out of your residence. Note the position of your disaster supply kit.

Make arrangements for your pets in case of a disaster. Emergency shelters will only accept service animals.

Prepare an evacuation plan. Make arrangements for evacuation and transportation assistance if necessary. Make arrangements for a place to stay outside of your area in case of an evacuation. Keep you vehicle's fuel tank full during hurricane season.

Practice how to explain specific needs to others, such as how to move you and your adaptive equipment. Practice giving brief, clear, specific instructions or have them written down.

DISASTER PLAN CHECKLIST

As you complete each section of your personal disaster plan, mark the date completed on the checklist below:

Make an Emergency Information List and include the following:

• Medical and emergency contact information
• Emergency out-of-town contacts
• Names and numbers of your support system
• Name and number of a "contact" person who lives 50-100 miles from you.
• Means of communication if you have a communication disability.

Make a Medical Information List and include the following:

• Medical providers
• Medications you use
• Adaptive equipment, body support equipment
• Allergies and sensitivities
• Communications or cognitive difficulties
• Attach copies of health insurance cards
• Have an additional 14-day supply of medication available.
• Have extra copies of prescriptions.

Identify a specific evacuation location if an evacuation is recommended.

• Write down your means of transportation in case of an evacuation.
• Install smoke detectors in your residence.
• Have a floor plan of your residence.
• Identify primary and secondary exits
• Practice using different ways out of your residence.
• List any equipment you will need for assistance.
• Practice or write down brief, clear, specific instructions or directions.
• Write down plans for your pets and/or service animal.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The LRFD Emergency Management Division administers the City's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program.This program promotes a partnering between emergency services and the people that they serve.The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces in basic response skills.CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for that area.

Target Audience: Neighborhoods, Businesses, Communities of Faith, Scouting Organizations, School Staff/Students, Clubs/Organizations, and Amateur Radio Emergency Services.

For more information about Little Rock's CERT Program, call (501) 918-3766 or email mburks@littlerock.org.

Important Links

1. Federal Emergency Management Agency - http://www.fema.gov/
2. Arkansas Department of Emergency Management - http://www.adem.state.ar.us
3. American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/
4. National Weather Service - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/
5. Arkansas Department of Health - http://www.healthyarkansas.com/
6. ArkansasDepartment of Environmental Quality - http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/
7. Central ArkansasARES/RACES - http://www.carenclub.com/CarenAresRaces.php
8. READY.GOV/U.S. Department of Homeland Security - http://www.ready.gov/
9. Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness- http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/