Emergency Preparedness, Second Edition is a comprehensive guide for developing prevention, response, and recovery plans for all types of emergencies and disasters-natural and manmade. Included are step-by-step instructions to create an emergency response plan for personal or organizational use. New chapters on school and hospital protection.

Emergency Preparedness, 2nd Edition Summary Table of Contents Part I: Emergencies and Disasters: Natural and Non-natural Events 1. Understanding Emergencies and Disasters 2. Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Thunderstorms, and Floods 3. Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanoes, and Landslides 4. Fire and Wildfire, Drought and Extreme Heat, and Blizzards and Avalanches 5. Bomb Threats, Chemical Warfare, and Bioterrorism 6. Chemical Spills, Contamination, and Household Emergencies 7. Nuclear Threat and Exposure 8. Workplace Violence and Workplace Medical Emergencies 9. More Non-natural Events: Civil Disturbances, Blackouts, Structural Collapse Part II: Planning, Procedures, Mitigation, and Recovery 10. The Emergency Action Plan, Part One: Laying the Groundwork 11. The Emergency Action Plan, Part Two: Creating the Plan 12. Training, Drills, and Evacuations 13. Basic First Aid and Medical Care in the Workplace or Anyplace 14. Post-event Restoration 15. Guidelines for Emergency Mitigation 16. Hospitals 17. Schools Appendices Glossary

·Explanation of disaster and emergency terms as well as warning codes (for example, Fujita Tornado Categories) ·Extensive information on resources to tap from the National Weather Service, tsunami warning centers, FEMA, Red Cross, and more ·Helpful, clear, friendly voice that walks the readers through the information—and includes sample scripts for emergency announcements, advice for basic first aid. ·Extensive information on creating an emergency action plan, building a emergency response team, running evacuation drills, stocking disaster and first aid kits, creating procedures for any eventuality.

Emergency Preparedness, 2nd Edition Introduction There is no doubt that the world is a dangerous place. Overseas we have terror groups and rogue governments that threaten global peace. At home, there are daily reminders of the violence in our streets and even our schools are no longer the safe havens they should be. Of course, it is not just the threat of violence that concerns us. There is always the danger of natural disasters and we have to be prepared for them. Emergency preparedness planning is essential if you want to protect your company, your employees, family, and friends. No one knows when they might be a victim of violence or a casualty of a natural disaster. It makes sense, therefore, to prepare for the unthinkable. It is always better to be prepared than not. Despite the events of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and tropical storm Sandy there are still companies that have not developed an emergency preparedness plan. They still cling to the mindset that “it will not happen to us.” This is dangerously flawed thinking. Almost as bad are those companies that have taken the trouble to develop a plan and then kept it locked away in a drawer for years without revising it or keeping it up-to-date. Emergency preparedness planning serves many functions. It allows us to identify all the threats we face, both man-made and natural, and to take steps to mitigate the effects should a disaster or emergency strike. At the same time, by identifying all risks and vulnerabilities, we can initiate immediate actions to overcome them. This remedial action may help increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve the health and safety of employees. Being prepared and understanding what to do can reduce fear, anxiety and the losses that accompany disasters. Businesses, communities, families, and individuals should know what to do in the event of an emergency. You should know how to respond to severe weather or any disaster that could come in your area, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, and extreme cold. You should also be ready to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Immediately following a disaster you cannot expect first responders and other emergency personnel to help you—they will have more urgent things to attend to. This may mean that you will have to provide your own shelter, first aid, food, water, and sanitation. Being prepared, understanding your risks, and taking all steps to reduce those risks can reduce the damages caused by emergencies and disasters. This book aims to help you identify those risks and be prepared for them. Now is the time to prepare your emergency preparedness plan. Do not put it off.