EMERGENCY

PLAN
for
THE GENERAL PUBLIC

GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA
Ministry of Health
Department of Health
 EMERGENCY
PLAN
for
THE GENERAL PUBLIC

Published by: The Department of Health,

Ministry of Health and Family Services
Address: P.O. Box HM 1195, Hamilton HM EX
Date: March 2006

Design and pre-press production:

The Department of Communication and Information

Printed in Bermuda by Island Press Ltd.

 EMERGENCY Numbers
Emergency Broadcast Station FM 100.1 MHz

295-0011
Emergency Measures
Organisation

Ambulance, Fire, Police 911

Marine Rescue 911

BELCO 955

TELCO 611

Works & Engineering 295-5151

Bermuda Harbour Radio 297-1010

 An EMERGENCY PLAN
for THE GENERAL PUBLIC

CONTENTS
4 Steps to Creating a Family Emergency Plan 1-3
Know What to Do as a Disaster Approaches 4-5
Securing Your Home Before a Hurricane 6
Your Pets and Emergency Planning 7
Keeping Food Safe to Eat in a Power Outage 8
Food Safety Q & A 9
Food Safety in a Power Outage 10
Guidelines for Saving and Discarding 11-13
Guide to Roof Care 14
Safe Tank Water 15-21
Using a Generator When Emergency Strikes 22
Emergencies & Your Workplace 23
Emergency Shelters 24
Creating an Emergency Supply Kit 25
Quick Emergency Kit Checklist 26
First Aid Supplies 27
41
2
3
Steps to Creating a
Family Emergency
Plan
LEARN WHAT THE HAZARDS ARE AND HOW TO
PREPARE FOR THEM

MEET WITH YOUR

PUT YOUR
FAMILY TO PLAN AHEAD

PLAN INTO ACTION

4 PRACTICE WITH YOUR FAMILY

n the event of a disaster emergency units such as the Police,

I Fire and medical services are first on the scene to assess dam-
age, secure public safety and to assist those in immediate need.
Private utility crews will work to restore electricity, telephone and
other utilities. Often disaster emergency responders cannot be
everywhere helping every one immediately so everybody in your
family should be ready to act. For example:
n Disaster strikes and no one is at home.You are at work; the
kids are at school, how do you find each other?
n Or, disaster strikes, and confines you to your home. Basic
services such as electricity, water, gas and telephone, may be
unavailable for hours or weeks. How will you cope with the
situation?
n Or, disaster strikes and you need to get out of the building
fast. Do you have a plan for where to go, and what to take
with you?
n Or, a tornado or hurricane strikes suddenly. Do you know
what to do, and where to take shelter?

1
 1 LEARN WHAT THE HAZARDS ARE AND HOW TO
PREPARE FOR THEM
Every country in the world faces hazards that can put people at risk. Here in
Bermuda, the risks are often natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes
and man-made hazards such as accidents. List these hazards and think of ways
to prepare for them.

2 MEET WITH YOUR FAMILY TO PLAN AHEAD

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to occur, and discuss what
you would do in each situation. Children can learn what to do in an
emergency, and can respond appropriately, if you tell them how to identify
danger signals.
n Discuss how each of you would escape from your home.
Identify two ways out of each room.
n Talk about the best place to be during each type of disaster.
For example, in a hurricane, the best place to be is in your
strong room and away from windows. Discuss the possibility
of evacuation. Consider where you would go and what items
you would take with you.
n Remind family members that when an emergency or
disaster does occur, to listen to a battery operated radio for
instructions.
n Discuss how you would keep in contact with each other.
Family members could be anywhere when disaster strikes.
n Select two places to meet:
- in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, outside your
home.
- in case you can’t return home because of flooding or
hazardous materials, accidents that can close roads or
neighbourhoods, pick a place outside of your neighbour-
hood such as a street corner. If everyone meets at the select-
ed site, it could eliminate the need for someone else to go in
and look for them, thus endangering another person.
n Everyone must know the address and phone number of your
home by heart.
n Ask someone who doesn’t live near you, such as a family
member or friend, to be your ‘family contact’.
n Everyone should know the family contact’s phone number
by heart.
n Every member should call this person and tell them where
they are.

2
3 PUT THE PLAN INTO ACTION
These steps are simple, and require a minimum of time. Every family
member can participate. Here are a few ideas:
n Post emergency phone numbers near each telephone
include the ‘check-in contact phone number’
n If you have young children, it helps to illustrate the numbers
with pictures.
n Learn first aid and CPR – everyone at home old enough to
benefit from these classes should take them.
n Make sure that everyone in the family knows the locations
of electrical, water and gas shut-offs, and how and when to
shut them off.
n Keep appropriate tools nearby.
n Teach all family members how to use a fire extinguisher and
keep in an accessible place.

4 PRACTISE WITH YOUR FAMILY

n Take time to test your family disaster plan to ensure that it
works.
n Quiz your children at least once every six months, so that
they will remember what to do. For example, do they
remember your ‘check in contact’s’ phone number?
n Does everyone know two escape routes from each room?
n Are fire escape ladders placed near windows above the first
floor? Do children know how to use them?

3
 Know What to Do as a
Disaster Approaches
DURING A DISASTER
n Listen to the Emergency Broadcast station on 100.1 MHz.
Follow instructions if ordered to evacuate.
n Stay away from windows and doors.
n Locate a strong room in your house. If your house or apart-
ment doesn’t have a basement, seek shelter in a small room
(preferably without windows) in the middle of the house.
n Stay indoors. The only time you should leave your home is
if you HAVE TO evacuate.
n Keep emergency numbers close to you at all times:

Emergency Broadcast Station FM 100.1 MHZ

295-0011
Emergency Measures Org.
(EMO)
Ambulance, Fire, Police 911
Marine Rescue 911
BELCO 955
TELCO 611
Works & Engineering 295-5151
Bermuda Harbour Radio 297-1010

4
IF EVACUATION IS NECESSARY
n If officials order evacuation, leave as soon as possible.
n Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
n Secure your home (if time permits).
n Unplug appliances
n Turn off electricity and the main water valve.
n Elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a
higher floor.
n Take your pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm pro-
tective clothing.

AFTER THE DISASTER

n If you had to evacuate your home, return home only after
authorities say it is safe to do so. Stay tuned to the
Emergency Broadcast station FM 100.1 MHz for recovery
information.
n Beware of downed or loose power lines. Report them
immediately to BELCO, Police or the Fire Services.
n If your home has been damaged, enter with caution. Do not
use candles or open flames, instead use a flashlight to inspect
for damage.
n Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or
hissing noise, quickly leave the building and leave the doors
open. Call the gas company.
n Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appro-
priate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are
in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
n Help neighbours who may require special assistance such as
infants, the elderly and disabled. The elderly and persons
with disabilities may require additional assistance. People
who care for them or who have large families may need
additional assistance in emergency situations.
n Avoid disaster areas.Your presence might hamper rescue and
other emergency operations, and also put you at risk.
n Use the telephone only for emergency calls.Telephone lines
are frequently overwhelmed in disaster situations and need
to be clear for emergency calls to get through.

5
 Securing Your Home Before a Hurricane
ROOF AND TANK
Block the gutters with clean rags or other device to prevent any leaves, salt
and other contamination from entering your water tank. (see Water supply -
Roof Care)

WINDOWS & DOORS

Installing storm shutters over all exposed windows and other glass surfaces is
one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your home. Cover all
windows, French doors, sliding glass doors and skylights. Plywood shutters
that you make yourself, if installed properly, can offer a high level of protec-
tion from flying debris during a hurricane

GARAGE DOORS
Garage doors can pose a problem during hurricanes. They can wobble at
high winds and can pull out of their tracks or collapse from wind pressure.
Some garage doors can be strengthened with retrofit kits. Check with your
local building supplies dealer.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE & ORNAMENTS

Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools;
anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed.
Remove outdoor antennas, if possible.

INDOORS
Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances. Store drinking water in clean
bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils.Turn the refrigerator and freezer
to the coldest settings if not instructed by officials to turn off utilities.
Pets depend on us for their safety and well-being.

6
Your Pets and Emergency Planning
BE PREPARED WITH AN EMERGENCY PLAN
Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment’s
notice. Bring all pets into the house so that you won’t have to search for them
if you have to leave in a hurry. You may not be home when the evacuation
order comes, designate a neighbour who is comfortable with your pet, this
person should know where your animal is likely to be, know where your pet
disaster supplies kit is kept and have a key to your home.

Make sure that the well-being of your pets is included in your disaster. If
you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets
is to evacuate them too.

Pet First Aid Kit

ASSEMBLE A PORTABLE PET DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT
Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can
be carried easily (duffel bags, covered trash containers).Your pet disaster sup-
plies kit should include:

n Medications and n Food

medical records n Potable Water
n Sturdy leashes n Bowls
n Harnesses n Cat Litter
n And/or carriers to n Can Opener
transport pets. n Medications
n Current photos of n Medical records
your pets
in case they get
lost.

7
 Keeping Food Safe to Eat
in a Power Outage
PLANNING AHEAD CAN HELP YOU SAVE
YOUR PERISHABLES
Sudden power outages can be frustrating and trouble-
some, especially when they are prolonged. Perishable
foods should not be held above 40°F for more than
two hours. If a power outage is two hours or less, you
need not be concerned, but how do you save your
food when the refrigerator is out for longer times?

WHAT DO I NEED?
Coolers One or more. Inexpensive Styrofoam
coolers are excellent.
Shelf-stable Foods such as canned goods and
powdered or boxed milk.These can be eaten cold or
heated on the grill.
Thermometer this is a necessity in your kitchen.Thermometers allow
you to quickly check internal temperatures of hot and cold food to ensure
it’s safe to eat.

WHAT TO DO DURING A POWER OUTAGE

n Do not open the refrigerator or freezer.Tell your little ones
not to open the door. An unopened refrigerator will keep
foods cold enough for a couple of hours at least.
n A freezer that is half full will hold for up to 24 hours and a
full freezer for 48 hours.
n If it looks like the power outage
will be for more than two to four
hours, pack refrigerated milk, dairy
products, meats, fish, poultry, eggs,
gravy, stuffing and leftovers into
your cooler surrounded by ice.
n If it looks like the power outage
will be prolonged, prepare a cool-
er with ice for your freezer items.

8
Food Safety Q&A
Q.What should be discarded after a Q.What if the power goes out while
power outage? I’m at work or out of the house and
A. As soon as the power returns, it has been more than a few hours
before I get home?
check temperatures. If the food in
the freezer has ice crystals and is not A. Try to determine how long the
above 40 °F you can refreeze. power has been out. Check the
Perishable foods in the refrigerator internal temperature of the food in
should not be above 40 °F for more your refrigerator with your quick-
than two hours. Use the chart over- response thermometer.A liquid such
leaf to see what has to be discarded as milk or juice is easy to check.
and what can be kept. Spot check other items like steaks or
leftovers also. If the internal temper-
Q.What if I go to bed and the ature is above 40 °F, it is best to
power is still not on? throw it out.
A. Before you go to bed, pack your
perishables into your coolers if you Q.What if the power goes out and
comes back on while I am out?
haven’t already done so and put in as
much ice as you can.Also, when you A. If your freezer is fairly full and
go to bed, leave a bedroom light you know it was not longer than 24
switched on. When the power goes hours, the food should be OK.
back on, it will wake you, so you can There will be loss of quality with
check the condition of your foods in refreezing, but the food will be safe.
the freezer. If the refrigerator was out for more
than two hours, it is best to discard
the perishables.

9
 Food Safety in a Power Outage
Frozen Foods
CONTAINS ICE THAWED, HELD
MEAT, MIXED DISHES CRYSTALS, NOT ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
ABOVE 40 ºF OVER 2 HOURS
Beef, veal, lamb, pork
poultry, ground meat refreeze discard
and poultry
Casseroles with meat, pasta
rice, egg or cheese base refreeze discard
stews, soups, convenience
foods, pizza
Fish, shellfish,
breaded seafood products refreeze discard
CONTAINS ICE THAWED, HELD
DAIRY CRYSTALS, NOT ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
ABOVE 40 ºF OVER 2 HOURS
Milk refreeze discard
Eggs (out of shell)
egg products refreeze discard
Ice cream, frozen yoghurt discard discard
Cheese (semi soft)
cream cheese, ricotta refreeze discard
Hard cheese (cheddar,
Swiss, Parmesan) refreeze refreeze
CONTAINS ICE THAWED, HELD
FRUITS,VEGETABLES CRYSTALS, NOT ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
ABOVE 40 ºF OVER 2 HOURS
refreeze; discard
Fruit juices refreeze if mold, yeasty
smell or sliminess
Home or comercially refreeze; discard
packaged fruit refreeze if mold, yeasty
smell or sliminess
discard if above
Vegetable juices refreeze 50 ºF for over
eight hours

10
Guidelines for Saving or Discarding
CONTAINS ICE THAWED, HELD
BAKED GOODS, CRYSTALS, NOT ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
BAKING INGREDIENTS ABOVE 40 ºF OVER 2 HOURS
Flour, cornmeal, nuts refreeze refreeze
Pie crusts, breads, rolls discard if above
muffins, cakes (no refreeze 50 ºF for over
custard fillings) eight hours
Cakes, pies, pastries with
custard or cheese filling, refreeze discard
cheesecake
Commercial and
homemade bread dough refreeze refreeze

Refrigerated
FOOD STILL COLD THAWED, HELD
DAIRY, EGGS, CHEESE AT 40 ºF OR ABOVE ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
UNDER 2 HOURS OVER 2 HOURS

Mild, cream, sour cream,

buttermilk, evaporated keep discard
milk, yoghurt
Butter, margarine keep keep
Baby formula keep discard
Eggs, egg dishes
custards, puddings keep keep
Hard and
processed cheeses keep keep
Soft cheeses,
cottage cheese keep keep

FOOD STILL COLD THAWED, HELD

FRUITS,VEGETABLES AT 40 ºF OR ABOVE ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
UNDER 2 HOURS OVER 2 HOURS

Fruit juices (opened),

canned fruits (opened) keep keep
fresh fruits
Vegetables (cooked) discard after
vegetable juice (opened) keep 6 hours

11
 FOOD STILL COLD THAWED, HELD
FRUITS,VEGETABLES AT 40 ºF OR ABOVE ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
UNDER 2 HOURS OVER 2 HOURS

Baked potatoes keep discard

Fresh mushrooms,
herbs, spices keep keep
Garlic (chopped,
in oil or butter) keep discard

FOOD STILL COLD THAWED, HELD

MEAT, POULTRY, SEAFOOD AT 40 ºF OR ABOVE ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
UNDER 2 HOURS OVER 2 HOURS

Fresh or leftover meat,

poultry, fish seafood keep discard
Lunchmeats, hot dogs,
bacon, sausage, dried beef keep discard
Canned meats (not labelled
‘keep refrigerated’ but keep discard
‘refrigerate after opening’)
Canned hams (labelled
‘keep refrigerated’) keep discard

FOOD STILL COLD THAWED, HELD

MIXED DISHES, AT 40 ºF OR ABOVE ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
SIDE DISHES UNDER 2 HOURS OVER 2 HOURS

Casseroles, soups, stews

pizza with meat keep discard
Meat, tuna, shrimp
chicken or egg salad keep discard
Cooked pasta, pasta
salads with mayonnaise or keep discard
vinegar base
Gravy, stuffing keep discard

12
 FOOD STILL COLD THAWED, HELD
PIES, BREADS AT 40 ºF OR ABOVE ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
UNDER 2 HOURS OVER 2 HOURS

Cream or cheese filled

pastries or pies keep discard
Fruit pies keep keep
Breads, rolls, cakes,
muffins, quick breads keep keep
Refrigerator biscuits
rolls, cookie dough keep discard

FOOD STILL COLD THAWED, HELD

SAUCES, SPREADS, JAMS AT 40 ºF OR ABOVE ABOVE 40 ºF FOR
UNDER 2 HOURS OVER 2 HOURS

Mayonnaise, tartar sauce

horseradish keep discard
Open salad dressing,
jelly relish, taco sauce, keep keep
barbecue sauce, mustard,
catsup, olives

13
 Guide to Roof Care
Bermuda’s symbolic white slate roof is designed to
catch rain and direct it into water tanks beneath each
house. This is why Bermuda roofs should be paint-
ed every two years, and water tanks should be
cleaned out at least every six years or more frequent-
ly, if necessary.

HOW TO CLEAN A BERMUDA ROOF

1. Block all rain water leaders. You can use
a bottle or tennis ball wrapped in cloth.
2. Power-wash the roof to remove all dirt
and peeling paint.
3. Treat the roof with undiluted bleach. This will penetrate to kill
mildew below the surface and protect the roof until paint is
applied.
4. Repair all hairline cracks by scoring them with a can opener to
remove loose cement. Patch the opening with a roof patching
material and fill large cracks with a mixture of sand and cement.
5. To prevent mildew from returning, paint roof within 24 hours of
treating roof with bleach.
6. Apply an approved sealer, be sure to follow the instructions.
7. Apply an approved roof paint according to the instructions of the
material being used.
8. Brush in paint backward and forward and keep the brush in front
of you.
9. Let it dry. Apply a second coat if necessary.
10. Remove bottle or tennis ball from rain water leaders after paint is
thoroughly dry or after first rainfall.

278-4976/77.
* For a list of approved roof paints and sealers contact:
Environmental Health at

14
Safe Tank Water
Regular maintenance of your roof water catchment and tank is important to
keep your water safe, clean and fresh. Conduct a survey of your water system
and check the following:

ROOF CATCHMENT
Trim any overhanging tree branches and cover open rainwater leaders with
wire screens.
Keep your roof and gutters clean and free of fungal growth.
Tightly seal all rain water leaders when cleaning and painting the water
catchment. Do not remove until after the first rain shower.

WATER TANK
Ensure all overflow pipes are above ground and screened with fine mesh
wire. Ensure that the tank top is tight fitting and kept free of sources of con-
tamination.
Clean your water tank as often as necessary to prevent sediment accumula-
tion (by law every six years). Studies have shown that most contamination
settles out of the water into the sludge.
Locate the suction valve at least 18” above the tank bottom and as far as pos-
sible away from the sump where sludge collects.
Avoid refilling tanks that are low in water and high in sediment.The
water may become unsafe to drink because contaminants con-
tained in the sludge can be reintroduced into the water.

Disinfect your tank supply every three to four months using regular house-
hold bleach (4oz per 1,000 gallons) to kill germs. Chlorination should only
be performed if the water is clear and the tank relatively free of sludge.
Organic matter contained in the sludge inhibits disinfection and may result
in the formation of potentially harmful by-products.
Formula for calculating volume of water
Length x Width x Depth of Water x 6.25 = No. of Gallons

15
 DO USE
Household bleach 5.6% chlorine or ultra bleach 6% chlorine

DO NOT USE
Colour bleach or scented bleach
“save oxygen bleach”

Aeration -adding oxygen to the tank water to correct or prevent ‘rotten eggs smell’
Connect garden hose to outside tap, set the nozzle onto the surface of the
water in the tank or onto the roof and turn on tap let circulate for several
hours
Use a bucket and rope to agitate the water with an upward and downward
motion to make bubbles

Water Bleach
Volume (gal) oz cup

6000 24 3
7000 28 3.5
8000 32 4
9000 36 4.5
10000 40 5
11000 44 5.5
12000 48 6
13000 52 6.5
14000 56 7
15000 60 7.5
20000 80 10
25000 100 12.5
30000 120 15
35000 140 17.5
40000 160 20

16
TREATMENT OF COMMON WATER PROBLEMS

Stagnation
The water smells foul due to depletion of oxygen. If the tank is clean, aera-
tion followed by chlorination should improve water quality. (see above for
procedures)

Roof catchment paint contamination

If the water in your tank is cloudy and tastes objectionable, it should be dis-
carded.

Mosquito/fly larvae
Prevent these insects from entering by screening all openings at ground level.
Check gutters for standing water.

Rust coloured tap water

Deterioration of galvanized water supply components (pipes or pressure
tank). Replace as needed.

THE BERMUDA SITUATION AFTER A HURRICANE

In Bermuda we have the potential to be exposed to prolonged periods of low
atmospheric pressures; for example during the passage of hurricanes. After
a hurricane it may be noticed that your water has been affected.

Most commonly people experience problems with their tank water.

Oxygen Chemistry

In order to explain how fish could be killed or water left unpalatable we need
to understand the behaviour of oxygen in water:

17
 Oxygen has only limited solubility in water and there are several factors that
can further limit the amount of oxygen that dissolves in the water:
increased temperature
increased salinity
decreased atmospheric pressure
During hurricane season all of these factors can act together. For example
the temperature is elevated during the summer, salinity of tank water may
increase from wind blown spray (even inshore) and the close passage of a
storm will cause a dip in pressure.
To make matters worse vegetation sometimes enters the tank. Normal bac-
terial action on this matter then has the potential to use up all the remain-
ing oxygen in the water. As these aerobic bacteria then die off it allows an
explosion in the population of anaerobic organisms.
These new organisms do not live by biological oxidation but instead use
inorganic salts such as sulphates that are in the water. As a consequence the
water begins to smell from the obnoxious by-products of their metabolism.

The Solution
1. Remove as much vegetation from the tank as possible – if there is an
excessive amount empty the tank.
2. Aerate - adding oxygen to the water in order to ensure that anaerobic
bacterial action does not persist.
3. Aeration can be achieved by setting your garden hose nozzle onto the
surface of the water in your tank. To quicken the process a booster pump
may be used.
4. Chlorinate in order to reduce the numbers of bacteria in the tank and
pipes. Use regular household bleach (4 oz per 1000 gallons) to kill germ
5. Chlorination should only be performed if the water is clear and the tank
relatively free of sludge. Organic matter contained in the sludge inhibits dis-
infection.
6. Salty water – empty the tank and fill with fresh water or use bottle water
for drinking.
If your tank has not been cleaned within the last five years – empty
and clean.

18
Frequently asked Questions

My tank has not been cleaned within five years it has organic mat-
ter (leaves, etc.) introduced from the hurricane and the water smells
of ‘rotten eggs’
n Do not chlorinate
n Boil for drinking or use only for flushing and other non-
potable purposes
n Empty and clean tank

My tank has not been cleaned within five years and the water
smells of ‘rotten eggs’
n Boil for drinking
n Aerate the water using one or all of the methods below
n Do not chlorinate

My tank has not been cleaned within five years and the water is
salty
n Use only for flushing and other non-potable purposes
n Empty and clean tank

My tank has been cleaned within five years there is organic matter
(leaves, etc.) floating and the water smells of ‘rotten eggs’
n Remove as much organic matter as is possible
n Boil or chlorinate by using bleach and the formula below
n Aerate the water using one or all of the following methods
below

My tank has been cleaned within five years the water smells of ‘rot-
ten eggs’
n Boil or chlorinate by using bleach and the formula below or
boil
n Aerate the water using one or all of the methods below

19
 My tank has been cleaned within five years the water smells of
‘rotten eggs’ and is salty
n Do not drink
n Use for non-potable purposes ONLY
n Empty tank

Can I use my well water for drinking?

NO! It is illegal to drink well water unless it comes from a well that is
licensed by the Department of Health.

TANK CLEANING TIPS

n Empty tank
n Clean tank
n Power wash of max. 3000psi. DO NOT PUT PUMP
INTO TANK
n Check for cracks and leaks.
n Cement wash with a (formula) mix
n Use sealers registered with the Department of Health and
placed on the “List of approved roof paints and sealers”
n Remove all items that were placed into the tank to assist in
the cleaning process
n Rinse the walls and tank floor and remove the rinse waste
water
n Allow tank to dry for two days
Safety Precautions:
n Have at least two people working on the tank – one inside
and the one outside.
n Wear a fitted facemask attached to an oxygen tank when
working with chlorine or sealers
n DO NOT SUBMERSE ELECTRICAL CORDS OR
LIGHTS
n Think SAFETY!

20
Frequently Asked Questions
I have two sides of the tank – what do you suggest?
It is best to clean both sides of the tank. Drain and clean one side at a time.
Switch over the valves, that way your family can continue to use one side of
the tank while cleaning the other.

I don’t want to power wash, what are my options?

Use a boat brush on a staff or a wire brush. Power washing can severely dam-
age tanks if not done correctly.

Submersible pumps have electrical cords that go underwater – are

they safe?
Read the instructions and have older models tested by an electrician.
Submersible pumps can be immersed in water, even the power cord!

What should I do with the sludge that I take out of the tank?
The sludge should be watered down and disposed off into a garden.

21
 Using a Generator
When Emergency Strikes
PURCHASING A GENERATOR
If you choose to buy a generator, make sure you get one that is listed with
the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM). Look at the
labels on lighting, appliances and equipment you plan to connect to the
generator to determine the amount of power that will be needed to operate
the equipment.
For lighting, the wattage of the light bulb indicates the power needed.
Appliances and equipment usually have labels indicating power requirements
on them. Choose a generator that produces more power than will be drawn
by the combination of lighting, appliances and equipment you plan to con-
nect to the generator including the initial surge when it is turned on. If your
generator does not produce adequate power for all your needs, plan to stag-
ger the operating times for various equipment.

USING A GENERATOR
n Follow the directions supplied with the generator. Under no
circumstances should portable generators be used indoors,
including inside a garage.Adequate ventilation is necessary as
well as proper refuelling practices.
n It is a good idea to install one or more carbon monoxide (CO)
alarms inside your home (following manufacturer’s installation
directions). If CO gas from the generator enters your home and
poses a health risk, the alarm will sound to warn you. Many
home fires and deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning have
occurred from using a generator improperly.
n Be sure to let the generator cool down before refuelling.
Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can. Use
the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the
label on the generator.
n Do not store fuel in a garage, basement or anywhere inside a
home, as vapours can be released that may cause illness and
are a potential fire or explosion hazard.
n Do not hook up a generator directly to your home’s wiring.

22
Emergencies & Your Workplace
If your place of business does not have an emergency response plan now is
the time to do it. A work place emergency response plan should make pro-
visions for:
n Human resources
n Physical resources

WORKPLACE DISASTERS: HUMAN RESOURCES

Preparing for a disaster:
n Create evacuation plans and chart exits with Exit signs.
n Prepare first aid kits (Appendix B) and train the workers in
First Aid and CPR.
n Provide battery operated radios, flashlights, and supplies like
blankets, food and water.
n Consider emergency lighting and alarm systems.
n Conduct mock disaster emergencies regularly to keep
employees well trained and prepared to deal with an
emergency.
n Your plan should also cover how to account for everyone
(i.e., designated spot), how to get word to everyone in the
workplace and how to get in touch with the families of
employees.

WORKPLACE DISASTERS: PHYSICAL RESOURCES

Protecting people is the first order of business in any disaster. If your build-
ing becomes unsafe, evacuate immediately. It’s wise to have Exit signs at
every doorway that leads outside and Evacuation Boards to display your floor
plan and all exit routes.

PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS

n Consult with the Bermuda Fire Services on sprinkler sys-
tems and fire extinguishers
n Provide storm shutters or other means to protect doors and
windows
n Generators to keep critical equipment operating

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 Emergency Shelters
The two buildings that have been identified as designated Emergency
Shelters are:

CEDARBRIDGE ACADEMY
CedarBridge Academy
Gymnasium
1 CedarBridge Lane,
Prospect
Devonshire DV 02

BERKELEY INSTITUTE
Berkeley Institute
Gymnasium
Berkeley Hill Road
Pembroke HM 09

There are other school and church sites that may be used as Emergency Shelters
in the case of a disaster.The Emergency Measures Organization will determine
which sites will be opened based on the specific circumstances of the
disaster. The Emergency Shelters identified for use for the public will be
announced on the Emergency Broadcast Station, FM 100.1 MHz once
they have been aranged. If you need to evacuate your home take
your pre-assembled emergency supplies with you to the nearest
Emergency Shelters.

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Creating An
Emergency Supply Kit
In the event of an emergency where you may need to survive on your own
for three or more days, international guidelines recommend the following:
n Disaster supply kit with essential food, water and supplies for
at least three days should be kept in a designated place.
n A backpack or duffle bag can be packed and be ready to
‘grab and go’ in case you have to leave your home quickly
because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical
emergency. Make sure all household members know where
the kit is kept.
n You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This
should be in one container ready to go in case you have to
evacuate the building.
Basic supplies that should be in a disaster supply kit:
n Water: You will need to change the stored water and food
supplies every six months, so be sure to write the date you
store it on all containers.
n Food items ready-to-eat-meats, fruits and vegetables; canned
or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like
peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and
trail mix; vitamins; food for infants or persons on special
diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and
powdered milk.
n First Aid Supplies: Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and
for each vehicle.
n Tools and Emergency Supplies: Basic tools and kitchen items
may prove to be useful in times of emergency. Also, remem-
ber to pack sanitation and hygiene items. Important
household documents and contact numbers should also be
included.
n Clothes and Bedding: One complete change of clothing and
footwear for each household member. Shoes should be stur-
dy work shoes or boots. Rain gear, hat and gloves, extra
socks, extra underwear, thermal underwear, sunglasses. Also,
blankets or a sleeping bag and pillows for each household
member should be included.

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 n Specialty Items: Remember to consider the needs of infants,
the elderly, disabled and pets. Also remember to include
entertainment and comfort items for children. Check to see
if all emergency lights, flashlights, portable and weather
battery-operated radios are working properly and have extra
batteries that are accessible.
n First Aid Kit: Assemble to include medications aspirin, non-
aspirin pain reliever, antacid and anti-diarrhea medication,
bandages, gauze, scissors, safety pins and sunscreen.

Quick
Emergency Checklist
o
Supplies of water and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods

o
(i.e., dried or canned meats, vegetables and fruits).

o
Manual can opener.
Paper plates, cups and disposable utensils.

o Personal hygiene items (i.e., toilet paper, towelettes,

feminine supplies, soap, detergents, birth control).

o Change of clothing, extra shoes or work boots and

o
rain gear.

o
Bleach
Blankets or sleeping bags (one for each family member).

o Special needs items (i.e.,baby supplies, eyeglasses/contact

o
lenses, at least one week supply of prescriptive medications).
Cash

o Organise important paperwork in waterproof containers.

Include financial info, phone numbers, wills, insurance
policies, immunization records and passports.

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First Aid Supplies
Maintain a fully stocked first aid kit in a readily available location and away
from curious hands of little children. A portable first-aid kit for use in vehi-
cles or outside of the home is also recommended.
Include the following items in each kit:

Package of 2” sterile gauze squares (2” x 2”)

Package of 3” sterile gauze squares (3” x 3”)
Cotton wool balls 1 bag
Band-aids 1 box
Antibacterial ointment (Polysporin)
Hydrogen peroxide 16 oz.
Adhesive tape 1
Micropore tape 1” 1
Conform cotton bandages 2
Q tip applicators 1 pkg. = 100
Crepe bandages 3” 1
Triangular bandages 2
Disposable latex gloves 1 box – medium
Trash bags small 5
Safety pins
Alcohol-free wipes
Bandage scissors
Mosquito repellent and bite treatment

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