Preparing Makes Sense - Get Ready Now
The likelihood that you and your family will recover from a disaster tomorrow often depends on the planning and preparedness done today. While each person’s abilities and needs are unique, every individual regardless of current circumstances can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies from fires and floods to potential terrorist attacks. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan that fits those needs, you and your loved ones will be better prepared.
When disaster strikes there is little time to sit down and plan out what you need to do. Planning ahead and making preparations in advance can make the difference between surviving well or even surviving at all. Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation. Use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a disaster supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made disaster. However, there are significant differences among potential terrorist threats, such as biological, chemical, explosive, nuclear, and radiological, which will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. By beginning a process of learning about these specific threats and making basic preparations, you can make a difference in how you will survive in a disaster.
Logan City Government Preparedness
Logan City government provides goods and services to its citizens and surrounding community partners on a daily basis. Being able to maintain and restore those critical services is a top priority for your local leaders. City personnel in various departments not only take steps to prepare their own families, but to ensure that their workplace and equipment are ready to respond when disaster strikes. Logan City maintains an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) which allows for interdepartmental collaboration and coordination of activities in times of disaster. Logan city partners with Cache County and other surrounding cities to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate against our local and statewide threats and hazards.
Logan City is a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador and is StormReady Certified
The City of Logan participates in public education programs and preparedness activities with the National Weather Service.
Ninety percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related.
What is StormReady?
Through the StormReady program, NOAA's National Weather Service gives communities the skills and education needed to survive severe weather -- before and during a severe weather event.
StormReady does not mean storm proof.
StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education, and awareness. No community is storm proof, but Stormready can help communities save lives.
Logan City became the first StormReady city in the state of Utah to be recognized by the local National Weather Service office in Salt Lake city. In order to receive this recognition, Logan city had to meet the following criteria:
- Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
- Have more than one way to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings and to alert the public.
- Create a system that monitors local weather condtions.
- Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars
- Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.
These tools, procedures, and exercises have allowed Logan city to be better prepared for and to respond to severe weather events which threaten our community.
NOAA Weather Radios (NWR)
NWR is an all-hazards public warning system, broadcasting forecasts, warnings and emergency information 24 hours a day directly to the public.
"All Hazards" messages include:
- Natural (e.g., tornado, hurricane, floods, earthquakes)
- Technological accidents (e.g., chemical release, oil spill, nuclear power plant emergencies, maritime accidents, train derailments)
- Amber Alerts
- Terrorist attacks
Non-weather emergency messages will be broadcast over NWR when: (1) public safety is involved, (2) the message comes from an official government source, and (3) time is critical. Non-weather emergency messages will also be broadcast over NWR at the request of local and/or state officials. When local or state officials wish to broadcast a message on NWR, the officials provide text information about the hazard and the appropriate response directly to the local NWS offices. NWS offices have set up pre-arranged agreements to facilitate and speed the process.
Where can I find a disaster shelter?
During natural or man-made disasters the need to evacuate your home may be necessary to preserve life, health, and personal safety. Local emergency officials will determine the need to evacuate homes or neighborhoods based upon severity and other hazardous aspects of particular disasters. In times of evacuation,many individuals typically seek shelter with extended family or community friends. Sometimes the need arises to go to public sheltering facilities provided by local response agencies.
In cooperation with local religious organizations, civic organizations, and the American Red Cross, various buildings that can be utilized as shelters have been identified for use, (church houses, middle schools, high schools, etc). When a disaster occurs local emergency responders will work with American Red Cross officials to decide where to open shelters. The location of the open public shelter will then be broadcast over local radio and television air waves via the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on either KVNU 610 AM radio or KSL channel 5 on television. Local emergency officials will also make efforts to try to notify residents door to door of the need to evacuate. How long residents will need to be out of their home or at a public shelter will be dependent upon the circumstances of the disaster. Having a 72 hour emergency supply kit in your home which can be quickly grabbed and taken with you in an evacuation situation can of itself be a life saving mechanism.
Residents seeking shelter at public shelter facilities should be aware that there are certain restrictions at these locations in regards to pets. Most public shelters do not allow pets (service animals are allowed), so consider staying with relatives or at a hotel/motel that allows pets; if you must board your pet(s), consider animal boarding facilities, animal shelters and veterinary offices/hospitals. Individuals seeking information regarding shelter rules should contact the American Red Cross.
What is "Shelter-in-Place?"
In place sheltering simply means staying inside your home, business or other facility, or seeking shelter in the nearest available building. In-place sheltering keeps you inside a more protected area during an accidental release of toxic chemicals, or emergencies involving hazardous materials where air quality may be threatened.
Local emergency officials are responsible for issuing orders for in-place-sheltering during chemical or hazardous material emergencies. You may receive notice from Police, Fire, and Emergency Management officials, directly or through radio and television broadcasts. An emergency vehicle going through your neighborhood slowly with an emergency siren sounding continuously means an emergency situation may exist in your area. You should immediately go inside and tune to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) for more information. The primary EAS station for Cache County is KVNU 610 AM. Emergency information, including steps to be taken, will be broadcast continuously until the emergency is over.
To learn about the steps to shelter-in-place, contact the Cache County Local Emergency Planning Committee
Important things you can do before, during , and after disasters
WINDS
Preparations for High Winds
- Survey your home and/or property. Take note of materials stored, placed, or used, which in the event of high winds could become missiles and destroy other structures or be destroyed. Devise methods of securing these materials where they will still be accessible for day-to-day needs.
- Keep radio and/or TV on and monitor for wind advisories.
- If possible, board up, tape or shutter all windows (leave some ventilation).
- Draw some water for emergency use in the event water service is interrupted.
- Have a supply of flashlights, spare batteries, candles, first aid equipment, medicines, etc., available for emergency use.
- Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, tools, etc.
During High Winds
- Take shelter in hallways, closets, and away from windows.
- Stay out of areas where flying objects may hit you or destroy your place of refuge.
After Winds Subside
- Inspect for structural damage.
- Check all utilities for damage and proper operation.
- Monitor radio and TV for instruction from local authorities.
- Report damage and needs to your Neighborhood Coordinator.
EARTHQUAKE
Before an Earthquake
- Store water and food supply.
- Organize a 72-hour portable emergency kit.
- Bolt down or provide strong support for water heaters and other appliances.
- Consider earthquake insurance.
During an Earthquake
- STAY CALM
- If you are indoors, stay inside and find protection in a doorway, or crouch under a desk or table, away from windows or glass dividers; avoid masonry wall (brick) and chimneys (fireplaces).
- Outside: Stand away from buildings, trees, telephone and electric lines.
- On the Road: Drive away from underpasses/overpasses; stop in a safe area; stay in the vehicle.
- In an Office Building: Stay next to a pillar or support column or under a heavy table or desk.
After an Earthquake
- Check for injuries. Provide first aid.
- Check for safety - gas, water, sewage breaks; check for downed electric lines; turn off interrupted utilities as necessary; check for building damage and potential safety problems during aftershocks, such as cracks around chimney and foundation; check for fires.
- Clean up dangerous spills.
- Wear shoes.
- Tune radio to an emergency station and listen for instructions from public safety agencies.
- Use the telephone only for emergencies.
- As soon as possible, notify your family that you are okay.
- Do not use matches or open flames in the home until you are sure there are no gas leaks.
- In public buildings, follow evacuation procedures immediately and return only after the building has been declared safe by the appropriate authorities.
- Report damages or needs to your Neighborhood Coordinator.
Things You Need to Know
- How, where and when to turn off electricity, gas and water.
- First aid.
- Plan for reuniting your family.
- Plan and practice a family drill at least once a year.
FLOODS
Before the Flood
- Know the elevation of your property in relation to flood plains, streams, and other waterways. Determine if your property may be flooded.
- Make advance plans of what to do and where to go.
- Store food, water and critical medical supplies (prescriptions, etc.).
- Fill your car with gas in case you must evacuate.
- Move furniture and essential items to higher elevation if time permits.
- Have a portable radio and flashlights with extra batteries.
- Open basement windows to equalize water pressure on foundations and walls.
- Secure house and consider flood insurance.
Evacuation
- Listen to local radio or TV for weather information.
- If you are asked to evacuate, shut off main power switch, main gas valve and water valve. Follow local evacuation plan and routes.
- Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road, as it might be washed out. While you are on the road, watch for possible flooding at bridges, dips and low areas.
- Watch out for damaged roads, slides and fallen wires.
- Drive slowly in water; use low gear.
- If driving and vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
- Do not attempt to cross a stream on foot where water is above your knees.
- Register at your designated Evacuation Center and remain at the Evacuation Center until informed that you may leave.
After the Flood
- Remain away from evacuated area until public health officials and building inspector have given approval.
- Check for structural damage before entering.
- Make sure electricity is off; watch for electrical wires.
- Do not use an open flame as a light source because of possibility of escaping gas. Use flashlights. Beware of dangerous sparks.
- Do not use food that has been contaminated by flood water.
- Test drinking water potability.
Your Evacuation Center location will be given to you by your Neighborhood Coordinator. Please record this information on the appropriate page of your Logan City Emergency Procedures Manual.
WINTER STORMS
Before the Storm
- Arrange for emergency heat supply in case of power failure.
- Prepare automobile, battery-operated equipment, food, heating fuel and other supplies.
- Prepare a winter survival kit. You should have the following items in your car: Blankets or sleeping bags, flares, high energy foods (candy, raisins, nuts, etc.), first aid kit, flashlights, extra clothing, knives, compass, emergency candles and matches, maps, jumper cable, tow chain, shovel, windshield scraper, sack of sand.
- Your car will help you keep warm, visible and alive should you be trapped in a winter storm. A lighted candle will help keep you from freezing, but you must remember to have a window open slightly for ventilation.
- Keep car fuel tank above half full.
During and After a Storm
- Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of protective, loose-fitting clothing, scarves, mittens and hoods. Cover the mouth and nose to protect lungs from extremely cold air.
- Avoid travel, but if you become stranded, stay in your vehicle- keep it ventilated, bundle up, light an emergency candle for warmth, occasionally change positions and DON'T PANIC.
- Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks are a major cause of deaths during and after winter storms.
- Shoveling snow or freeing stuck vehicles can be extremely hard work. Don't overdo it!
- Beware of the chill factor if winds are present.
- Be prepared for isolation at home. If you live in a rural area, make sure you can survive at home for a week or two in case a storm isolates you and makes it impossible for you to leave.
If a warning is issued the Storm is Imminent and you should know the "Winter Words of Warning"
Winter Words of Warning
- WATCH - A winter storm is approaching.
- FLURRIES - Intermittent snowfall that may reduce visibility.
- SLEET is small particles of ice, usually mixed with rain. If enough sleet accumulates on the ground, it will make the roads slippery.
- HEAVY SNOW is when four or more inches are expected within a 12-hour period.
- FREEZING RAIN OR FREEZING DRIZZLE is forecast when expected rain is likely to freeze as soon as it strikes the ground, putting a coating of ice or glaze on roads and everything else that is exposed. If a substantial layer of ice is expected to accumulate from the freezing rain, an ICE STORM is forecast.
- A BLIZZARD is the most dangerous of all winter storms It combines cold air, heavy snow and strong winds that blow the snow about and may reduce visibility to only a few yards. Winds 35 mph. Temperature 20 degrees F. or less.
- A SEVERE BLIZZARD WARNING means that a very heavy snowfall is expected, with winds of at least 45 mph or temperatures of 10 degrees F or lower.
THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING
During a Thunderstorm or Lightning
- When a thunderstorm or lightning threatens, get inside a home or large building, or inside an all metal vehicle (not a convertible). Stay indoors and don't venture outside unless absolutely necessary.
- Stay away from open doors and windows, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks and plug-in appliances.
- Don't use plug-in electrical equipment such as hair dryers, electric blankets or electric razors during the storm.
- Except for emergencies, don't use the telephone during the storm; Lightning may strike telephone lines outside.
- If outside, with no time to reach a safe building or an automobile, follow these rules:
- Do not stand underneath a natural lightning rod such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
- Avoid projecting yourself above the surrounding landscape, as you would do if you were standing on a hilltop, in an open field, on the beach, of fishing from a small boat.
- Get out of the water and out of small boats.
- Get away from tractors and other metal farm equipment.
- Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, exposed sheds or anything that is high that would conduct electricity. Some of these could carry electricity to you from some distance away.
- Do not use metal objects like fishing rods and golf clubs. Golfer's cleated shoes are particularly good lightning rods.
- Stay in your automobile if you are traveling. Automobiles offer excellent lightning protection.
- Get off and away from motorcycles, scooters, golf carts and bicycles.
- If no buildings are available, your best protection is a cave, ditch or canyon, or under head-high clumps of trees or shrubs.
- If only isolated trees are nearby, your best protection is to crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from isolated trees as the trees are high.
- When you feel the electrical charge- if your hair stands on end or your skin tingles- lightning may be about to strike. Drop to the ground immediately.
First Aid for Lightning Strikes
- Persons struck by lightning receive a severe electrical shock and may be burned, but they carry no electrical charge and may be handled safely.
- A person "killed" by lightning can often be revived be prompt CPR, cardiac massage and prolonged artificial respiration.
- In a group struck by lightning, the apparently dead should be treated first; those who show vital signs will probably recover spontaneously, although burns and other injuries may require treatment.
POWER OUTAGE
Before the Power Outage
- Learn location of fuse box or circuit breaker.
- Store candles, flashlights and extra batteries in a handy place.
- Have food and water supplies on hand, since the outage may last awhile.
- Know the location of all camping equipment (stove, lantern, sleeping bags). You may need them. Make sure the equipment is operational and that you know how to use them. REMEMBER THAT CAMPING EQUIPMENT REQUIRING GASOLINE, PROPANE, WHITE GAS, COLEMAN FUEL OR CHARCOAL BRIQUETS SHOULD NOT BE USED INSIDE THE HOUSE - ONLY OUTSIDE.
- Keep adequate supply of fuel on hand. Propane, white gas, gasoline and Coleman fuel must not be stored or used in the house or garage, as they are too volatile. Only kerosene may be used in the house and NOT stored in direct sunlight and is limited in quantity to one 55-gallon drum on a person's property.
- Keep your refrigerator well defrosted. Built-up ice works against your freezer.
During the Power Outage
- Unplug all your appliances. The surge of power that comes when power is restored could ruin your appliances.
- Turn off all but one light switch.
- A major problem during an outage is food thawing in the refrigerator or freezer, Open door only to take food out, and do so as quickly as possible. If you have access to dry ice, place it in a cardboard box and then on top of food.
- When using camping equipment during an outage, remember to do so outside. Use only a fireplace, a properly installed wood stove, or a new style kerosene heater used in a safe area with the room vented. i.e., fresh outside air coming into the room.
- Report any downed lines.
- Do not allow children to carry lanterns, candles or fuel.
After the Power Outage
- When power is restored, plug in appliances one by one, waiting a few minutes in between each one. This may prevent an overload on the system.
- Be patient. Energy may first be restored to police and fire departments and hospitals.
- Examine your frozen food. If it still contains ice crystal, it may be refrozen, if meat is off-color or has an odd odor, throw it away.
GETTING INFO FROM THE CITY
In Case of Emergency
When disaster strikes there is a need for citizens to get information from local emergency management and/or local first responders. The city of Logan will utilize a variety of ways to help get emergency information out to the public.
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
Emergency broadcasts will be put out over the radio and television stations to alert citizens of disaster situations.The local EAS stations are:
- Radio - 610 AM KVNU
- Radio - 1610 AM
- Television - KSL Channel 5
Tone Alert Weather Radios
The National Weather Service puts out weather related information 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. They also will put out storm watches and warnings. This system is also used in conjunction with the EAS system to alert local citizens of weather related emergencies. Tone alert radios can be purchased from local vendors which contain the ability to be turned on automatically when the National Weather Service puts out a tone prior to the issuing of an advanced emergency weather broadcast. Through these emergency broadcasts citizens will be advised about what to do in an emergency situation
Online
The City of Logan will also provide information through the City of Logan Facebook and Twitter profiles. Follow and/or like the profiles today.
Emergency Responders driving up and down your roadway
Some disasters or emergency situations may require sheltering in place or an evacuation. In some evacuation scenarios, emergency response representatives (Fire, Police, EMS) will drive up and down your roadway with the Hi-Lo siren activated. This is a signal to citizens to go inside and turn on their televisions or radios to the EAS station to receive information about the current emergency situation. Response personnel may actually come to your house and knock on your door asking you to evacuate or shelter in place.
