Disaster Support
Ernie Potter - Team Leader

       Disaster Support Team
Mission Statement: To help and support our church members and friends of the congregation in time of disaster.

Our quarterly Team meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday in Feb., May, Aug. & Nov. at 3:30 PM.

                                                                                        Newsletter
  

DISASTER SUPPORT TEAM

Ernie Potter, Team Leader

                                            

Recent storms in Macon County !

 

  Macon County did NOT 'dodge the bullet' during the recent storms. 

  Many of us experienced lengthy power outages, along with our telephone service temporarily being impacted. The loss of power to the cordless telephones and answering machines may affect the line if they are left plugged into the wall phone jack, thus preventing you from making or receiving calls. It is best to remove the wire from the jack until the power is restored.  The Team can be called upon to help - just contact your Shepherd.

  You are urged to have food and water on hand, along with back-up or auxiliary heat, to last for 5 to 7 days in the event you experience a power loss. Candles, flashlights, batteries and lanterns are also necessary to have available. Alternative housing arrangements may be necessary in some situations.  The Team can be called upon to help - just contact your Shepherd.

 

  Mayo Clinic CPR method (from Jim Geary) -  just use the Internet link below.

  This life-saving CPR method uses NO mouth to mouth, just chest compressions. Anyone can do this after watching this brief 'demo' video.

 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM

  Our next scheduled quarterly Team meeting will be held on  May 25th,  2010 at 3:30 PM.

 ARE YOU READY ?

     Winter storms, though quiet in nature, are actually very dangerous. You should prepare for winter storms by storing emergency items such as candles, drinking water, and food that doesn't require cooking. Make sure you have a working transistor radio and flashlight in case of a power outage. Don't travel unless it's absolutely necessary, and if you must travel, leave with a full tank of gas. Let a friend or family member know that you are leaving, what route you'll be taking, and when you expect to arrive at your destination. Take a cellular phone with you if possible. If local officials have advised against travel, observe their warnings and stay home. Winter storms take the lives of hundreds of people every year who refuse to heed weather warnings. If you feel that you must travel during a winter storm, be sure to have the proper equipment including snow tires or chains as well as winter storm supplies like sand, shovels, and emergency blankets. If you get stuck or your car breaks down, stay in your car. It's very easy to lose your way in a white out.

     Cold Weather and Winter Storm Protection Tips: Conserve water, especially if you are on a well. Keep doors, windows and draperies closed to retain heat. Be extremely careful of fire hazards caused by candles or other flammable sources. Never leave a candle unattended. Stay indoors during winter storms. Dress warmly and in layers and cover your head, especially children. Avoid alcohol. Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks to avoid falls. Be extremely careful shoveling snow. Take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion.

      Protect yourself from CO poisoning: Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.

     When using kerosene heaters, gas lanterns or stoves indoors, it is extremely important to maintain ventilation to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes. Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a house, garage, tent, or camper. Keep vents and flues free of debris. If CO poisoning is suspected, consult a health care professional right away.

Warnings signs of hypothermia:

     Symptoms: Adult and child symptoms include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. Infant symptoms include: bright red, cold skin and/or very low energy.

What to do: If you notice any of these signs, the situation is an emergency —

Get medical attention immediately!

Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out.

Flashlight and extra batteries          
Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
 First aid kit                                     
Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)
 Nonelectric can opener                   
One-week supply of essential prescription medications
 Extra blankets and sleeping bags
One-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)

Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.