When we talk of emergency, the needs for a preparation are an absolute rule! It is not even debatable why you need to prepare and why it is important to have emergency supply checklist available and accessible for review at all times.
It is not an unusual thing that before one realizes the importance of having an emergency supply checklist, they must understand first the danger of a presumed disaster or event that could happen in their area.
Let us define first the different type of emergency, so as to its level:
Minor Emergency - It is defined as any incident, potential or actual, which will not seriously affect the overall functional capacity of a certain community. But it does end up with a limited scope of emergency on specific areas. During this time, even the sign of danger is still not that high, it is important to have your own emergency supply checklist. All concerned people who see coming or will experience this kind of emergencies must report immediately to his/her Immediate Supervisor, if at work and the concerned authorities.
The following maybe considered under a minor emergency situation:
- Power outage
- Fire Incidence (May it be Internal or External)
- Forest Fire (Having limited range)
- Explosion (of equipment)
- Accident/medical emergencies (Vehicular accidents, First Aid, etc)
- Utility failures (pump shut offs, reservoir leaking, service vehicle failures, etc)
- Transmission leaks
- Psychological crisis
- Civil disturbance/protest
- Suspicious parcel
- Pilferage's/poachers
- Physical/verbal assault
- Intruder
- Coercions/under threat)
Major emergency - It is defines any incident, potential or actual, which effects an entire building or buildings or the whole of a community.
Some examples of major emergency/crises situations:
- Water resource poisoning/contamination
- Chemical spills/leakage/contamination
- Water-borne Disease Outbreak
- Widespread treatment/chemical overdosing in the system
- Death within watershed/office facility
- Bomb/bomb threat
- Hostage situation
- Facility under siege/sabotage
Regardless of the category of disaster or emergency that we may face, it is important to have emergency supply checklist on our hands. Indeed, we should maintain basic emergency equipment that might be needed in order to continue operations as well as possible evacuations. Kits containing items such as flashlights, battery powered radios, extra batteries, "glow sticks" (for lighting), and basic first aid supplies are also made available to all stations. Candles and matches are not recommended for lighting since they require an open flame, which can be hazardous, but are recommended as any part of anyone's emergency supply. Large items such as portable power generators and pumps, lighting system should be prepared and condition at all times for dispatch.
We can coordinate with the authorities not just the emergency supply checklist but to make sure the following items are in good condition always: 1.) Portable Generators; 2,) Lighting System; 3.)backup communications systems; 4.) external water and fuel depose if applicable.
Emergency medical supplies are part and parcel of our supposed emergency supply checklist. First aid kits should be made available in strategic field stations and offices and be made available in case of emergency situations that occur within adjacent vicinity. These supplies are designed to be used by first responders until such time as more qualified medical assistance can arrive on the vicinity. These kits are replenished on a regular basis. Other supplies, such as rubber gloves should also be available.
Having a predetermined already packed emergency supply kit in hand for these situations is a step in the right direction for you and any family member or colleges you may be involved with in any of these situations.
By Leah Strong
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