DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
J U NE 2004 F UN W A LK
1) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that each
individual have a disaster kit that will last: a. 24 hours b. 72 hours c. 48 hours d. 2 weeks
FEMA recommends a 72-hour kit because in most crisis situations, it often takes 72
hours for service and emergency personal to reach most individuals. The average disaster supply
kit should contain water, food, first-aid supplies, tools, clothing, kitchen items, sanitation and
hygiene products, household documents, contact numbers and bedding. Household members
with special needs should also be considered. Some additional items may include medications,
hearing aids and visual aids. The kit should be kept in a designated “grab and go” place. Make
sure all members of the household know the location of the kit.
2) According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a Yellow Level (elevated
risk) Alert means:
a. Evacuate your residence b. Be prepared to shelter in-place c. Check all disaster plans and
supplies and be alert for any suspicious activity d. Expect many delays in traffic and air
travel situations
The Homeland Security Advisory System has five levels, beginning with Green (low risk)
and ending in Red (severe risk). At the current time, the United States is at a Yellow Risk Level.
In addition to following the Level Yellow guidelines, The Department of Homeland Security also
recommends doing the following: develop and family emergency plan, create a 72-hour kit, stay
informed, develop alternate routes to work and school, and know how to shelter in-place. Also,
consider completing a First-Aid and CPR course.
3) What actions should be taken when sheltering in-place?
a. Bring all family members inside b. Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning units c. Go to
an above ground room (not a basement) d. All of the above
In-place sheltering simply means staying inside your home, business, or other facility.
During an emergency, in-place sheltering will provide protection. In addition to the above actions,
the following are good procedures to follow in a in-place shelter situation in which air-quality is
compromised: close and lock all windows and doors, close the fireplace damper, close all shades
and window coverings, wet towels and jam them in door and window cracks, and place tape and
plastic bags around windows, doors and vents.
4) The SARS virus affected Utah.
a. True b. False
While SARS was more of an international epidemic, U.S. citizens, as well as Utah
citizens were affected. In 2003, six SARS cases were identified in Utah. The SARS incident
shows that disease reporting is crucial. Local health departments are responsible for preventing
the spread of communicable diseases in the community. Rapid reporting by citizens is critical to
the process of identifying exposures, particularly common-source exposures in clustered cases,
and implementing interventions to reduce or eliminate them (as in child care centers or
restaurants).
5) What is the minimum amount of water that should be stored for two weeks per adult?
a. 5 gallons b. 10 gallons c. 14 gallons d. 21 gallons
14 gallons is the minimum amount of water that should be stored for an adult. This
amount allows one adult one gallon of water per day. It is estimated that the average person uses
65 gallons of water a day for drinking, cooking, bathing and sanitation purposes. Storing more
water may be necessary based on the family’s needs.
6) In most cases, an individual can survive on half of their usual food intake.
a. True b. False
If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half of their usual food intake for an
extended period or without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely,
except for children, pregnant women, and other special needs populations.
7) Small games and stuffed animals can be a very important part of a 72-hour kit.
a.True b.False
A few small games and stuffed animals can be a very essential part of a 72-hour kit. Most
children, and even adults may suffer emotional effects in the aftermath of a disaster situation.
These items provide comfort, as well as a way to pass time.
8) Which disaster causes the highest mortality in the United States?
a. Avalanches b. Fires c. Hurricanes d. Floods
Floods, specifically flash floods, cause the most disaster-related deaths in the United
States. Flash floods have an average death toll of 150 people per year. Some ways to avoid
injury or death include the following: avoid driving into a flooded area if the depth of the water is
unknown, as little as 12 inches of running water can wash away most vehicles, including sport
utility vehicles. Heed warning signs. When hiking in a canyon or near a streambed, climb up from
the flash flood, do not try to outrun it. Do not camp or park along streams or washes, particularly
during threatening conditions. Do not let children play near storm drains or washes after a heavy
rain; street and urban flooding can even be hazardous
9) When treating frostbite, one should:
a. Rub the limbs down with snow b. Give the victim a caffinated drink c. Gradually warm the
body by wrapping in clothing or blankets d. Place affected area in scalding water
When treating a victim of frostbite, make sure that the victim has dry clothes and is
wrapped with any other available article of clothing and blankets. Body temperature should rise
gradually to avoid damage to the affected tissue. Do not give the victim hot or caffinated drinks.
Stimulants can speed up the heart and quicken the effect that cold has on the body.
10) What is the most common disaster that occurs in the United States?
a. Fires b. Floods c. Earthquakes d. Tornadoes
Fires threaten more homes than any other disaster. While a family disaster plan is crucial
in any crisis, it is especially essential for survival in a fire situation. Have multiple escape routes
planned and review a fire safety plan with family twice a year. It is also important to check the
batteries and overall function of smoke detectors semi-annually. These small but crucial steps
can mean the difference between a tragic disaster or a small crisis.
For more information on 72-hour kits and other pertinent disaster preparation material,
visit www.ready.gov.