ARE YOU READY?
A GUIDE TO DISASTER
PLANNING FOR CLIENTS
& STAFF
Purpose
It is the policy of the State of South Carolina is to be prepared for any
emergency or disaster. South Carolina State Regulations 58-1 and 58101 require contingency plans and implementing procedures.
Persons with special needs or functional needs need to take extra care
in preparing for an emergency. From making sure you have adequate
medication, medical supplies and equipment to knowing what special
resources you may require to make it safely through a disaster.
This guide was developed to help clients and staff alike prepare for
natural disasters and unexpected emergencies.
How Would You
Define a Disaster?
Disasters are…
Events that causes great
harm or damage or an
incident that causes
widespread destruction
and distress.
They can strike quickly
and without warning and
can force you to evacuate
your neighborhood or
confine you to your home.
Categories of Disasters
Disasters can be categorized into three groups:
1. Natural
2. Accidental
3. Intentional
Disasters Can Be Natural,
Examples Include:
• Hurricanes
• To r n a d o e s
• Floods
• Droughts
• E xt r e m e H e a t
• Fires
• Blizzards
•
•
•
•
•
•
Earthquakes
Volcanoes
Tsunamis
Ice Storms
Disease
Epidemics
Hurricane Hugo
Hugo crossed into South Carolina coast near the Isle of Palms in
September of 1989. The surface winds were recorded at 138 miles
per hour and gusts of more than 160 miles per hour.
The damage to coastal and inland properties, utilities, agriculture,
timber and commerce exceeded $6 billion. 50-70,000 people were
left homeless and 26 people were killed (SCDNR).
Types of Disasters - Natural
Hurricane Hugo
Charleston, SC
1989
Disasters Can Be Accidental, Examples
Include:
• Explosions
• Disease
• Toxic spills
• Oil Spills
• Transportation
• Global Warming
Accidents
• Structural Failure
• Building Collapse
• Floods
• Droughts
• Fires
Types of Disasters – Accidental
Train Derailment
Graniteville, SC
2005
Intentional Disasters include:
• Kidnappings
• Hijackings
• Assassinations
• Riots
• Bombings
• Demonstrations
• Cyber Attacks
• Stampedes
• Threats of Terrorism
• Bombings
• Wars
• Shootings
Getting
Ready
Planning
&
Preparation
Plan
All too often in emergency situations the needs of people
with disabilities are overlooked or swept aside.
People with functional needs need to take extra care in
preparing for an emergency.
The services you rely on daily may not be available in the
event of an emergency.
Plan
Disaster and emergencies
often disrupt routines.
They can change when
and where you eat, sleep,
play, work, study, go to
school, how you get
around, when you see
your family and friends.
14
Plan
The stress caused by having
to think about what you
might do in an emergency
much less actually having to
cope with a disaster is a
common experience.
Disaster planning can be
overwhelming for anyone
but it doesn’t have to be.
Prepare
1.
Know the hazards and emergencies that may affect you
and your family.
2.
Develop an emergency plan.
3.
Collect and assemble disaster supplies kit.
4.
Learn where to seek shelter from all types of hazards.
Prepare
5.
Identify the community warning systems and evacuation
routes.
6.
Include in your plan required information from community
and school plans.
7.
Learn what to do for specific hazards.
8.
Practice and maintain your plan.
Prepare
Know the difference between Watches and Warnings:
In a Watch conditions are right for something to happen.
For example, during thunderstorms tornados may form,
streams and rivers may flood.
In a Warning the event has happened. The tornado has
been sighted or the streams and rivers are flooding.
Are You Ready?
 You can cope more successfully with an emergency or a
disaster by preparing in advance.
 You are in the best position to plan for your own safety.
 Knowing what to do is your best protection and your
responsibility.
Common & Not So Common
SC Weather Events:
What You Should Do…
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are very
common, especially during the
summer. Severe storms usually
have heavy rain, strong winds
and, lightning.
Some storms produce hail
and create conditions that can
cause tornadoes to form.
In Thunderstorms, you should...
• Get out of the water if you are swimming or boating.
• Hurry to a low open place, and crouch down so your body is
like a little ball if you can’t find shelter, or your hair feels
like it is standing on end.
• Stay way from downed high voltage lines down and call the
•
utility company.
Always seek shelter during severe weather!
Tornadoes
Tornados are among
nature’s most dangerous
storms.
They can strike with little
warning & cause
serious destruction in
seconds.
The average number of
tornadoes per year in SC
is 28 ( SC DNR).
In Tornadoes, you should…
Take shelter immediately if you see or
hear a tornado.
If You Are Outside…
Lie flat on the ground in a low area
covering your head with your arms and
hands if you are outside, in a car, or in a
mobile home with no shelter nearby.
If You Are Inside…
Go to the basement or storm cellar if
you have one. If you don’t, then
move to the center of the lowest floor.
Get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Hurricanes are giant,
spiraling tropical storms and
the most destructive natural
weather occurrences on
earth.
When they come onto land,
the heavy rain, strong winds
and heavy waves can
damage buildings, trees and
cars.
In Hurricanes & Tropical Storms, you
should…
The hurricane season runs from
June to November, peaking
mid-August to late October.
Tune in the radio or television
for weather updates. Follow the
instructions given on:
• Personal Safety & Evacuation
• Securing your home & car
• Safeguarding pets & livestock
• Stocking emergency supplies
Floods
Any source of water, river,
lake, pond or stream has
the potential to overflow,
and flood the surrounding
area.
All areas of the South
Carolina are prone to
flooding.
In A Flood, you should…
Never travel in flooded
areas.
Never swim in or let
children play in standing
flood water.
Watch out for snakes, and
other hazards that have
moved to higher ground.
Winter Storms
In SC snow is rare and it can be
great fun but winter storms can
cause severe problems.
They often have strong winds,
sleet, freezing rain, heavy
snowfall and bitter cold as
components.
In a Winter Storm, you should…
•
Stay inside if possible.
•
If you go outside dress in several
layers of warm clothing. If you start
to get too cold, or your nose,
hands, feet or ears start to feel
numb, go inside and warm up for a
few minutes.
•
Stay away from frozen ponds – the
ice usually won’t hold.
•
Stay from any high voltage lines
that may have fallen during the
storm.
Earthquakes
On August 31, 1886, the Great Charleston Earthquake struck in Summerville
and Charleston. It was the largest, most destructive, and most lethal
earthquake ever to strike east of the Mississippi. Over one hundred twentyfour people were killed and hundreds more severely injured.
To this day, it dominates the seismic history of the entire East Coast. This
earthquake struck without warning and caused far more deaths, injuries, and
property damage than Hurricane Hugo, a Category IV hurricane (1989).
SC is home to one of the most active earthquake-producing regions in North
America, a twenty-five by fifteen-mile oval known as the Middleton PlaceSummerville Seismic Zone, whose center lies about twenty-two miles
northwest of Charleston.
SC State
Museum
Exhibit
“People running from
the Quake."
(SC State Museum
Exhibit)
"Broad St., south side,
looking east."
(South Caroliniana
Library Archives)
The 1886
Charleston
Earthquake
Earthquakes
On January 1, 1913, an earthquake registering 5.5 on the Richter Scale in occurred in Union
SC. The earthquake affected an area of 43,000 square miles. Although no deaths were
reported, it caused chimneys to fall, machinery to move, windows to break and goods to fall
from shelves.
Pickens County was the apparent center of an
October 20, 1924, earthquake which shook most of
South Carolina and western North Carolina,
northeastern Georgia, and eastern Tennessee. The
area affected was approximately 90 miles.
Moderately strong shocks occurred near Charleston on November 19, 1952, August 3, 1959,
March 12, 1960, July 23, 1960, and October 23, 1967.
Earthquakes
An earthquake is the shockwave
that occurs when plates beneath
the Earth’s crust shift.
This movement causes the ground to
become unstable and shake.
South Carolina is on a earthquake
fault line and we have several quakes
each year. They are usually small
ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 in magnitude.
Since 2006, SC has more than 35
measurable earthquakes.
In an Earthquake, you should…
Identify danger areas and stay
away from things that break or
fall on you like glass or heavy
furniture.
Move to a safe place where you
can get under a table, desk, or
against an interior wall.
Evacuation,
Emergency
Supplies & Shelters
When Should You Evacuate?
1.
If a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for your area then
you should leave.
2.
If you live in a mobile home you should always evacuate if the
emergency is weather related.
Hurricanes are not the only reason we evacuate. Evacuation orders were
issued for the train derailment in Graniteville, fires in Myrtle Beach, toxic
spills flood warnings, and factory fires among others.
Evacuation Kits
1. What items do you want in your evacuation kit?
2. Are they the same as the items you think you need to
pack?
3. How long should you plan for?
Evacuation Kits
 It is a good idea to have a “go bag”. That is a bag that ready to grab if you have
to go to a shelter. You can use a backpack, duffle bag or laundry bag.

Your name should be clearly written on it.
 Your supplies should last for a minimum of three days.
 You shouldn’t “over pack” your kit – take only what you need and what you
carry easily.
 Remember, there isn’t a lot or room or privacy in shelters.
EMERGENCY
SUPPLIES
What to Pack?
The Red Cross recommends that for each person you pack:
• 2 blankets and a pillow a, lawn chairs or cot
• Prescription medication and necessary over-the-counter
•
•
•
•
medications(s)
3 Gallons of water
Special dietary needs, favorite non-perishable snacks
Flashlights & batteries
Important papers - home owners insurance, medical
information etc.
Packing
continued
• Personal hygiene items such as soap, towel,
toothbrush, etc.
• Books, small toys & games - try for quiet things!
• Baby Supplies - diapers, bottles, formula, etc.
• A Patient & Cooperative Attitude!!
SHELTERS
Sheltering
You don’t always have to go to a
shelter. If you can, stay with friends or
relatives or have them stay with you
whichever is the safest location. Go to
a hotel/motel. You should always have
more than one option, more than one
plan. Needs during disaster differ,
choose the best plan for that situation.
Staying in a shelter should be your
last choice.
Sheltering in Place - Supplies
Because not everyone has to, can, or will evacuate in the event of an emergency. If
you stay home here are the basics you should consider stocking:
• Food & Water
•
First Aid & Special Items for Medical Conditions
•
Clothing & Bedding
•
Tools & Emergency Supplies
Shelters
If the safest place to stay is a shelter then go. It will help if you are prepared –
most shelters are runs by the Red Cross. They do not allow you to bring in
weapons, drugs, alcohol, pets or smoking inside the building.
Shelters are not spacious, private, or quite, and there isn’t always electricity and a
bed for everyone.
Don’t expect hot showers or meals, they are not always available.
There will be lines to use the bathroom and other stressful situations
In general medical services are not available and it will be up to you to keep you
and yours safe.
Shelter Realities
Luxuries don’t
exist during an emergency.
Expect Shelter Rules
In most shelters you will be expected to:
1. Register when you arrive and sign in and out when entering or leaving.
2. Keep your area clean and help keep the shelter clean.
3. Keep food and beverages in designated areas.
4. Respect quiet hours, watch your children.
5. Be careful with your valuables as they are your responsibility.
6. Smoke in designated areas only.
Katrina Survivors at a Red Cross Shelter
Houston Astrodome, Houston, Texas
Shelters Open in Preparation for Tropical Storm
Ernesto August 29, 2006 in Miami, Florida
Emergency Red Cross shelter just inland from Myrtle
Beach, S.C - Hurricane Fran 1996
Staying Well During an
Emergency
Shelters & Mental Illnesses
Emergency shelters are set up to provide a secure environment for a lot of people
for a short period of time, typically 3 to 7 days.
In order to reduce the risk of relapse and/or lessen symptom development it is a
good idea to do a self assessment to prepare in case you need to evacuate to
emergency shelter.
It’s a good idea to develop a plan for how you will manage if a disaster disrupts
your routine.
How Well Do You Manage
When You Experience:
•
Loud noises
•
Crowded rooms
•
Lights on all the time
•
•
Storms
Being away from your own bed
•
Children and strangers
•
Not being able to smoke when you
want
•
Not being able to go to bed when
you want
•
Having your daily routine
interrupted or altered
Do You…?
•
Have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
•
Does the chaos that accompanies emergencies increase flashbacks or your
depression?
•
Hear voices? What makes it worse? Are those things likely to happen in a
shelter?
•
Have symptoms of depression, mania or anxiety when your daily routine
changes?
Staying Well During a Disaster
•
Are you able to identify the things that trigger your symptoms? Do you
know what your early warning signs are
•
Can you work on a plan to help you manage?
•
Try practicing what you would say to someone if you need help: For
example, you may want to tell a friend or someone at the shelter “I have
anxiety or panic disorder. If I panic and need assistance, I have emergency
medicine
in my evacuation kit. It’s called __________________.”
Staying Well During a
Disaster
•
For your meds you should
– know what your medications are and if you go to a shelter take them with you
in the original bottles.
– Keep a separate list of medication names and doses in case you lose or run
out of medicine.
•
Develop a support system of friends who can help you and whom you can
help.
•
Keep important papers and information with you.
– Your Medicaid or Medicare card
– Your Doctors names and contact information
Staying Well During a Disaster
Create a Comfort Box or Bag
Try placing items that are familiar
and bring you comfort in a box to
take with you to a shelter. The box
should contain items that are easy
for you to transport and keep up
with when in an evacuation shelter.
For example, if people, strangers,
and/or having to talk to others
bothers you, it maybe a good idea
to take a portable music player and
headphones or ear plugs to block
out noise.
Staying Well During a Disaster
Remember people with special needs need to take extra care in preparing for
an emergency.
Make sure you have enough medication, medical supplies and equipment and
know what special resources may be required for you and your family to make
it safely through a emergency.
Staying Well During a Disaster
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health has Planning Guide
to help you prepare.
• Personal emergency information forms - 2 copies
• Evacuation kits and guides
• Sheltering information
• Information specific to persons with mental illnesses
• Information for persons with other disabilities or special needs
• Caring for your pets
• County offices of emergency management
• Web resources
Exam is Next
Test Your Knowledge
1.) Disasters are?
A) Events that causes great harm or damage or an incident that causes
widespread destruction
and distress.
B) Accidental, Natural, Intentional
C) Strike quickly and without warning
D) All of the Above
2.) Disasters can be categorized into ___ groups.
A) 1
B) 3
C) 5
D) 7
3.) In emergency situations the needs of people with disabilities have priority
consideration.
True
False
Test Your Knowledge
4.) The difference between Watch and Warning is - in a Watch conditions are right for
something to happen - in a Warning the event has happened.
True or False
5.) In preparing a good response plan you need only worry about those emergencies
that are most likely to happen in your area.
True or False
6.) It is okay to be in a boat but not swim during a thunderstorm.
True or False
7.) All areas of the South Carolina are prone to flooding.
True or False
8.) There is no need to worry about earthquakes in South Carolina.
True or False
9.) You only need to evacuate a mobile home in the case of a tornado warning.
True or False
Test Your Knowledge
10.) Evacuation shelters are often crowded and noisy, they may or may not have
electricity, cots are not always available and sometimes people have to sleep on
the floor.
True or False
11.) Evacuation kits should contain supplies for ___ days.
A) 1
B) 3
C) 5
D) 7
12.) To help you stay well during an emergency you should Identify the things that
trigger your symptoms, know what your early warning signs are and work on a
plan to help you cope.
True or False
Test Your Knowledge
13.) If you have to go to a shelter it is important to take a list of the medications
you
take so that shelter staff can make sure to stock them.
True or False
14.) Having a support system of friends who can help you and whom you can help
during an emergency can be an important part of your wellness plan.
True or False
15.) Knowing what to do during an emergency is your best protection and your
responsibility.
True or False
Answers
1.) Disaster are? D Events that causes great harm or damage or an incident that
causes widespread destruction and distress, can be accidental, natural or
intentional, can strike quickly and without warning.
2.) Disasters can be categorized into B- 3 groups; natural, accidental or intentional.
3.) False - In emergency situations the needs of people with disabilities do not
have priority consideration.
4.) True The difference between a Watch and Warning is - in a Watch conditions
are right for something to happen - in a Warning the event has happened.
5). False In preparing a good response plan you need to worry about all
emergencies that are happen in your area.
Answers
6.) False It is not okay to boat or swim during a thunderstorm.
7.) True All areas of the South Carolina are prone to flooding.
8.) False South Carolina sits on a earthquake fault line.
9.) False If you live in a mobile home you should always evacuate if the
emergency is weather related.
10.) True Evacuation shelters are often crowded and noisy, they may or may
not have electricity, cots are not always available and sometimes people
have to sleep on the floor.
Answers
11.) B Evacuation kits should contain supplies for a minimum 3 days.
12.) True You should identify the things that trigger your symptoms, know what your
early warning signs are and work on a plan to help you cope in an Emergency.
13.) False if you go to a shelter take medications with you in the original bottles and
keep a separate list of medication names and doses in case you lose them or run
out.
14.) True Having a support system of friends who can help you and whom you can
help during an emergency can be an important part of your wellness plan.
15.) True Knowing what to do during an emergency is your best protection and
your responsibility.
Thank You!!!
For More Information Please Contact:
Katherine Roberts, MPH, Director, SCDMH Office of Client Affairs
(803) 898-8304 /kmr50@scdmh.org
For the Disaster Planning Guide go to:
http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/preparing_for_disaster.pdf