Active Volcano, Mt. Saint Helens, Washington State
No one wants to focus on all the horrible things that can happen to us, which is probably why we neglect efforts at disaster preparedness. Unfortunately, as Japan’s triple disaster vividly illustrates, the worst possible scenarios can and do happen. Coal mining, oil well exploration, deep water drilling, nuclear reactor operation and aggressive urbanization and development of critically sensitive eco-systems also contribute to a planet that has its own brand of geological and weather volatility.
As scientists admit these events are a partial consequence of our actions, they also suggest we brace ourselves for more. In fact, 2010 was a record year. The Université Catholique de Louvain in Brussels recently completed a study that determined 296,800 people died last year during natural disasters. That number included 50,000 Russians who succumbed during a summer heat wave and 222,000 Haitians who perished in the January 2010 earthquake. The human cost was completely horrific, although none of the economic losses have exceeded those of Katrina, Rita and Wilma, the 2005 hurricanes.
New Orleans 9th Ward homes a block behind the collapsed canal
It would be nice if we could breathe a sigh of relief and be thankful 2005 and 2010 are over, but Margareta Wahlstrom, the U.N. special envoy for disasters, warns that these types of weather events are expected to accelerate. The World Meteorological Organization(WMO) also agrees. The WMO has indicated our most recent extreme and volatile weather patterns are caused by La Nina and El Nino weather conditions. The WMO predicts these patterns will continue for the next 25 years. Meteorologists and other climate scientists blame unplanned urbanization, environmental degradation and climate change as big contributors to these problems as well. Simply translated, humans are making big weather even messier.
A toppled Tsunami warning sign
We may be unable to predict or prevent disasters, but property managers are in a unique position to reduce potential suffering. Being prepared to help residents survive until rescuers and emergency response teams can reach them will reduce the impact of these disasters. Some residents may have supplies, but properly storing essentials on-site can improve resident safety, comfort and outcomes.
The Property Manager’s Emergency Checklist:
√ Potable Water is the biggest need people have during emergencies and disasters. As the average person needs at least a gallon a day, storing three days worth of water for every resident is the ideal. Although cisterns and hot water heaters can be sources, in the event of a quake or flood, these may become compromised. We are big fans of general recycling, but skip the plastic milk containers. They are not designed for water storage and eventually leak making plastic water bottles the best choice. Even if there are water sources like rain, creeks, rivers, etc., use these natural waters with caution as they can become contaminated during a natural or man-made disaster.
√ Sterilization Broken sewer lines or flood waters mixed with untreated sewage will contain bacteria and parasites. Small children or those with compromised immune systems are most at risk if they drink contaminated water. Chlorine drops can be used in non-chlorinated drinking water – and if left for 24 hours the chlorine evaporates – but this method is not always sufficient. Boiling water is the quickest and best technique to assure harmful bacteria are destroyed.
√ Cooking Sources Access to a camp stove is helpful as long as gas lines are turned off in the immediate area. The same concern should be used with regard to outdoor barbecues or open fires. That said, keeping a few small camp stoves and sufficient fuel for shared use could make a big difference to residents.
√ Radios and Batteries Crank operated or battery-operated radios may be the only source of outside communication if the electricity blows, satellite connections are lost and mobile phones lose service. Wireless devices will not help, obviously, so having that old-style radio is a lifesaver. Of course, car radios can also work, but they will run down the vehicle’s battery in the process.
√ Land Lines are connected separately from the electrical grid, so it is wise to have at least one in the office. That way it is possible to have telephone service even when the grid fails.
√ Flashlights, Batteries and Glow Sticks are critical and much safer than candles mainly because of the potential fire and gas hazards. Also, candle life is so short – given the bright lighting to which we are accustomed – that candles alone are impractical. Children are also safer without a live flame.
√ Food Supplies stored for emergencies should be dried or canned and accompanied by a couple of manual can openers. Canned prepared foods like tuna fish and soups along with dried foods like rice, legumes and pasta are all good survival choices.
√ Pet food is also a critical part of any food storage effort.
√ First Aid Kits are notoriously under-equipped, so give yours extra thought. A bunch of different sized Band-Aids may seem like enough, but consider stocking a couple pairs of scissors, a knife, sterile needles and surgical thread, plenty of large sterile gauze pads and dressings, tweezers for removing splinters, a tourniquet, antibacterial soap, sterilization solutions like hydrogen peroxide and iodine, ipecac to induce vomiting in case of accidental poisoning, over-the-counter medicines like aspirin and Tylenol, et cetera.
√ Emergency Gas and Water Shut Off Tool This incredibly helpful tool is sold at most hardware stores and is used specifically for shutting off gas lines and water mains. The manager can also use the tool as a pick to remove meter covers. As most but not all water systems are standardized, it is important to verify the correct size needed. Your local utility company should be happy to guide you on which tool to buy.
Emergency Gas and Water Shut Off Tool
√ General Tools and Supplies for the types of weather events and disasters in your area will differ. Gold Mylar blankets, for instance, are highly visible in a snowy area. Here are some general suggestions:
- Gold/silver reversible Mylar emergency blankets
- A master pass key to all apartments
- A diagram of the building for rescuers
- A small supply of essentials like toilet paper, baby formula, diapers
- A shovel, ax, hammer, wrench, nails, tarps, rope, rope ladder and other tools
- A gas generator and stored gas (replace gas on schedule as it degrades over time)
- Gas for your vehicles for emergency use
- Cash in small denominations
There is no better way to protect and serve your residents than by being able to deliver critical help during an emergency. It may take some extra effort and expense, but there is no downside to being prepared.
√ Pet food is also a critical part of any food storage effort.
