Community Preparedness

Medical Needs, Older Adults and Individuals with Physical and Sensory Disabilities

Those who have medical needs or who receive in home care should create a plan with their providers and caregivers included.

Older adults and individuals with physical and sensory disabilities may have additional needs during and after a disaster.

Available resources within Chesterfield are identified by Aging and Disability Resources in their Resource Directory for Older Adults (English) (PDF) which is also available in printed format.

Pets in Disasters

Pets may be lost, injured or killed during a disaster. I.D. tags, microchips, leg bands or tattoos help reunite separated pets and owners. Take several pictures of your animals and keep them with your important papers. If you use a pet sitter while on vacation, discuss disaster plans and evacuation sites.

Family disaster plans need to include the family pets. Discuss your disaster plan with your veterinarian. Keep a pet disaster kit on hand for each pet in the household including:

• A week's emergency supply of pet food, water, and other essential support items
• Comfort toys
• Medical records, especially proof of rabies vaccination
• Medications and vitamins
• Pet first aid kit and first aid book

Transporting Pets

When transporting pets during disasters, make sure that you have leashes as well as carriers so that pets are contained to prevent injury or escape.

Emergency Shelters

Should an emergency shelter be opened, information will be broadcast over Chesterfield Alert, county social media accounts and local media reports.

Items to Bring with You

If you evacuate to a shelter, please plan accordingly by bringing the items below.

• A list of allergies, medical conditions and medications currently taking
• At least a three- to five-day supply of medications
• Change of clothing and footwear
• Comfort items such as a special blanket, pillow, etc.
• Contact lenses or an extra pair of glasses
• Personal entertainment, such as books, cards, and hand-held video games with extra batteries
• Sanitation supplies including personal hygiene supplies, plastic garbage bags, soap and toilet paper
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members such as baby food, disposable diapers, familiar comfort items, and canes and walkers

Pets in Emergency Shelters

In Chesterfield County, pets brought to emergency shelters are taken to the county's animal shelter and will be cared for, in an area separate from the daily animal population, until it is safe for residents to take their pets home.

Hazardous Materials Accidents

Communities located near chemical manufacturing plants are particularly at risk for hazardous materials spills. However, hazardous materials are transported on our roadways, railways and waterways daily, so any area is considered vulnerable to an accident.

Be Prepared

Learn to detect the presence of a hazardous material. Many hazardous materials:

• Can be detected because they cause physical reactions such as watering eyes or nausea
• Do not have a taste or an odor
• Exist beneath the surface of the ground and can be recognized by an oil or foam-like appearance

Contact your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) or local emergency management office for information about hazardous materials and community response plans. Find out evacuation plans for your workplace and your children's schools. Plan several evacuation routes out of the area. Ask about industry and community warning systems. Additionally: 

• Have disaster supplies on hand, including:
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Emergency food and water
  • Essential medicines
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Nonelectric can opener
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • Sturdy shoes
• Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another during a hazardous materials accident (this is a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school).
• Develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the family contact. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

During a Hazardous Materials Accident

If you hear a siren or other warning signal, turn on a radio or television for further emergency information.

At Accident Scene
If you see an accident or are at an accident, do the following:

• Call 911 or the local fire department to report the nature and location of the accident as soon as possible
• Move away from the accident scene and help keep others away
• Do not walk into or touch any of the spilled substance
• Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke; if possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area
• Try to stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the accident

Don't try to care for victims of a hazardous materials accident until the following occurs:

• The substance has been identified
• Authorities indicate it is safe to go near victims
• Move victims to fresh air and call for emergency medical care
• Remove contaminated clothing and shoes and place them in a plastic bag
• Cleanse victims that have come in contact with chemicals by immediately pouring cold water over the skin or eyes for at least 15 minutes, unless authorities instruct you not to use water on the chemical involved

In-Place Sheltering
Immediately after the "in-place sheltering" announcement is issued, fill up bathtubs or large containers for an additional water supply (and turn off the intake valve if in a house). If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or a towel. Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated. Monitor the Emergency Broadcast System station for further updates and remain in shelter until authorities indicate it is safe to come out. Additionally: 

• Seal house/building so contaminants cannot enter by:
  • Closing and locking windows and doors, sealing gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape
  • With duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper or aluminum wrap, sealing gaps around air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, stove and dryer vents, and windows
  • Closing the fireplace dampers
  • Closing off nonessential rooms such as storage areas, laundry rooms and extra bedrooms
  • Turning off the ventilation systems
• Bring pets inside

Evacuations
Authorities will decide if evacuation is necessary based primarily on the type and amount of chemical released and how long it is expected to affect an area. Other considerations are the length of time it should take to evacuate the area, weather conditions and the time of day.

Stay tuned to a radio or television for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters and procedures. If asked to evacuate, make sure to leave at once by following the routes recommended by the authorities (shortcuts may not be safe). If you have time, minimize contamination in the house by closing all windows, shutting all vents and turning off attic fans. Take pre-assembled disaster supplies. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance including infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.

Following a Hazardous Materials Accident

Return home only when authorities say it is safe and follow local instructions concerning the safety of food and water. Follow instructions from emergency officials concerning clean-up methods and disposal of residue.