📡 Communication Alternatives
If phones don't work:- Text 911: Works when voice fails in many areas
- Whistle: 3 short blasts = HELP NEEDED (universal)
- Mirror/Flashlight: Flash toward aircraft/rescuers
- Ground signals: V = need help, X = need medical, → = going this way
- Ham radio: 146.52 MHz simplex (calling frequency)
- Satellite: Garmin inReach, Zoleo, Spot (works anywhere)
Family Communication Plan:
- Pick an out-of-area contact everyone calls
- Set 2 meeting places: near home and outside neighborhood
- Put ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts in phone
- Carry written emergency card with contacts, medications, allergies
- Consider medical ID bracelet for conditions/allergies
🚗 Vehicle Emergency
Car Emergency Kit:- Water, non-perishable snacks, blanket
- Jumper cables, flares/reflectors, flashlight
- First aid kit, phone charger, basic tools
- Ice scraper, small shovel (winter)
Stranded:
- Stay with vehicle (visible to rescuers)
- Run engine 10 min/hour for heat (crack window for CO)
- Tie bright cloth to antenna
- Clear exhaust pipe of snow/debris
Flash Flood Driving:
- TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN - 6 inches sweeps you away
- 2 feet of water floats most vehicles
- If trapped: unbuckle, open window, swim to safety
Extreme Heat:
- NEVER leave children or pets in car (10 min = deadly)
- If AC fails: roll down windows, find shade, drink water
💧 Water Safety
Emergency Water Sources:- Hot water heater (turn off gas/electric first)
- Ice cubes, toilet tank (not bowl)
- Rainwater collection
Purification Methods:
- Boiling: Rolling boil for 1 minute (3 min above 6,500 ft)
- Bleach: 8 drops unscented per gallon, wait 30 min
- Tablets: Follow package directions
- Filter: Use before chemical treatment
Signs of Dehydration:
- Dark urine, headache, dizziness, confusion
- Treatment: small sips frequently, rest, cool area
Water Rationing:
- 1 gallon/person/day minimum (more in heat)
- Prioritize drinking over washing
🍽 Food Safety (Power Outage)
Refrigerator: Safe 4 hours if closedFreezer: Full=48hrs, Half=24hrs if closed
When in doubt, throw it out
Discard if above 40°F for 2+ hours:
- Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy
- Cut fruits, cooked vegetables
Safe foods:
- Peanut butter, crackers, bread
- Canned goods (don't eat from damaged cans)
- Fresh fruits/vegetables
Cooking without power:
- Grill/camp stove OUTDOORS ONLY
- Never use generator, grill, or camp stove inside
🔥 Fire Safety
Home Escape Plan:- Know 2 ways out of every room
- Practice with family twice a year
- Meeting place outside, away from home
- Once out, STAY OUT - never re-enter
If fire:
- GET OUT, stay low, crawl under smoke
- Feel doors before opening (hot = fire behind)
- STOP DROP ROLL if clothes catch fire
- Close doors behind you to slow fire
Fire Types:
- Grease fire: Cover with lid, turn off heat, NEVER water
- Electrical: Unplug if safe, use Class C extinguisher
- Extinguisher: PASS - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
Prevention:
- Test smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries yearly
- CO detector on each level
- Keep exits clear
🧠 Mental Health in Crisis
Normal Stress Reactions:- Anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, guilt
- Sleep problems, nightmares
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical symptoms: headache, stomach upset
Panic Attack:
- Breathe slowly: 4 counts in, 4 out
- Ground yourself: 5 things you see, 4 hear, 3 touch
- Remind yourself: "This will pass"
Children's Stress Signs:
- Clinginess, regression (bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
- Sleep problems, new fears
- Acting out, withdrawal
- Reassure, maintain routines, limit news exposure
Self-Care:
- Accept help from others
- Take breaks from news/social media
- Eat, sleep, exercise when possible
- Connect with others, avoid isolation
Warning Signs - Seek Help:
- Unable to function in daily life
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Excessive substance use
- Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
📞 Crisis Lines
- 911 - Life-threatening emergency- 988 - Suicide & Crisis (press 1 for Veterans)
- 211 - Food, housing, utilities help
- 1-800-222-1222 - Poison Control
- 1-800-799-7233 - Domestic Violence
- 1-800-662-4357 - SAMHSA Substance Abuse
- 1-800-621-3362 - FEMA (no immigration check)