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What is Emergency Management?
What does local Emergency
Management do?
How do I contact the local
Emergency Management Office?
What are the four phases of
Emergency Management?
What should I do in case of a
fire?
How do smoke detectors work?
What happens when I call 9-1-1
What does the term HAZMAT mean?
What should I do if I am close to
a Hazardous Materials accident?
What actions should I take if told
to evacuate my home?
What if someone needs special
assistance to evacuate their home due to medical
problems or physical disabilities, and where would they
go?
What should I do if told to
"Shelter in Place"?
What actions should I take in the
event of a tornado?
There is water running over my
bridge, is it safe to cross?
What type supplies should I keep
on hand for emergency situations?
How will I be notified of an
emergency situation other than by firefighters and
rescue squad personnel?
Can my pet be brought to the
shelter with me?
Where can I get food and/or water?
What is the Local Emergency
Planning Committee (LEPC)?
How do I find out what the road
conditions are?
How long will my frozen food last
during a power outage?
How do I find out if my house is
located in a flood zone?
If Public Shelters are opened, how
do I find out where they are, when to go and what to
take with me?
If I am deaf or have special
medical needs, do I go to a regular public shelter?
What are the SARA and NC
Right-to-Know reporting requirements for Ashe County?
Who is required to report under
SARA?
I would like to help make a
difference. How can I volunteer my time to assist the
Ashe County Emergency Management Office?
What is Emergency Management?
TOP
Emergency Management is the combined efforts of local,
state and federal governments to protect the citizens
from the effects of disasters, both natural and manmade.
The local Office of Emergency Management works to
identify and analyze the hazards that may face Ashe
County and develop contingency plans for each hazard.
The plans are regularly tested, refined and tested
again, all with the goal of protecting or saving lives
and property.
The Emergency Management Office uses a four-phase
approach to emergencies: Mitigation, Preparedness,
Response and Recovery, which are known collectively as
the Emergency Management Cycle.
What does local Emergency
Management do?
TOP
The office provides a variety of services to the
citizens of Ashe County. Pamphlets and information are
available through the office to assist in planning for
tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, fire safety, flood
protection measures and preparing a Disaster Supplies
Kit. The Ashe County Emergency Management Office has
been tasked with the responsibility of planning for the
protection of lives and property of the citizens of Ashe
County. Planning consists of identifying potential
manmade and natural disasters that could affect our
area. These potential disasters are identified through a
Hazard Analysis.
During a disaster situation, Emergency Management is the
lead agency in coordinating resources in the county and
resources that other state and local agencies may supply
Ashe County.
Another function of Emergency Management is to plan for
and assist in responding to accidents involving hazard
materials and mitigating the effects of a release or
spill. The office works very closely with all local
emergency services agencies to include the 11 volunteer
fire departments that provide fire services to the
county as well as the local rescue squad, two ambulance
services, sheriffs office, and one private and two town
police departments.
How do I contact the local
Emergency Management Office?
TOP
The Ashe County Emergency Management Office is located
in the Courthouse at 150 Government Circle Suite 2400 in
Jefferson. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday. You can also reach the agency at (336)
846-5521; fax (336) 846-5523 or by email at
emc@ashecountygov.com
What are the four phases of
Emergency Management?
TOP
There are four basic parts or activities that make up
the Emergency Management program concept. These are
mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
Mitigation - Activities which are designed to either
prevent the occurrence of an emergency or minimize the
potentially adverse effects of an emergency, including
the following:
1. Building / Fire Codes / Floodplain Management
2. Identification of Resources
3. Procurement of Equipment
4. Public Education
5. Disaster / Flood Insurance
Preparedness - Activities, programs and systems which
exist prior to an emergency and are used to support and
enhance response to an emergency or disaster. Public
education, planning, training, and exercising are among
the activities conducted under this phase as well as:
1. Identification of Hazards
2. Development of Emergency Plans and Guidelines
3. Establish and Maintain Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
4. Acquire Equipment/Resources
5. Test and Maintain Equipment
6. Continuity of Government
Response - Activities and programs designed to address
the immediate effects of the onset of an emergency or
disaster and help to reduce casualties, damage , and to
speed recovery. Coordination, Warning, Evacuation, and
Mass Care are examples of Response. The response phase
includes some of the following resources:
1. Fire and Rescue Services
2. Emergency Medical Services
3. Security/Law Enforcement
4. Volunteer Disaster Services
5. Public Works & Utilities
6. Health Services
7. Protective Actions
Recovery - Activities involving restoring systems to
normal. Recovery actions are taken to assess damage and
return vital life support systems to minimum operating
standards; long term Recovery may continue for many
years. Recovery activities include the following:
1. Decontamination
2. Damage Assessment
3. Debris Clearance
4. Disaster Assistance
What should I do in case of a
fire?
TOP
Never attempt to extinguish a large fire that is out of
control. You should get everyone out of the house or
structure and dial 9-1-1 immediately. You could attempt
to put out a small fire with a fire extinguisher, garden
hose or smothering it (depending on the type fire), but
if the fire does not immediately go out call 9-1-1.
Always remember if your clothing catches on file "DO NOT
RUN", running makes the fire spread faster. "STOP",
"DROP" AND "ROLL" until the fire is smothered out. Doing
this could save your life. We have free fire safety
information, just call us at (336) 846-5521.
How do smoke detectors work?
TOP
To understand how smoke detectors work you must realize
that smoke is not just a cloud of gas, it is actually
made of very small carbon particles suspended in the
air. Rather than detecting heat or flames like other
detectors, smoke detectors can detect smoke even before
it is visible to the human eye by detecting these small
carbon particles. For their early warning abilities,
they are recommended for use in living areas instead of
heat detectors.
There are two types of smoke detectors which use two
different mechanisms to detect these particles. The
ionization type, which is the most widely used, employs
a weak source of radiation to ionize the atoms of air in
a special chamber. When these particles are ionized, it
results in a very weak electric current being produced
in this chamber. Carbon particles entering the chamber
interfere with the ionized air particles causing a
reduction in the amount of this weak electric current
and the detector sounds an alarm.
The second type of smoke detector is a photo-electric
detector which uses a projected beam of light in a
special chamber. When smoke particles enter the chamber,
the beam of light is either blocked out or dimmed by the
particles causing the alarm to activate. This type
detector is a little more expensive than the ionization
type, but since it detects larger smoke particles, it
can be used closer to kitchen areas without being
accidentally setoff by normal cooking activities (unless
you burn something on your range).
At least one smoke detector should be installed on every
level of a home, and in every bedroom. Detectors should
be tested regularly to make sure that batteries are
functioning and batteries changed at least once a year.
What happens when I call the 9-1-1
number? TOP
All 9-1-1 calls made in Ashe County are answered at the
Ashe County 9-1-1 Communications Center in Jefferson
(co-located with the Ashe County Jail). The
Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, year
round by trained professional telecommunicators. When a
call is received, in addition to voice contact, the
telecommunicator receives a computer data base file
showing the listed address, name and phone number from
the phone where the call is being placed. Because of the
number of changes that occur in the phone company
database or the possibility of an incorrect address, the
telecommunicator will confirm all information before
dispatching an emergency unit. You should as calmly as
possible advise the telecommunicator exactly what type
emergency it is and answer questions being asked. To
assist emergency personnel in locating your residence
during an emergency, your street address must be clearly
displayed to be visible from both directions of travel.
REMEMBER, 9-1-1 IS ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES. For
non-emergencies, contact the Ashe County Sheriffs
Office at (336) 846-5600. For additional information
contact the Ashe County 9-1-1 Communications Center at
(336) 846-5600 or the E911 Addressing Coordinator at
(336) 846-5520.
What does the term HAZMAT mean?
TOP
HAZMAT is a term used when referring to hazardous
materials. These are substances or materials that due to
their chemical, physical or biological nature, pose a
potential risk to life, health or the environment if
they are released. Hazardous materials can be solids,
liquids or gases and transported in a variety of
containers. They are transported daily through Ashe
County by roadway and over the county by commercial
aircraft. In the future, they will also be transported
via pipeline. A HAZMAT incident can range from a small
fuel spill on the highway to a major release from a
chemical plant or storage facility that might have
lasting effects on a community.
What should I do if I am close to
a Hazardous Materials accident?
TOP
The very first actions you should take, if you witness
the accident, is to get far enough away, upwind and
uphill from the accident to lesson your chances of being
contaminated or injured by the product or an explosion,
which might occur if the product is unstable or if there
is the possibility of a fire. You should then call 9-1-1
and give them as much information as possible concerning
the accident, spill or leak.
If you are at home and learn that a Hazardous Materials
accident has occurred near you, stay away from the
accident location. Shut all windows and doors, turn off
air conditioning equipment, heat pumps or other air
handling equipment with outside air intakes. Turn your
radio or TV on to local stations where you will be
advised what to do and where to go. If told to evacuate,
you will receive instructions on the evacuation route
and where the nearest shelter will be. If you have small
children at school do not try to pick them up. They will
be moved to a shelter outside the affected area or cared
for within the safety of the school building. To avoid
overloading the phone system and cutting off the ability
for those who need immediate help, do not use the
telephone to call the schools, relatives or friends.
If you happen to be in your car, you should roll up all
windows and shut all vents off. Listen to a local radio
station for information concerning the event and where
to go. Try to stay back a safe distance, uphill and
upwind of the accident. If you suspect that gas or
vapors are present, take shallow breaths through a cloth
or towel. If you have a cell phone, contact 9-1-1 to
advise them of your situation.
What actions should I take if told
to evacuate my home? TOP
In some situations evacuation is the only protective
action available to protect the public, if time permits.
If you are advised to evacuate, first consider going to
the homes of relatives or friends, or checking into a
hotel or motel outside the danger area. If these
locations are not feasible then you will need to go to a
shelter site, but remember that most shelter sites will
not allow pets to be brought in due to health, safety
and space reasons. If going to a shelter you should
contact your veterinarian for animal boarding or contact
the Ashe County Emergency Management Office at 846-5521
for directions on where you can take your pet for
boarding.
If instructed to evacuate:
Stay calm - don't panic.
Take only essential emergency supplies with you.
Do not go to pick up children at school. They will be
taken care of at school or taken to a shelter outside
the affected area. Listen to local radio or TV stations,
they will have information on where to pick up your
children and shelter locations.
Unless you are planning to stay with friends or
family, leave your pets and farm animals at home. Be
sure to put out plenty of water and food for your
animals before you leave.
Turn off all lights and appliances (including the hot
water heater) with the exception of the refrigerator and
freezer.
Secure windows and doors and tie a white cloth or
white towel to your front door as an indicator that you
have evacuated (this will save emergency responders time
when searching for victims or fatalities).
Follow the recommended routes, do not take shortcuts.
Notify a family contact person of your location.
Stay tuned to your local radio stations for updates.
Do not return home until advised to do so.
What if someone needs special
assistance to evacuate their home due to medical
problems or physical disabilities, and where would they
go?
TOP
The Ashe County Emergency Management Office has
developed a computerized registry of people with special
needs who may require special assistance in the event of
a disaster, such as a tornado, severe storm, or chemical
spill. This is a voluntary registration and the
information submitted will be used by emergency
personnel to assure the safety of those with special
needs in the event of an emergency or disaster. If you,
a member of your family or a neighbor may require
special assistance in an evacuation, you should contact
the Ashe County Emergency Management Office at (336)
846-5521 and request a "Special Needs Voluntary
Registration Form". When your completed questionnaire is
received, someone from Emergency Management will contact
you to discuss your needs and to offer some instructions
on what you can do to be better prepared.
What should I do if told to
"Shelter in Place"?
TOP
In certain situations when an emergency occurs so
quickly that there is insufficient time to evacuation,
or an evacuation would actually place more people in
danger, it is necessary to "Shelter in Place". If this
should occur, immediately go inside your home or the
nearest structure (if you are at work or away from you
home), if you have a pet get it inside too, and do the
following:
Secure all doors and windows (if tape is available,
tape cracks for extra protection).
Shut off all air conditioners, window fans or other
equipment with air intakes.
Cover food and put uncovered food in the refrigerator.
Move to a center room or central area of the structure
(keep water and emergency supplies with you).
Keep your TV or radio on and turned onto the Emergency
Broadcasting Station (or local stations).
Do not use the telephone except for an extreme
emergency.
Do not leave your home (or the structure) until you
are told it is safe to do so.
If you're in an automobile, roll the windows up, close
all vents, turn off the fan and leave the area
immediately.
What actions should I take in the
event of a tornado? TOP
A number of people have asked that question, since
tornadoes are so unpredictable, even with state of the
art Doppler radar and modern forecasting techniques.
There are some precautions individuals can take. A good
first step to take is to learn the difference between a
Tornado Watch and Tornado Warning. A Tornado Watch means
that weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to
develop. When a Tornado Watch is issued, you should
start taking actions to protect yourself, your family
and property. Some of the precautions include being
alert of changes in the weather, keep your car and house
keys with you, move lawn furniture and yard equipment
inside if possible, make sure your Disaster Supply Kit
is complete in the event you have to evacuate, go over
your emergency plan with family members, be sure to keep
your radio or television tuned to weather reports and if
there are indications that a tornado may be approaching,
take cover immediately, dont wait for a warning to be
issued.
A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has actually been
sighted. There is only one thing you have time to do and
that is to seek shelter immediately. If you are at home,
go to your basement. If your home does not have a
basement, go to a small room such as a bathroom or
closet in the middle of the house. If you are in a
mobile home or automobile, get out and find a safe
shelter, or lie down in a low area with your hands
covering the back of your head and neck. Be sure to stay
away from outside walls and windows. If you are at work
or school, go to the designated shelter areas and stay
out of large open areas like auditoriums and gymnasiums.
Remain in your shelter until the storm is over!
A list of recommended items needed for your Disaster
Supply Kit can be found under What type supplies should
I keep on hand for emergency situations?. If you would
like additional FREE information on precautions to
take for severe storms or tornadoes, just call the Ashe
County Emergency Management Office at (336) 846-5521.
There is water running over my
bridge, is it safe to cross?
TOP
No. During flood events the majority of deaths occur
when individuals attempt to cross water in vehicles.
What type supplies should I keep
on hand for emergency situations?
TOP
The Ashe County Emergency Management Office recommends
that citizens keep enough supplies at home to meet
family needs for at least 72 hours, since it may take
that long before outside assistance is available from
the state or federal government. Home disaster supply
kits should be made up from sturdy and easy to carry
containers such as backpacks, duffel bags or large trash
containers in the event that you may have to evacuate
and take your emergency supplies with you. These
emergency supply kits should contain a number of things
including the following:
Three day supply of water (1 gallon per person, per
day)
A three-day supply of non-perishable, packaged or
canned food.
One change of clothing for each member of the family.
Rain gear or coats depending on the time of year.
Blankets or sleeping bags for each member of the
family.
A battery powered radio with extra batteries.
Two flashlights with batteries.
Emergency candles and matches.
Sanitation supplies (toilet paper, handy wipes, etc.).
A first aid kit and any prescription medications
needed.
Extra pair of prescription glasses.
Special care items for infants, elderly or disabled
family members (medications, formula etc..).
Small writing tablet with two or three pencils.
Manual can and bottle opener.
Pocketknife or multi-purpose type tool.
Recommend $50 to $100 money in cash, since electronic
teller machines may not be working due to power outages.
Reading materials or games to help pass the time.
How will I be notified of an
emergency situation other than by firefighters and
rescue squad personnel?
TOP
Emergency responders will do their best to notify
individuals if an evacuation is needed, but if there is
a large area effected it may not be possible, in which
case Emergency Broadcast Stations (EBS) will be
activated to warn citizens. The EBS are designated local
radio (WKSK) and TV stations that will broadcast
emergency information. They will tell you everything you
need to know, where shelters are being opened, where you
need to go, what roads you should use and other safety
measures you can take.
Can my pet be brought to the
shelter with me? TOP
No;, Pets are not allowed to stay in human shelters. You
should make arrangements with local friend, family or
boarding facilities to keep your pet in the event of an
evacuation. As a last resort, the Ashe County Animal
Control can provide you with information on local
boarding facilities.
Where can I get food and/or water?
TOP
You should have enough food and water on hand for your
family for 72-hours as part of your preparedness. When
disasters last longer, disaster control authorities will
be bringing in water and setting up food stations.
People in the affected areas will be informed as to the
location of these two distribution places.
What is the Local Emergency
Planning Committee (LEPC)?
TOP
The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is made up
of representatives from agencies with diverse
responsibilities in the community, including health,
fire, industry, media, members of the public, and public
safety. Since the committee represents every component
of the community, it's major role is to assure that the
community has effective plans to deal with hazardous
chemical emergencies and to establish subcommittees to
address resource capabilities, emergency multi-hazard
planning and other emergency related specific tasks.
Ashe County Local Emergency Planning Committee Officers
Chairman Patty McMeans
Vice-chairman Robert Poe
Secretary Debbie Edwards
For information concerning the Hazardous Chemicals Right
to Know Act, chemical planning programs or SARA III
reporting requirements, you may contact the Ashe County
Emergency Management Office at the following:
Phone: (336) 846-5521
Fax number: (336) 846-5523
How do I find out what the road
conditions are? TOP
Listen to the local media, or for information on current
road & travel conditions call:
North Carolina
1-252-549-5100 ext 7623
Or visit the NCDOT website at
www.ncsmartlink.org
Virginia 1-800-367-7623
Do not call 9-1-1 because they do not have the
information readily available. 9-1-1 deals only with
local roads for emergency response purposes.
How long will my frozen food last
during a power outage?
TOP
This depends on the type freezer you have (whether
upright or chest type). Most freezers if not opened will
keep food 24 to 72 hours. Frozen food that thaws can be
cooked then refrozen.
How do I find out if my house is
located in a flood zone?
TOP
Copies of FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps are at the
Emergency Management Office at 150 Government Circle
Suite 2400 in Jefferson; (336) 846-5521. In addition,
Internet users can access this information through Ashe
County's GIS website
http://ashegis.ashecountygov.com/webgis/://ashegis.ashecountygov.com/webgis/
If Public Shelters are opened, how
do I find out where they are, when to go and what to
take with me? TOP
If public shelters are opened, or planned to be opened,
the information will be put out by the media with
details regarding when to go, where to go, if
transportation will be provided to get there, and
information on what to bring with you (i.e. sleeping
bag, your medications, change of clothes, etc.)
If I am deaf or have special
medical needs, do I go to a regular public shelter?
TOP
Persons with impairments who are self-sufficient and
capable of performing activities of daily living without
assistance would go to a general public shelter. Those
with special needs that would require assistance with
medical care or personal care would be sheltered in a
Special Needs Shelter. If public shelters are opened,
information on Special Needs Shelters will be made
available to the media.
What are the SARA and NC
Right-to-Know reporting requirements for Ashe County?
TOP
The minimum requirements state that having at least 55
gallons or 500 pounds of any hazardous material on site
requires reporting. Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS)
fall under the federal guidelines for Threshold Planning
Quantities (TPQ) of the Superfund Amendment and
Reauthorization Act(SARA).
Who is required to report under
SARA?
TOP
Federal Superfund and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and
state laws require facilities that manufacture, store,
or use hazardous materials to report to the SERC, the
LEPC and the local fire department if 55 gallons or 500
pounds of any hazardous material requiring a Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is present on-site. However, if
the chemical is considered by the EPA to be an Extremely
Hazardous Substance (EHS), the reportable quantity falls
to the Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) for each
chemical, which may be lower. Also exceeding the TPQ of
certain Extremely Hazardous Materials may require
further actions of the facility operators.
I would like to help make a
difference. How can I volunteer my time to assist the
Ashe County Emergency Management Office?
TOP
The Emergency Management Office needs and appreciates
those individuals who are willing to give their time and
energy to assist the agency. There are many ways in
which a person may assist ranging from serving on a
committee to assisting office staff and educating the
public. Please contact the Emergency Management
Coordinator at (336) 846-5521.
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