Robin Ann Schafer
Since the events of September 11, 2001 AMTA AL Chapter Members along with every other American, have been increasingly sensitive to the possibility of emergency disaster relief situations. Whether these situations result from an act of violence, a natural disaster, or an accident, it is important that our membership is prepared to react quickly and properly. Information contained in this article will help you assist your clientele, family, friends and you remain safe and as informed as possible.
Our AMTA – AL Chapter MERT needs you to volunteer. We need massage therapists to be trained. Keep your personal and professional emergency plan and kit readily available. Appropriate emergency management needs to be developed and implemented. We need you to come forward to assist other individuals in preparing for emergencies throughout Alabama. Cities, counties, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency all have provided information on what to do during emergencies.
Please read and post these helpful instructions and protection information. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) will activate information on local radio and media coverage. Write down and post important numbers (FBI, Board of Education, Poison Control, EMA, local police, local fire department, doctor and hospital). Call
9-1-1 for any emergency situation. If you are located at your place of business, follow the emergency guidelines put in place by the appropriate authorities at that location or develop your own office plan, if self employed. Remember that in some instances an emergency might occur that affects a large population and might require evacuation or directions for specific locations for emergency health care treatment. Listen carefully for instructions from local media for exact information.
TERRORISM - With recent national events, biological and/or chemical terrorism has become an increasing concern among all of us. Some of the possibilities include biological agents like anthrax and smallpox, nuclear, and/or biochemical exposures.
ANTHRAX: There are three types of anthrax: infection of skin, inhalation and gastrointestinal. The organism must be rubbed into the abraded skin, swallowed or inhaled as a fine mist. All are treatable if caught in the early stages. BE AWARE of any suspicious letters or packages. Do not shake, empty or clean-up any powder or fluids. Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or container to prevent leakage. If no container or bag is available, cover with anything such as clothing, papers, sheets, trash can, etc.). Leave your (treatment) room and close the door (section off if available – keep other therapists or clientele away). Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading the powder to your face or skin. At home – report incident to local police. At work – report incident to local police and notify your building security officer or a supervisor. If possible make a list of all persons who were in the room or area when the letter or package was present. Give the list to local officials. Remove heavily contaminated clothing and place them in a plastic bag that can be sealed. Give the bag to law enforcement officers.
SMALL POX: Small Pox was eliminated from the world during our lifetime in 1977. Although some consider smallpox a terrorism threat, it is an unlikely possibility. Small pox is a virus that can be spread from one person to another – one therapist to a client – and one client to a therapist. If you suspect you have been exposed to Small Pox, then contact your physician. If there is a known exposure and potential threat of Small Pox, listen to your local media for emergency instructions.
NOTE: For instances involving biological or nuclear exposures: Listen to your local radio and media coverage for instructions. You will be instructed on the best course of action which could include: Shelter in place at home or work (have emergency supply kit). Lock all windows and exterior doors. Turn off fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close fireplace damper. Get to an interior room without windows that’s above ground level. Some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements. Use tape to seal cracks around door(s) and vent(s) in your room shelter. Listen to radio/TV for news reports and updates.
EVACUATION: If necessary, your local media coverage will instruct you where to go. If evacuation is necessary, use travel routes specified by local authorities. Don’t use shortcuts because some areas could be impassable or dangerous. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, and long pants. Secure your home or office.
WEATHER RELATED EMERGENCIES
TORNADOES
*A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.
*A tornado warning means that a tornado bas been sighted.
The National Weather Service will issue both watches and warnings. Pay close attention to your local radio and television broadcasts for current information.
Tornado Warning: Seek shelter immediately.
AT HOME: In the basement under something sturdy, like a bench. If there is no basement, a small interior room in the middle of the house such as a closet or bathroom. Stay away from outside walls or windows. Lay down in a bath tub.
AT WORK or MASSAGE SCHOOL: Generally speaking, emergency experts agree existing designated shelter areas are best. Stay away from large open rooms like auditoriums or gymnasiums. Check with local officials concerning specific safety plans.
At a SHOPPING MALL: Go to a designated area or the center of the building. Stay away from large open rooms and windows.
WINTER STORMS: Always keep ahead of a winter storm by listening to the latest weather and bulletins on NOAA Weather Radio, local or satellite radio and TV stations, or cable TV. Be alert to changing weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. Stock extra food (non-perishable), candles, medicine, medical supplies, and a battery powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries for each. Have an alternate heating supply for at least one room.
If you are without heat: Don’t panic. Use an alternate hear source if available. Wear several layers of light clothing. Place blankets, sheets or quilts over windows at night. Listen o local media coverage for additional emergency instructions and information.
FLASHFLOODS: Flashfloods are rapidly developing floods that can happen with little or no warning. Leave low lying areas and buildings. Do not drive through flooded areas. Water 1 to 2 feet deep is capable to displacing a 1,500-pound vehicle. Do not cross flowing streams on foot where water is above your ankles. Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains or other flooded areas. Be especially cautious at night. It’s harder to recognize water danger at night. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments by the National Weather Service.
EMERGENCY MASSAGE THERAPIST SUPPLY KIT
Maintaining an emergency supply kit is a good idea for any emergency. Therapists should be prepared to be without assistance for a minimum of 72 hours. Here is a list of suggested goods: Battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries; Whistle; First-Aide kit and manual/book; Hard hats; Duct tape; Florescent tape to rope off dangerous areas; Water (the average person needs two quarts of water a day to drink and should have two quarts for sanitation); Food (canned, no-cook, packaged snacks, manual bottle/can opener; Cash and credit cards’ Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes; Blankets, sheets, and sleeping bags; Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type); Infant and feminine hygiene supplies; lists of names, addresses and telephone numbers of clients, family, friends, doctors and pharmacists; Food and water for pets; Large plastic bags for trash, waste, water protection; Toilet paper and paper towels; charcoal grill or camp stove for outdoor cooking and, of course, an extra supply of your favorite massage lotion/oil. Bach flower remedies and other homeopathic remedies are also suggested. Keep medicine prescriptions filled and with you.