Foresthill2021

EMERGENCY & SAFETY GUIDE

Telephone Use in Emergencies Make Only Emergency Calls

Following a disaster, especially earthquakes, there usually is a high volume of phone calls. It is important that phone calls be limited to emergencies only. Do not call 9-1-1 or the police for general information about an earthquake or other disaster. Listen to your local radio or television station for information. Blocking The Network If call volume causes extreme congestion of the telephone network, Verizon and/or long distance carriers may implement blocking. Blocking prevents overloading of the telephone network by diverting some calls to recordings, allowing other calls to complete. If You Need To Place An Emergency Call: • Check to make sure all extension phone receivers are on the “switchhook.” • You may not hear a dial tone right away, so stay on the line. Dial tone delay could be as long as a minute or so.

• Do not repeatedly push the “switchhook” down. This will further delay your call. • If you get a “fast busy” or “all circuits busy” recording, hang up and try your call again. • If there is damage to our equipment or facilities, or to your wiring, it may not be possible for you to complete your call. Establish An Out-Of-Area Contact

Ask a relative or friend who lives outside your immediate area to act as a clearinghouse for information about you and your family. It will probably be easier to place a call out of a disaster area, so all family members should know to call this contact person to report their location and condition. Once contact is made, have this person relay messages to your other friends and relatives outside the disaster area. This will help reduce calling into and out of the affected area.

Earthquake...What to Do Before Movement of the ground is seldom the actual cause of death or injury. Most casualties result from falling objects and debris, or partial collapse of buildings, etc. Because earthquakes occur without warning, take steps to prepare so you and your family will know what to do and how to respond. The following information is provided to help you and your family plan for and survive a major earthquake. By taking certain preparedness measures, the impact of a quake can be lessened. Have a family plan of what to do at home during and after a disaster. Your chances of survival will be much higher if your family knows what to do and is trained to act as a unit. Use the “Team Concept” where everyone has a vital job in an emergency situation. You could be without help for up to 72 hours – plan now and be prepared. Before the Quake...

Have On Hand For Any Emergency • Flashlights with spare batteries. • Portable radio with spare batteries. • First Aid Kit and Instructional Handbook – Have members of your family take basic First Aid and CPR courses. • Fire Extinguishers – Some extinguishers are made for certain types of fires – electrical, grease, or gas. Class “ABC” extinguishers can be used safely on most types of fire. • Food, Cooking Utensils and Non-Electric Can Opener – Have a sufficient supply of canned or dehydrated foods, powdered milk, and canned juices for at least 72 hours. Dried cereals, fruits and unsalted nuts are a good source of nutrition. Include some food items that do not require water for preparation.

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