Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Response
10 Years Post-911 Seminar Series
In light of the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, The Center for Unconventional Security Affairs (CUSA) in collaboration with The Newkirk Center for Science and Society and the UCI Law School held a "Post 9/11: Science, Policy and Law" Seminar Series. The series addressed issues related to intelligence gathering, interrogation techniques, national security preparedness, and civil liberties.
The Newkirk Center for Science and Society hosted this first program in the series---Interrogations, Confessions, Coping. It focused on the science behind interrogation techniques and psychological responses to 9/11, and featured notable speakers from the academic and military arena. Visit www.newkirkcenter.uci.edu for more information.
Click here to see the full event video.
CUSA hosted the second event in the Post 9/11: Science, Policy, & Law Seminar Series on "Preparing for the Security Challenges of the 21st Century." CUSA brought together senior experts with extensive experience in military operations, disaster medicine, information technology and the business community.
The UCI Law School hosted the third event in The Post 9/11: Science, Policy, & Law Seminar Series. UCI Law Prof. Mario Barnes moderated a panel of scholars, including Dean Chemerinsky. Panelists discussed the impact on civil liberties of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the war on terror.
Emergency Preparedness Guidelines
The consensus of government agencies is that citizens may be on their own for up to three days following a disaster, and should therefore be prepared to survive that period should government help be unavailable. CUSA has assembled a preparation and response guide to help citizens protect themselves in the event of a disaster, be it natural, accidental, or an intentional attack.
Link to our Emergency Preparedness Guidelines below for more information.
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
An influenza (flu) pandemic is a widespread outbreak of disease that occurs when a new flu virus appears that people have not been exposed to before. Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks of influenza. Seasonal flu outbreaks are caused by viruses that people have already been exposed to; flu shots are available to help prevent widespread illness, and impacts on society are less severe. Pandemic Flu spreads easily from person to person and can cause serious illness because people do not have immunity to the new virus.
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School Safety
School Safety is a shared responsibility among teachers, students, school officials, parents, law enforcement agencies and first responders. CUSA hosted a public forum and has created a page to provide information and resources about school safety.
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Emergency Preparedness Guidelines
One of the most important factors in being able to respond to a disaster, whether man-made or natural in origin is preparedness. The ability to be self-sufficient and self-reliant during and after a crisis is essential to the safety of our families, communities and nation. A well prepared America is far more resilient to crisis and disruption than an ill prepared America. The consensus of government agencies is that citizens may be on their own for up to four days following a disaster, and should therefore be prepared to survive without outside help. Experience with large scale natural disasters shows that it can be a period of weeks before full functioning of power and sanitation systems can be restored.
As part of CUSA's dedication to public service and improving readiness, we have assembled this preparation and response guide to help citizens protect themselves in the event of a disaster, be it natural, accidental, or intentional. This guide is only a starting point. Where available we provide hyperlinks to more information. Additionally, there are a number of resources available to help people who want to receive emergency response training. We also encourage individuals and groups to assess the needs and resources of their neighborhoods and communities. Find out which neighbors have special needs or skills that could be useful such as plumbing, carpentry, medical training or even a hobby like short wave radio operation. The effective use of all available resources to respond to a disaster will play an important role in determining how America deals with a crisis or disaster.
Emergency Supplies
Water
You should plan for one gallon of water per person per day, at least a four day supply (Some circumstances may require more water: pregnant or nursing women, sick people, or warm climates).
Food
Keep foods that need little preparation and no refrigeration - a minimum four-day supply - as well as utensils and openers.
First Aid
A First Aid kit should include: latex or other sterile gloves, sterile wound dressings to stop bleeding, soap and disinfectant, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, adhesive bandages, eye wash, thermometer, extra prescription medications (insulin, inhalers) prescribed medical supplies (blood pressure monitor, eyeglasses), tweezers, petroleum jelly, potassium iodide, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine, antacid, laxative, and activated charcoal.
Other useful items
Cell phone, battery or solar powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, whistle, moist towelettes, wrench/pliers, extra garbage bags and ties, rain gear, tent, compass, fire extinguisher, matches stored in a waterproof container, signal flare, paper and pencil/pen, paper towels, cash (to last your family for a week), personal hygiene items, extra clothing, important family documents and identification in protective sealing, infant supplies if needed.
Remember your needs many vary by location and season. For cold climates also include warm outerwear, a change of clothes and shoes, hat and gloves, sleeping bag or warm blanket. Those in warm climates may need more water than recommended.
Planning for Emergencies
Find out what disasters your area is vulnerable tt and learn about emergency response plans at your family's workplaces and schools. If none exist, offer to develop one yourself.
Talk with neighbors about community collaboration in the event of a disaster, establish the locations of generators and other useful or specialized equipment, and account for the assistance of the elderly.
Select disaster rendezvous points with family members.
Decide on an out-of-town contact for communication coordination.
Learn how and in what situations to shut off utilities at work and home.
Learn how to administer first aid using items in your kit and know CPR and other emergency procedures. Classes are offered by your local Red Cross.
Responding to Emergencies
In all disaster situations it is important to be aware of the danger you are facing. Listen for official TV and radio broadcasts to decide your course of action. Consult your local public health agency, contact information for which may be found by a web search or in the government pages of your phone book. Click here for Orange County or Los Angeles County.
If you decide to evacuate your area, make an effort to accomplish the following things before leaving: Shut off the power, gas, and water if time permits; take your emergency kit with you; lock your house; call your out-of-town contact and give them details of your plan.
Links for More Information
Ready.gov - For specific, easy-to-navigate information and a disaster management web site for kids, see the Department of Homeland Security's web site at: www.ready.gov. This site has sections for families, businesses and children.
For further information, consult Are You Ready?, "the most comprehensive guide to personal emergency preparedness published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:"www.fema.gov/areyouready
For detailed guides on preparing, responding to, and coping with disasters in the workplace, school, home, and neighborhood, and for specific instructions for the handicapped, see the Red Cross' materials dealing with terrorism and unexpected events
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's site on Emergency Preparedness and Response