Chemical Emergency: Do You Know What to Do?

Today's massive chemical plant fire in Waxahachie was a spectacular site...in all the wrong ways. Flames shot out of control, engulfed a fire engine and released unknown chemicals into the air. If you were in Waxahachie today, would you know what to do to stay safe? Would you have the right supplies on hand to shelter in place? Emergencies like today's can happen anywhere so follow these links to assemble your disaster supplies kit and to brush up on how to safely shelter in place.

http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/cdc_english/kit.html

http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/cdc_english/dskit.asp

Thankfully, no one was injured in today's chemical plant fire. Residents, while displaced temporarily, were able to return to their homes rather quickly. The American Red Cross had shelter locations standing by and provided rehabilitation support like water, Gatorade and snacks to firefighters at the scene.

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National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10)

Next week is National Fire Prevention Week. The American Red Cross has reported fire response is up 10 percent in six years. While I have included a link on how to prevent fires, I would like to take a moment to tell you a story.

When I was about six, my father responded to disasters for the American Red Cross. On one specific occasion, he took me with him to work a fire that had devastated a home. The walls were now a few posts, the roof a skylight. I remember the ash on the floor and the harsh stench of ash. When we entered the home, we met a couple, overwhelmed by the loss they had just endured.

When my father offered them lodging and care packages of toothbrushes, razors and other basic necessities that we take for granted, their dark demeanor changed to one of overjoyed gratitude.

A young girl joined us in what used to be the living room. She must have been about 16, maybe 17 years old. She asked for her parents’ car keys. She needed to get her volleyball uniform out of their car. She wanted to go support her team… the night after she lost everything.

I looked over my shoulder towards the bedrooms. I tried to figure out which one was hers. I imagined all of her clothes were burned – now ashes on the floor.

Pictures of memories with family and friends were gone. Her clothes were gone. They were left with nothing but what they carried out the night of the fire.

They were starting over – Holding on to the life they had, holding on to what they hoped. They left with their family and memories of a life undisturbed.

I still remember that girl. For that, I am thankful she reminds me of what really matters.

I have included a beautiful song by Imogen Heap. “Fire” sounds like Heap knows about that kind of loss – perhaps like the young girl from my childhood.

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Blown Away (Well, Not This Year At Least)

Here in Texas, we rarely have earthquakes (except for the tremors felt in the mid-cities a few weeks ago). Mudslides, volcanoes, tsunamis, and blizzards are also a thing of the movies and distant news in these parts. While we may not whip out our earthquake putty quite yet, Texas is heading into hurricane season.

North Texas does not usually get the direct hit of a hurricane, but we do receive gale force winds and evacuees from gulf-side cities. Unfortunately, most people get scared and prepared. Then nothing happens and everyone hopes they kept their receipts. As we witnessed from Katrina and Ike, it is better to get equipped before disaster strikes.

If you want a preparedness review, the Red Cross recommends following a few simple steps. Pull together a disaster supplies kit. Just think of it as camping… in your home. It’s time to learn about roughing it. First, get a few waterproof and manageable containers with handles to store your supplies in. Save up some nonperishable food and bottled water (three gallons per day per person is the rule of thumb). Make sure there is enough to last at least 72-hours. Since nonperishable foods usually include canned goods, I would get a non-electric can opener.

When the lights go out (like every bad storm here), keep a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries on hand. Pack extra clothes, important documents, cash and credit cards, and a first aid kit too.

If living near the coast, sit down with your family and discuss an evacuation route. Get shutters or use plywood to cover windows. Also, remove damaged tree limbs and strengthen garage doors. The last thing you want is a flooded home. If the National Weather Center recommends evacuating, do so immediately. Bring the disaster supplies kit with you when you evacuate.

If your home resides further inland, check-in with the Red Cross for information on how you can help during a disaster.

Watch for updates on our twitter, facebook and blog pages this upcoming hurricane season.

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