During any Public Health Emergency there are some things that Navy Personnel and their families should take into consideration. For instance some services such as banks, dining facilities, and grocery stores may curtail operations to prevent the spread of a contagious illness. Operations at Naval Base Kitsap may also be limited due to people being absent from key facilities. Your Emergency Management staff has included a CDC checklist on how families can prepare should an outbreak of Influenza or other health emergencies occur in the Northwest region. As other information becomes available we will continue to inform our Navy family through public awareness articles and command information bulletins.

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.

1. To plan for a pandemic:
   1. Store a supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
   2. Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
   3. Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
   4. Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
   5. Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.
2. To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:
   1. Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water, and model the correct behavior.
   2. Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and be sure to model that behavior.
   3. Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. Stay home from work and school if sick.
3. Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:
   
    

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia

Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

• Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:

  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways

  • Sand to improve traction

  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

• Prepare your home and family

  • Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

  • Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

  • Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.

  • Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.

  • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.

  • Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

  • Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

  • Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

• Prepare your car

  • Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

  • Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.

  • Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.

  • Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.

  • Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.

  • Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.

  • Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.

  • Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.

  • Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.

  • Thermostat - ensure it works properly.

  • Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.

  • Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

  • Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.

  • Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:

    • A shovel

    • Windshield scraper and small broom

    • Flashlight

    • Battery powered radio

    • Extra batteries

    • Water

    • Snack food

    • Matches

    • Extra hats, socks and mittens

    • First aid kit with pocket knife

    • Necessary medications

    • Blanket(s)

    • Tow chain or rope

    • Road salt and sand

    • Booster cables

    • Emergency flares

    • Fluorescent distress flag

• Dress for the Weather

  • Wear several layers of loose fitting, light weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

  • Wear mittens which are warmer than gloves.

  • Wear a hat for less heat loss.

  • Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

Visit the Emergency Management page for the following information:

• Winter Storms and Extreme Cold Preparedness
• Pandemic Flu Information
• Emergency Supply Checklist

Other Links

Kitsap County Dept. of Emergency Management

FEMA for Kids

Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System

Recall and Accountability Information

Worker Driver Van Pools/Bus