Entry 6 - June 28
The Disaster Diaries of Rhyane Jane
Disaster response is underway, and a new normal is emerging.
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PREP TIPS: Learn Evacuation Information
The Disaster Diaries of Rhyane Jane
During an emergency or disaster, local emergency management officials use news media and social media to issue evacuation orders. Your evacuation zone determines when you should evacuate – zones at higher risk are prioritized for evacuation. Local emergency management officials will also share which evacuation routes your zone should use. Issuing orders this way helps to prevent evacuation routes from becoming congested and emergency shelters from becoming overcrowded. Plan for an Evacuation Do a quick online search to identify your evacuation zone and find a map of evacuation routes...
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Item of the Week: ID & Important Documents
The Disaster Diaries of Rhyane Jane
Why do you need identification and other documents in your emergency kit? Well, it’s not to fuel a makeshift fire (that’s what waterproof matches are for). It’s to be able to rebuild your life after a disaster or emergency. Think about it. If your house is destroyed in a hurricane, for example, do you have a copy of your deed? Or if you don’t own your home, do you have a copy of your lease or other rental documents? To be able to receive financial assistance from the government or access your insurance benefits and other resources after an emergency or disaster, you’ll need...
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Entry 5 - June 25
The Disaster Diaries of Rhyane Jane
The road to recovery is long, and new threats emerge.
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PREP TIPS: Make A Plan
The Disaster Diaries of Rhyane Jane
Making a plan before a disaster means not having to figure things out during one. Here are a few things you want to work out now: If you need to stay, where/how will you do it? If you have to leave, how will you do it and where will you go? If you have other people to worry about, do they know what to do? Staying If a disaster requires you to stay in your home, do you have supplies to last at least 72 hours (3 days)? It could take that long before you are able to leave your home or before help can reach you. This is where and comes into play. Leaving If a disaster requires you...
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Item of the Week: Medical Kit
The Disaster Diaries of Rhyane Jane
What kind of medical supplies do you need in your emergency kit to...? Protect from bodily fluids Latex or other sterile gloves Breathing barriers Protect or prevent wounds Sterile dressings Fabric adhesive or liquid bandages Soft-wrap elastic (ace) bandages Micropore paper tape Fabric adhesive dressing Non-adherent bandage pads Sterile gauze bandage roll Adhesive wound closures Triangular bandages Moleskin fabric Disinfect/sterilize wounds Cleansing agents/soaps Antibiotic/antiseptic wipes Antibiotic ointments Heal or soothe wounds Burn ointments Vaseline/Petroleum jelly Eye...
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Item of the Week: Maps
The Disaster Diaries of Rhyane Jane
Why do you need maps in your emergency kit? Well, you may not always have access to GPS. If you can’t access your smartphone or if you can’t access the cellular network, you may need a map to find your way to an emergency shelter and or an evacuation camp. So, what kinds of maps do you need in your emergency kit? You’ll want at least one map of your local area. You can get maps from several places: Online stores: Vendors like and sell road maps and states maps. Gas stations and convenience stores: You can purchase a local map when you fill up at the pump or grab a quick snack on the...
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PREP TIPS: Know What Disaster You Could Face
The Disaster Diaries of Rhyane Jane
Knowing what natural disasters are common and when, given your location, is a key part of being prepared. Earthquakes While earthquakes can happen anywhere without warning, the highest risk areas of the United States include California, Alaska, and Mississippi River Valley. Live in those areas? Learn how to prepare for earthquakes . Floods Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. You don’t need to be near a coast, river, or other body of water for flooding to be an issue. Flooding can be the result of heavy rains or melting snow. Learn your risk for flooding . Learn...
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Item of the Week: Water
The Disaster Diaries of Rhyane Jane
How do you create and store an emergency water supply? 1. Calculate the amount of water you need. You’ll want at least 1 gallon per day per person or pet for at least 3 days. This water will be for both drinking and hygiene. 1 person = 1 gallon X 1 (person) X 3 (days) = 3 gallons total 4 people = 1 gallon X 4 (person) X 3 (days) = 12 gallons total Note: The average person performing normal amounts of physical activity requires about ¾ a gallon of water per day, leaving ¼ a gallon for hygiene. If you are in a hot climate, are pregnant, and/or have any medical conditions, you may want to...
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Entry 4 - June 17
The Disaster Diaries of Rhyane Jane
Entry 4 - The ground is full of despair, but bits of hope emerge.
info_outlineThe wave hits. Washington, DC is underwater.