At Home
At Work
Disaster Kit
What
the City is Doing
Other Emergency
Sites
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Vancouver's
Salt Water Pump Station (2.22MB)
E-Comm
Building (1.3MB)
Disaster
Response Routes (1MB)
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Home Hazard Hunt
See also:
During and right after a disaster, any household item that can move,
fall, break, or cause a fire is a home hazard. At least once each year,
inspect your home to find and correct potential hazards.
Identifying Hazards
Check for electrical hazards
- Replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords,
loose prongs and plugs.
- Make sure there is only one plug per outlet. Avoid using cube-taps
or overloading outlets. If you must use an extension cord, use a cord
that's rated for the electrical load and no longer really needed.
- Remove electrical cords that run under rugs or over nails, heaters,
or pipes.
- Cover exposed outlets and wiring.
- Repair or replace appliances that overheat, short out, smoke or spark.
Check for chemical hazards
- Store flammable liquids such as gasoline, acetone, benzene, and lacquer
thinner in approved safety cans, away from the home. Place containers
in a well-ventilated area and close the lids tightly. Secure the containers
to prevent spills.
- If flammable materials must be stored in the home, use a storage can
with an Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) approved
label. Move materials away from heat sources,open flames, gas appliances,
and children.
- Keep combustible liquids such as paint thinner, kerosene, charcoal
lighter fluid, and turpentine away from heat sources.
- Store oily waste and polishing rags in covered metal cans.
- Instruct family members not to use gasoline, benzene, or other flammable
fluids for starting fires or cleaning indoors.
Check for fire hazards
- Clear out old rags, papers, mattresses, broken furniture and other
combustible materials.
- Move clothes, curtains, rags, and paper goods away from electrical
equipment, gas appliances or flammable materials.
- Remove dried grass cuttings, tree trimmings and weeds from the property.
- Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.
- Keep heaters and candles away from curtains and furniture.
- Place portable heaters on a level surface, away from high traffic
areas. (Purchase portable heaters that are equipped with automatic shut-off
switches and avoid the use of extension cords.)
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Safety Equipment
Check fire safety equipment
- Install at least one smoke detector on each level of the home, especially
near the bedrooms. Test every month and change batteries at least once
a year.
- Keep at least one fire extinguisher (A-B-C type). Maintain and recharge
according to manufacturer's instructions. Show all family members where
it's kept and how to use it.
Secure Items
Check items that can shift or fall
- Anchor water heater, large appliances, bookcases, other tall or heavy
furniture, shelves, mirrors, and pictures to wall studs.
- Fit water heater with a flexible gas supply line.
- Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
- Install clips, latches, or other locking devices on cabinet doors.
- Provide strong support and flexible connections on gas appliances.
- Brace overhead light fixtures.
- Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds and places
where people sit.
- Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.
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Utilities
Check your utilities
- Locate the main electric fuse or circuit breaker box, water service
shut-off, and natural gas main shut-off.
- Contact local utility companies for instructions on how to turn the
utilities off. Teach family members when and how to turn off utilities off.
- Clear area around shut-off switches for easy access.
Gas and water
- Attach shut-off wrench or specialty tool to a pipe or other location
close by the gas and water shut-off valves.
- Paint shut-off valves with white or fluorescent paint to increase
visibility.
Home Safety
Plan how to escape. Identify at least two exits from each room. Clear
doors, hallways and stairs of obstructions. Conduct emergency drills.
Practice day and night time escapes, and pick a safe meeting place outside
the home.
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