Some events happen quickly and there may not be time for any type of warning. Some events develop over a period of time providing evacuees time to prepare.

Levels of Emergency:

• Level I - Monitoring Activation: emergency restricted to one or two houses but everyone needs to be informed.
  Example: House fire, explosion, building collapse
• Level II - Partial Activation: emergency is more wide-spread and people need to secure their homes and be ready to vacate if necessary.
  Example: Wild fire, moderate earthquake, moderate flooding, winter storm
• Level III - Full Scale Activation: emergency that requires immediate evacuation of all Riverwalk residents
  Example: Major fire, large earthquake, heavy flooding, chemical spill

Types of Emergencies:

Flood
Wildfire
Earthquake
Extreme temperatures
Severe Storm (Hurricane, Blizzard, etc.)
Civil Unrest
Hazmat
Critical Infrastructure Disruption
Infectious disease pandemic
Mass casualty incident
Special event
Terrorism
Radiological
Biological
Chemical

Resources during an emergency

• Ashland Fire and Rescue has established the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to assist them in emergency situations. (Be advised that there are only 27 full time Fire and Rescue personnel in Ashland, so in a full-blown emergency, it could be hours before they can respond to your request for help.) Kevin Calkins and Dennis Funk are both trained CERT volunteers. They will stay with the community until it everyone is secure before moving on to the CERT contact point at The Grove. Kevin and Dennis will be in communication with CERT headquarters so most likely they will have the best information and can act as a liaison with emergency personnel.
  

Current members include:
Kevin Calkins - 431 Clinton - 201-0123
Dennis Funk - 514 Clinton - 482-1114

CERT Member Responsibilities

• See that everyone in the community is safe
  
• Assist anyone who is having difficulty
  
• Communicate with the Grove CERT community

If you would like to become a CERT volunteer, contact Kevin or Dennis for more information.

Riverwalk Community Emergency Planning

Communication - All communication should be routed through CERT Team members. In this way miscommunication can be kept to a minimum and you can be certain of having the latest information that is available. CERT Team members will have access to radios and be in communication with the powers-that-be. Central CERT officials are in direct communication with police, fire and rescue and will function as a conduit to the CERT Team members in the field.

Egress

• Announcement of evacuation
  
• Announcement of evacuation routes and destinations
  
• Changes to prediction and conditions during the course of an evacuation
  
• Transportation options and destinations for evacuation

Re-Entry

• Announcement of decision to return
  
• Announcement of re-entry conditions
  
• Changes to re-entry conditions

If you have only moments before leaving, grab these things and go immediately!

• Medical supplies: first-aid kit, prescription medications and dentures
  
• Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, bottled water
  
• Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each family member
  
• Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend or relative)
  
• Don't forget about the needs of your pets during an emergency
  
• Don't worry about anything other than your personal safety and the safety of your family. They come first!
  

Disaster Supply Kit

You should keep enough supplies to maintain you for at least seven days:

• A supply of water for drinking and cooking (one gallon per person per day)
  
• A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener. (Canned vegetables, fruit, tuna, peanut butter, milk and dry goods such as crackers, cereal, etc.)
  
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
  
• A change of clothing and shoes, raingear, blankets or sleeping bag
  
• A first aid kit with additional prescription medications. Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  
• A battery powered flashlight and radio with extra batteries
  
• Credit cards and cash in a water proof container
  
• Extra keys, books, magazines, card games, toys.
  
• Important documents in a water proof container
  
• Hygiene and sanitary supplies, grooming supplies
  
• Tools (Hammer, screwdriver, wrench) and Fire Extinguisher
  
• Food, leash, and other items for service animals or pets
  
• Eating utensils
  
• A whistle

First Aid Kit

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  
• 2 inch and 3 inch sterile gauze pads
  
• Hypo allergenic adhesive tape
  
• Triangular bandages
  
• 2 inch and 3 inch sterile roll bandages
  
• Scissors, tweezers, needle
  
• Safety razor blade
  
• Bar of soap
  
• Moistened towelettes
  
• Antiseptic spray
  
• Thermometer
  
• Tongue blades and wooden applicator sticks
  
• Tube petroleum jelly or other lubricant
  
• Safety pins in assorted sizes
  
• Cleansing agent/soap
  
• Latex gloves
  
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
  
• Aspirin, anti-diarrheal medication, antacid, laxative, and other non-prescription drugs

Important papers to take with you or to preserve in some way:

• Driver's license or personal identification
  
• Social Security card
  
• Proof of residence
  
• Insurance policies
  
• Birth and marriage certificates
  
• Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
  
• Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns

If you have some time before evacuation is required:

• Bring things indoors - lawn furniture, hanging plants, trash cans, or any other object that can fly around and damage property.
  
• Turn off electricity, gas, and water at the mains. Know where these are ahead of time. Each family member should know how to do this. You will need a wrench to shut off the gas.
  
• Close all windows
  
• If flooding is going to occur, use sandbags to protect your home as best you are able
  
• Let someone outside your local area that you are evacuating and where you are going
  
• Place a note inside your house as to where you are going
  
• Lock up your home and leave

Plan ahead for emergencies

Basic Assumptions:

• Cell phone towers may be inoperable or the system overloaded
  
• Phone lines may be down
• Roads may be closed
  
• Natural gas may be shut off for an extended period
  
• Electricity may be off for an extended period
  
• No gas available for your car
  
• No food available at the grocery store
  
• Outside temperature may be extremely hot or cold
  
• Your toilet is not going to flush

Communication

Make a plan on how contact will be made with non-resident relatives in the case of a major event. Identify a meeting location and make a communication plan so emergency phone lines are not impacted. Communicate this plan to friends and relatives. Ask an out-of-state friend or relative or someone who lives at least 50-100 miles from you, to be your "contact." After a disaster, long distance calls may be easier to make than local calls. Ask your contact person to notify others. Chances are you may be separated during an emergency so have a plan on how you are going to get back together after a major disaster, such as an established meeting place.

Valuables

Make a plan to preserve valuables. Loss of ancestral photos and history, artwork, even computer data, etc., can be tragic. Formulate a plan to get valuables to second floor or attic and backup data, keeping one copy at another location some distance from your home. Also, have an inventory of all your possessions and keep a copy of that inventory at a safe location away from your home. You might even consider a video inventory.

Food and Water

Keep a cache of food items and bottled water, preferably on the second floor if available. Purchase can goods such as vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, tuna, stews and dry good such as crackers, cereal, etc. Keep a good supply of bottled water as well as boxed containers of milk. This stash should be recycled at least once each year. So, continuously eat from the stash and replenish it as it is used.

• If the power is out for longer than 2 hours, the following guidelines should be followed:
  • A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours. A full freezer can hold food safely for 48 hours. Do not open the freezer door if you can avoid it.
    
  • For refrigerated section - pack milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, and spoilable leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice.
    
  • Use a digital quick-response thermometer to check the temperature of your food right before you cook it or eat it. Throw away any food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees.
    
• During an emergency, one of the most critical issues is safe drinking water. Here are some general rules concerning water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene:
  
  • Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth and prepare food. Use alcohol-based hand-wipes to wash your hands.
    
  • If you use bottled water, make sure it came from a safe source.
    
  • Boil water, when practical. It is the preferred way to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill most organisms.
    
  • When boiling is not practical, you can treat water with chlorine tables, iodine tablets, or unscented household chlorine bleach. Use 1/8 teaspoon bleach per gallon of water if the water is clear. If water is cloudy, use ¼ teaspoon. Mix thoroughly and allow mixture to stand for 30 minutes before using it.

Cooking Gear

If you have camping gear, keep at least one full tank of propane on hand. Keep the gear so that it is accessible during an emergency. These items would include a Coleman type camp stove, a lantern, several pots and pans.

Shelter

• If you have a tent and sleeping bags, keep them where they can be accessed in an emergency.
  

Fuel

• Keep the car fully fueled in times of potential emergencies

Planning Ahead

• Make an emergency "To-Do" list and post a copy in each room
  
• Determine the best escape routes from your home
  
• Find two ways out of each room
  
• Find a safe place in your home for each type of disaster
  
• Have an emergency set of keys at an easy location near each exit
  
• Teach family members how to shut off gas, electricity and water
  
• Teach children how to dial 911
  
• Know which radio station to tune to for emergency information

Actions to Take

Flood
Floods normally happen as the result of heavy rains so there is a moderate level of warning ahead of time. The rains may be up in the hills and not in Ashland so in times of heavy storming, it is wise to stay alert. If flooding does occur, evacuate immediately if directed to do so. Beware that the roads may all be impassable.

If you were evacuated during flooding, be very careful during re-entry. Sidewalks and roadways may be covered with mud, water, and debris. Enter your home cautiously in that there may be structural damage. If you have any concerns, contact your local CERT Team member. Throw out all food that has come in contact with flood waters. Boil all drinking water to be safe. All electrical items should be dried and checked before using. Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches, candles or matches to be on the safe side. Utilities might be unavailable for an extended period of time. You may not be able to cook your food, cool or heat your home, use the telephone, watch television, use any device reliant on electricity, use an ATM or visit the bank, shop for groceries, nor fill your vehicle with gas. You might also need temporary housing for your pets. And, most importantly, don't be hesitant to ask for help.

Riverwalk Plan
In the event of a flood, we all need to get to higher ground. The highest point in Riverwalk is the driveway of Tony and Sherry Trouse at 543 Ann Street. They have offered the use of the driveway and/or garage if appropriate as a meeting place. Please secure your home and move to this location as quickly as possible. The CERT Team will provide information regarding further evacuation from that location. If the evacuation demand is made, make sure your neighbors are made aware. Also, be aware of those with special needs. We have several elderly residents who might need assistance.

Wildfire
While we are not prone to wildfires, a firestorm could overtake our community with little warning. There is little we can do to protect our homes since we are not in a forested area and do not have the luxury of safety zones around our homes. But, in the case of a wildfire, follow these guidelines:

When wildfire threatens:

• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors, roll up the windows, and leave the key in the ignition. Close the garage door and windows but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers
  
• Confine your pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate
  
• Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area
  

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately:

• Wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes, and a handkerchief to protect your face
  
• Take your Disaster Kit
  
• Lock your home
  
• Tell someone when you left and where you are going
  
• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for directions from authorities

If you are sure you have time, take the following steps to protect your home:

• Close windows, vents, doors, blinds and drapes. Remove all lightweight curtains.
  
• Shut off gas at meter and turn off all pilot lights
  
• Open the fireplace damper and close all fireplace screens
  
• Move flammable liquid into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors
  
• Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke
  
• Place combustible patio furniture inside
  
• Connect the garden hose to outside taps
  
• Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home

Earthquake
While we are not prone to earthquakes, they can occur at any time.

Before an earthquake:

• Prepare an emergency kit
  
• Know the safe spots in each room
  
• Know the danger spots in your home - near windows, tall unsecured furniture
  
• Decide where and how your family will reunite if separated
  
• Choose an out-of-state acquaintance so others can call after the quake to report their whereabouts and conditions
  
• Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity to your home
  
• Secure water heater as well as tall, heavy furniture, mirrors, etc.

During an earthquake:

• If indoors, stay there. Get under a desk, table, or stand in a corner away from all windows
  
• If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines
  
• Stay away from windows and outside walls
  
• Cover your neck and head with your hands and arms

What to do after an earthquake:

• Check for injuries and treat the injured with first aid. Take steps to stop any bleeding and call for medical assistance if necessary. Don't attempt to move severely injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Cover them with blankets.
  
• Stay calm and use common sense.
  
• Use the telephone only to report severe emergencies.
  
• Put out fires. Don't use matches, lighters, candles, electrical switches or appliances in case there is a gas leak; use flashlights.
  
• Check gas, water and electrical lines and check appliances for damage. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off the main valve.
  
• Wear heavy shoes and gloves in areas near fallen debris and broken glass.
  
• Do not touch downed power lines or broken appliances.
  
• Clean up dangerous spills such as glass, bleach or medicines.
  
• Turn on a battery-powered or car radio for instructions and information.
  
• Check to see that sewage lines are intact before using toilet.
  
• Check water and food supplies. If water is cut off, use emergency water supplies found in toilet tanks and water heater.
  
• Check the building for damage and cracks. Do not use the fireplace until it is inspected.
  
• Check cabinets and closets. Open carefully and beware of falling objects.
  
• Watch for falling objects when you enter or leave buildings. Do not enter severely damaged structures.
  
• Do not use your vehicle, unless there is an emergency. Do not go sight-seeing to view damage. You may hamper the relief effort. Keep streets clear for emergency vehicles.
  
• Render aid and assistance to your community as needed.
  
• Be prepared for aftershocks. They can cause added damage. If near large body of water, evacuate to higher safe ground.
• If evacuation is necessary, post a message of where you can be found in clear view. Have designated reunion points. Have a 72-hour survival kit ready to take with you that includes: medicines, first aid kit, flashlight, radio batteries, important papers, cash, food, water, sleeping bags, blankets, and extra clothes.
• Take special precautions with your pets. They will most likely be traumatized from the event and require special handling
  
• After an earthquake turn off your gas at the meter:
  
• If you smell, hear, or even suspect gas is escaping in your damaged or undamaged building(s).
  
• If your gas water heater or any other gas appliance has been knocked over and/or pulled free from its wall connection.
  
• If your building has suffered extensive damage, such as large cracks in the walls or in the concrete slab floors, etc. AND you suspect the gas lines may have been damaged.
  
• WARNING: If you smell gas don't turn on or off any switches. Don't use any open flame to check for leaks. Don't turn on any battery operated flashlights, unless they are a safety/ waterproof light. Chemical light sticks are a safe source of light in the event of a gas leak.
  
• WARNING: It is very dangerous, and therefore not recommended that you go searching for gas leaks inside any damaged building.
  
• BE AWARE: After an earthquake, aftershocks will continue to occur, possibly causing additional damage (or even first damage) to your building(s).
  
• REMEMBER: Do not turn the gas valve back on after an earthquake, unless a qualified person has checked extensively for gas leaks.
  
• REMEMBER: A qualified person or gas company employee may have to relight all the pilot lights. Most of Riverwalk has electronic pilots so that is not necessary.

Severe weather
Extreme temperatures

Extreme Heat

• Drink a glass of water every 15 to 20 minutes or at least one gallon per day (avoid alcohol and caffeine)
  
• Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing
  
• When indoors, when you have no electricity, open windows if outdoor air quality permits and use hand fans
  
• Take frequent cool showers or baths
  
• If you feel dizzy, weak, or overheated, go to a cool place. Sit or lie down, drink water, and wash your face with cool water. If you do not feel better soon, seek medical help quickly
  
• Heat stroke is the most serious heat related health issue. It happens when the body cannot control its own temperature. Sweating fails and the body simply cannot cool down.
• Body temperatures can rise to above 106° or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability of not treated quickly. If you suspect someone has suffered a heat stroke, immerse the body in cool water or wrap the body in a cool, wet sheet.
  

Extreme Cold

• Acute Hypothermia is caused by a rapid loss of body heat, usually from immersion in cold water
  
• Subacute Hypothermia often happens in cool outdoor weather when conditions lower the body's ability to cope with cold
  
• Chronic Hypothermia happens from ongoing exposure to cold indoor temperatures
  
• As the body temperature decreases, the person will be less awake and aware and may seem confused and disoriented. Because of this, even a mildly hypothermic person might not be able to help themselves. If you find a person with the symptoms:
  
  • Seek medical help immediately.
    
  • DO NOT rub or massage the skin.
    
  • People with severe hypothermia must be carefully rewarmed and their temperatures must be monitored. DO NOT use direct heat or hot water to warm the person.
    
  • Give the person warm beverages to drink
    
  • No alcohol or cigarettes

Severe Storm (Hurricane, Blizzard, etc.)

Severe storms can happen in Ashland. How prepared are you for 24 inches of snow? What if the storm lasts for more than 4 days?

Winter storms can be deadly. They can cause hypothermia. Fireplaces, emergency heaters and candles can cause household fires. Toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide can cause asphyxiation. And, hazardous roads can cause accidents.

Thunderstorms present a specific danger to the residents of Ashland. They are frequent and sometimes violent. Be prepared by:

• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage
  
• Secure outside doors and close blinds
  
• Avoid showering or bathing during the storm. Plumbing can conduct electricity
  
• Use a corded phone only for emergencies. Rather, rely on cordless or cellular phones
  
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges can cause serious damage. Fax machines are particularly susceptible to power surges.

Take shelter during severe weather. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Protect yourself from any flying debris. Stay in the middle of your residence.

After the storm, be very cautious upon exiting your home. Watch for fallen debris, downed electrical lines, and be cautious of gas leaks. Report any broken water, sewer, or other utility lines to the local CERT Team members.

To be developed:

Civil Unrest
Hazmat
Critical Infrastructure Disruption
Infectious disease pandemic
Mass casualty incident
Special event
Terrorism
Radiological
Biological

Pets
It is imperative that you make preparations to evacuate your family and your pets. There are steps you can take that will make you better prepared to care for your pets during in a disaster.

• Take them with you. The most important thing you can do to protect your pet is to take them with you. If it is not safe for you to stay in a designated area, it is not safe for your pet either. Leave early. Don't wait until the very last second.
  
• Don't forget ID. Your pet should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. Remember, your address and phone number may be unreachable if your pet is found during a disaster.
  
• Find a safe place ahead of time.
  
• If you don't evacuate, keep your pet with you on a leash or in a carrier. Have food and medications at hand.
  
• In case you are not home during a disaster, make arrangements with friends and neighbors to take your pets. Make sure the local CERT Team members are aware of your pets and their names.
  
• After the disaster, keep your pets tethered until you know it is safe for them to roam.