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What is an Emergency?
A common definition of the word emergency is an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action. What are the most likely emergencies that you may come across on a given day? For many of us it is likely to have something to do with traffic, work, weather or home. There are generally two things to consider: an unforeseen combination of circumstances, such as an accident on a busy highway or the resulting situation that calls for immediate attentionmaybe people have been injured in the accident, or maybe you have?
As you and your company consider preparing for emergencies, dont be overwhelmed by preparing for everything. PrePare for any old thing and you will find Plenty of oPPortunity to make a difference one emergency at a time.
Call 9-1-1
We are fortunate in the U.S. to have a nearly universal availability of 9-1-1. A majority of the time, the first action that should be taken, in an emergency, is to call 9-1-1. This seems like a simple, no-brainer piece of information. However, after nearly 30 years in the business of 9-1-1, I can tell you that the folks that answer the phones appreciate someone that understands what information is important, are able to provide it and be calm enough to be understood. The emotion of an emergency situation almost always has an impact on voice quality, pitch and speed as well as thought process. Ask your local 9-1-1 department for information, a speaker or a tour for your staff or organization. The simple things that you learn and practice may save a life.
Location Awareness
As an example, thousands of calls are made to 9-1-1 every year for accidents or hazards on interstate highways. One of the first two or three questions the 9-1-1 operator will ask is; What is your location?1 It is amazing how many people do not know what road they are on or where on that road. I left North Dakota this morning and I think I am still in Minnesota is not as helpful as it may seem. It is not always better for local people
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because they drive the roads so often, they do not think about what road they are on. There are other questions the 9-1-1 operator will ask depending on the initial information you provide. Location awareness is an important part of any 9-1-1 call and is offered here as an example of why being prepared to make a 9-1-1 call is important in handling an emergency. When you contact 9-1-1, the operator is likely to provide additional guidance, some of which may be specific for your area.
WasteAdvantage Magazine
July 2011
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(CERT)
One thing that any emergency preparedness professional will tell you is that all of the preparation and planning on paper will not prepare you for the real thing. Your organization should, at the very minimum, provide training for employees on how to properly use any emergency tools and supplies in their trucks as well as go beyond that. Your company can do your own training drills, often with the supervision of local emergency preparedness agencies, or you can participate in local drills and exercises that they have planned. Examples of topics to consider and organizations that are likely to help are: The local Fire Department to provide instruction on recognizing and understanding fire danger as well as how to properly use a fire extinguisher The Red Cross for classes on CPR and First Aid The local Emergency Management office will provide CERT classes and is experienced in helping to design and facilitate plans and exercises Training can start with classroom, hands-on experience, tabletop exercises and elaborate full dress rehearsals complete with makeup and casualties. Each level of investment in training and equipment has a corresponding level of reward and you decide how much and how far your preparation will go.
www.citizencorps.gov/certx
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The Advantage in the Waste Industry
Maybe give them time off to take Red Cross CPR training or give them an incentive or purchase the special equipment needed for them to participate in the local CERT or the volunteer fire department. All of this can help your organizations image in the community and the emergency preparedness of your community and your organization. It also wouldnt hurt to provide some sort of recognition or financial incentive for employees willing to go above and beyond the requirements of their job. For many organizations participation in this type of program adds an additional facet to the employees job and contributes positively to retention.
into the sea to save them. The man went and talked to the boy telling him there were too many starfish to save. The boy would never make a difference. As the boy picked up another and tossed it back to the safety of the water he said: I made a difference for that one! As you and your company consider preparing for emergencies, dont be overwhelmed by preparing for everything. Prepare for any old thing and you will find plenty of opportunity to make a difference one emergency at a time. | WA Al Blencoe has 27 years of Public Safety experience in Emergency Services and is the Publication Coordinator for LEAPS.TV. He can be reached at (404) 424-9172 or al@leaps.tv.
Note 1. This scenario implies the call is coming from a cellular phone and while many of these calls can be located through technology, you will find nearly all 9-1-1 centers asking the question to verify the location. Because it is important they know for sure where you are.
2011 Waste Advantage Magazine, All Rights Reserved. Reprinted from Waste Advantage Magazine. Contents cannot be reprinted without permission from the publisher.
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