Emergency Preparedness

The purpose of the merit badge is to allow you to explore and understand the subject. In order to complete the merit badge you need to do some research. Resources are:

• The merit badge pamphlet
• Your merit badge counselor
• Your school teachers
• Your school or community library
• The BSA website at Scouting.org[linked]
• MeritBadge.org[linked]

When you dial 911, your call is routed to the nearest emergency call center.

The operator will answer with something like "911 What is your emergency?"

As calm as possible:

1. Where you are.

2. Explain what has happened.

3. How many people were involved (need assistance).

Stay on the line until the dispatcher hangs up!

To put out a grease pan fire carefully shake baking soda on it. Not baking powder, baking soda. Bicarbonate of soda, the same stuff used to keep refrigerators smelling fresh.

Another suggestion...

If you have a lid that fits onto the frying pan, or whatever the pot or pan is that contains the grease, place the lid as tightly/closely as possible over the top. A grease fire should be suffocated that way. If you don't have a lid, try using another pan a little larger than the one that's on fire.

Never ever pour water onto a grease fire.

If you can't do any of the above, leave the room immediately, alert any other people in the house and call the fire brigade.

Another answer:

One of the most important pieces of kitchen equipment is a good, thick, pure-cotton, large (around 140cm x 70cm - 55in x 30in) bath towel, kept on a rack in a central area.

In the case of a pan fire, a grill (broiler) fire, or similar emergencies the towel can easily be thrown over the fire source at arms' length. It's highly dangerous to attempt placing a lid over a burning pan or other fire source once flames are beginning to rise; apart from time lost in finding an appropriate lid, even if you do find one the fire can flare up in a micro-second and you won't be able to control it, call emergency, or even warn the household, if you've just had your face and hands severely burned because you're standing over a fiery pan trying to put a lid on it.

Remember, firefighters wear protective gear and observe strict safety rules to prevent this kind of thing happening: emergency service personnel are no good to anybody if they injure themselves in the first moments of response. Amateur firefighters facing a domestic fire need to understand why this is so, and avoid placing themselves in danger.

The versatile thick towel shouldn't ever be used to wipe surfaces or greasy utensils; it should be kept clean.

It might seem to some an extravagance to put a good bath towel in the kitchen. It isn't. Once you've had it there for a week you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. I have two on rails fixed to work areas, near the ovens and sink, and near the fridge and stovetop; one of their great uses is they can be quickly flipped up onto the bench to take hot or wet dishes, or to drain washed fruit and vegetables, glassware, and so on. I clip mine to the rails so they stay in place, but a quick tug releases them. They're great for drying hands after washing up, and always to hand in case of a large water spill; you just throw a towel over the liquid so nobody's going to slip before you can mop it up. And we've all had those kitchen moments when we need to quickly move a pan that's hotter than expected and the oven gloves or trivet aren't immediately to hand: this is where the kitchen towel is a great friend.

Deputy Incident Commanders must be qualified as Incident Commanders and are appointed by the Incident Commander. They must be able to perform all functions of the Incident Commander if the need arises. In addition, they must be able to:

• perform specific tasks required by the Incident Commander
• perform the incident command function in the relief capacity
• represent an assisting agency that shares jurisdiction

Emergency Management Queensland's website offers the following advice for basic action before, during and after a cyclone:

Before

• Have a list of emergency phone numbers in an easily accessible position
• Determine which is the strongest, most secure room in your house
• Pack an Emergency kit which includes items such as first aid, torch and portable radio with spare batteries, gloves, candles, matches, copies of important documents e.g. birth certificates, essential medications, canned foods
• Have an evacuation plan ready, including evacuation routes, spare fuel, and listen to Community Service Announcements so you are familiar with what is happening
• Ensure all garden furniture and loose items outside are secured so they cannot become flying torpedoes
• Plan ahead of time what will happen with your pets, especially if you cannot take them with you in the event of an evacuation
• Check your roof condition beforehand, and ensure all loose tiles, iron sheeting, etc is secured and repaired
• Trim overhanging branches to keep them well away from the house
• Fill buckets and bath with water in case the drinking water supply is compromised
• Have sufficient cash on hand for emergencies
• Tape windows in criss-cross fashion using strong packing tape if you do not have shutters

During:

• Turn off electricity, gas and water, and unplug all appliances
• Ensure everyone, including pets, are inside
• Move your family to the strongest room
• Keep your emergency kit with you at all times
• Keep listening to the radio for updates
• If your house begins to break apart, shelter under a really strong table or a mattress
• During the calm eye, do not venture outdoors. Stay where you are, as the other side of the cyclone is often more intense than before the eye. Wait for the all-clear announced on the radio.

After a cyclone has passed, you are advised to stay indoors or in your shelter, waiting for the signal for "all clear" before venturing out. Naturally, once you are outside, you must be aware of the likelihood of fallen power lines. Only go out if it is necessary, as cleanup crews will be working to ensure the area is safe.

If you wish to download the safety information yourself, click on the link below, and go to "Preparing for Cyclones".