Emergency Preparedness

Be Prepared, Stay Aware, Show You Care

Be Ready for Disease Outbreaks

• Store a two-week supply of water and food.
• Periodically check your prescription drugs to ensure you have a continuous supply.
• Have nonprescription drugs and health supplies in hand, such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Keep electronic and paper copies of health records, insurance information, and physician contacts.
• Talk with family members about how they would be cared for if they get sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

During an Outbreak

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Washing your hands will often protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits:  get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Washing your hands will often protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits such as getting plenty of rest, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.

Every Drop Counts

Prior to a Drought

• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it.
• Repair dripping faucets.  One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year.
• Check all plumbing for leaks.
• Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.
• Purchase a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models.
• Replace your showerhead with and ultra-low-flow version.
• Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly.  Use a compost bin as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the garbage.
• Plant native or drought-tolerant grasses, ground overs, shrubs, and trees.
• Install water-efficient irrigation devices.
• Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
• Consider rainwater harvesting when practical.
• Contact your local water provider for information and assistance on drought prevention measures.

During periods of drought, water systems may ask consumers to voluntarily conserve water, or, put mandatory restrictions on customers in place. Voluntary conservation measures involve asking customers to restrict unnecessary use. Water systems may also ask customers to defer water use during specified timeframes. Mandatory water conservation measures will depend on the drought conditions and will vary from system-to-system.  The Mandatory Restrictions information may be as simple as water use should be limited only to essential uses of water, such as drinking, cooking, sanitary use, and firefighting.

Water Conservation During a Drought

• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily.  Dispose of tissue, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Avoid taking baths – take short showers – turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator.  Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.
• Operate clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.
• Avoid washing your vehicle.  If you must, use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• Avoid watering your lawn and water only when needed.
• Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.
• If you must water your lawn, do so early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
• In extreme droughts, allow lawns to die in favor of preserving trees and large shrubs.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Prepare for an Earthquake

• Secure items that could topple or fall over during an earthquake, such as water heaters, televisions, book shelves, breakable objects on shelves, and pictures and mirrors on walls.
• Have an out-of-state contact in your emergency plan, and plan where to meet if your family is separated.
• Consider an earthquake insurance policy since standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage.
• Consider retro-fitting your home, building, or other structure to make it less vulnerable to collapse during an earthquake.

During an Earthquake

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On to protect yourself during an earthquake. Drop to your hands and knees.  Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops.
• If in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
• If inside, stay there until the shaking stops.  DO NOT run outside.
• If in a vehicle, stop in a clear area that is away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses, or utility wires.
• If you are in a high-rise, expect fire alarms and sprinklers to go off. Do no use elevators.
• If near slopes, cliffs, or mountains, be alert for falling rocks and landslides.

After an Earthquake

• Expect aftershocks to follow the largest shock of the earthquake.
• Check yourself for injuries and provide assistance others if you have training.
• If in a damaged building, to outside and quickly move away from it.
• Do not enter damaged buildings.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth.  Send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting so that rescuers can locate you.
• Save phone calls for emergencies.
• Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris.
• Do not remove heavy debris by yourself.  Wear protective clothing and thick-soled shoes during clean up.

Extreme Heat - Heat Stroke Can Kill, Stay Hydrated and Chill

Extreme Cold - Stay Dry, Dress in Layers, Wear Hats & Gloves

Turn Around, Don't Drown

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry and is the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death. Take steps to prepare before, during, and after a flooding event.

Prepare for Flooding

• If flash flooding is a risk for your location, watch for potential signs such as heavy rain.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy.
• Store important documents in a waterproof container.
• Take steps to protect your property including moving valuables to higher levels, declutter drains and gutters, install check valves, and consider using a battery-powered sump pump.

During a Flood

• Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.  Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• If trapped in a building, go to the highest level.  Do not climb into a closed attic, you may become trapper by rising floodwater.  Go to the roof only if necessary.  Once there, signal for help.

Stay Safe After a Flood

• Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving except in emergencies.
• Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
• People with asthma and other lung conditions should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
• Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

Prepare for Severe Weather

• Know your area’s risk for severe weather, such as thunderstorms, lighting, and straight-line winds.
• Identify nearby sturdy buildings, near where you live, work, attend school, etc., where you can take shelter in severe weather.
• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
• Consider purchasing surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

Protect Yourself

• When thunder roars, go indoors.  A sturdy building the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.
• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms, and other severe weather threats.
• When you receive a thunderstorm or severe weather warning, go inside immediately.
• If indoors, avoid running water or using landline telephones.  Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.
• Unplug appliances and other electric devices.  Secure outside furniture.
• If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.
• If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides.  Do not touch anything metal.
• Avoid flooded roadways.  Six inches of moving water can knock a person down.  One foot of moving water can sweep an automobile away.

After the Storm

• Listen to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside, and for instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees.  Report them immediately and do not go near them.

Don't Let Tornadoes Take You by Surprise

Prepare for a Tornado

Know the difference between a Tornado Watch, indicating conditions are favorable for tornadoes, and a Tornado Warning, indicating an actual tornado has been spotted or is radar-indicated.

• Know the tornado risk for your area.  The Southeast U.S. has a great risk for tornadoes, especially night-time tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado:  rotating funnel-shaped cloud; approaching cloud of debris; loud roar, similar to a freight train.
• Pay attention to weather reports.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter or a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of your home or sturdy building.

During a Tornado

• Immediately go to your pre-identified safe location.
• Put additional shielding with you such as pillows, furniture or blankets if there is time.
• Cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you  are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket if possible.

After a Tornado

• Monitor local news and weather broadcasts for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust.  Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines and broken utility poles.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often busy or down after a disaster.
• Use text or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Be careful during clean-up.  Wear thick-soled shoes. Long pants, and work gloves.

Prevent Wildfires

• Stay abreast of wildfire danger levels and heed warnings and bans on outdoor burning in your area.
• Remember, from October 15 through May 15, anyone starting an open-air fire in Tennessee within 500 feet of a forest, grassland, or woodland must secure a burning permit from the Division of Forestry.
• Local jurisdictions may have other ordinances and permitting systems in place for open-air burning.
• Avoid burning on windy, dry days. When conditions are windy or dry, it is easy for open burning to spread out of control.
• Closely supervise all outdoor fires. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving.
• Have an adult present at all times when a bonfire, chiminea, fire pit, or outdoor fireplace is burning.
• A grill should be placed well away from buildings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. If using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• Avoid throwing lit cigarettes out of vehicles. This type of litter can quickly start grass fires that can lead to dangerous traffic situations, such as low visibility and congestion.
• Never park a vehicle over a pile of leaves.  The heat from the vehicle's catalytic converter or exhaust system could ignite the leaves below. 
• Keep water and hand tools ready in case your fire should attempt to spread.
• In the unfortunate event that a fire does get out of control, call 911 immediately and wait in a safe place for the arrival of the local fire department.

Prepare for Wildfires

• Know your community’s evacuation plans and find several ways to leave the area.
• Drive evacuation routes and find shelter locations.
• Have a plan for pets and livestock.
• If your community has a warning system, sign up for it.
• Include N95 respirator masks in your emergency supplies to filter out particles in the air. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist.
• Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air.
• Keep important documents in a fireproof, safe place.
• During a Wildfire
• Evacuate immediately when authorities tell you to do so.
• If trapped by a wildfire, call 911 and give your location, but be aware emergency response could be delayed or impossible.
• Monitor local broadcasts for information and instructions.
• Use an N95 mask to keep harmful particles out of the air you breathe.
• If you are not ordered to evacuate but smoky conditions exist, stay inside a safe location or go to a community building where smoke levels are lower.

After a Wildfire

• Follow the instructions of authorities as to when it is safe to return home and whether water is safe to drink.
• Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers.
• Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends.
• Wear a NIOSH certified respirator dust mask and wet debris down to minimize dust particles.
• Document property damage with photographs.  Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.
• Wildfires change the landscape and can increase the risk of flooding from heavy rains.

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
• Salvation Army (Nashville Area Command)
• American Red Cross (Tennessee Region)

• Tennessee Disability Pathfinder

• Consumer Disaster Recovery Resources (Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance)
• Individual Assistance (Tennessee Department of Military)
• Disability Pathfinder (Helpline: 1-800-640-4636)
• Toll-Free Adult Statewide Crisis Telephone Line (TEMA) 1-855-CRISIS-1 or 1-855-274-7471

• Disaster Survivor Application Checklist
• Disaster Recovery Center Locator
• 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585

Guide on the Special Needs of People with Disabilities for Emergency Managers, Planners & Responders (PDF)

Disaster Planning Guide for Home Health Care Providers [PDF] (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

Orientation Manual for First Responders on the Evacuation of People with Disabilities (USFA)

Accommodation and Compliance Series:  Employers' Guide to Including Employees with Disabilities in Emergency Evacuation Plans (Job Accommodation Network)

DHHCAN Emergency Report [PDF] (Gallaudet University)

Preparing for and Responding to Pandemic Influenza: Implication for People with Disabilities(American Journal of Public Health)

Disaster Recovery Resources for Substance Abuse Treatment Providers (SAMHSA) 

Mental Health All-Hazards Disaster Planning Guide (Homeland Security Digital Library)

ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters (Dept of Justice)

Guidance on Planning for Integration of Functional Needs Support Services in General Population Shelters [PDF] (FEMA)

Cultural Competency Curriculum for Disaster Response (DHHS-Office of Minority Health)

Emergency Preparedness Planning Toolkit for Diverse Populations (Center for Public Health Preparedness, Yale School of Public Health)

Risk Communicating Resources for Rural Areas (Georgia Southeast Health District)

2-1-1 Help Line (United Way)

Tennessee Volunteer Organizations Active in a Disaster

Local Health Departments in Tennessee (TN Department of Health)

Emergency Preparedness and Planning (Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department)

How to Develop an Emergency Plan (Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency)

Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (Partnership for Families, Children and Adults)

Free Ready Kit Bags (Knoxville/Knox County Emergency Management Agency)

Knoxville Center of the Deaf

Compassion Coalition

East Tennessee Human Resources Agency

Emergency Preparedness for You (Shelby County)

Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Special Needs Patients Registry (Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Division) People who have special needs such as respirators, oxygen, or any type of medical equipment should register with their local Fire Department and Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Division.

The Mayor's Office of Emergency Management and Nashville Electric Service) A special needs database that will notify emergency personnel in the event of an evacuation or disaster. To register or for more information, contact NES Customer Service at 615-736-6900.

Nashville Area Red Cross

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Habitat for Humanity

HandsOn Nashville

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee

Bridges

Healthcare Resource Tracking System (HRTS) manages healthcare facility bed, service and asset availability. HRTS provides for event activation and management locally, regionally or state-wide.

Click to access the Health Resource Tracking System

TDH’s Patient Bed Matching (PBM) web application matches psychiatric patients to available beds in Tennessee. It enables acute care facility staff and crisis providers to quickly identify facilities with available beds and communicate with those facilities to effectively secure inpatient care. The Department of Health recently refined the app to includes features and improvements requested by participating end users in both private and state facilities.

• More visibility into actions taken on a query by users in all roles in participating facilities.
• Behavioral hospital admitting staff may upload documents.
• Participants may download their history via Excel or CSV, including the ability to filter by dates.
• Alerts include notifications when documents have been added to a query and when instant messages are received.
• Referral requests indicate when a request has been viewed.
• Instant messages now indicate that they have been delivered successfully as well as read by a recipient.

PBM is an innovative web-based tool that gives providers the ability to search for inpatient beds and look for services by location, patient needs, and bed types. The application streamlines coordination among health care providers, case managers, and crisis response teams, improving efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery by ensuring timely patient placement.

The incorporation of clinical documents sharing and in-app instant messaging capabilities within PBM marks a notable advancement, enhancing its utility within healthcare and broadening its features to align with both mental healthcare objectives and preparedness and response capabilities.

Key benefits of PBM:  

• Increased Patient Care: PBM significantly impacts patient care by enabling crisis responders, case managers, and admission staff to efficiently coordinate patient movement, ensuring timely treatment and improved outcomes. It marks a significant step toward creating a more inclusive, efficient, and compassionate mental health care ecosystem.
• Data Driven Decision Making: Performance metrics offer valuable insights into facility coordination and patient placement, with daily updates on patient movement. Data measures facility performance, transfer timeliness, and patient outcomes, providing valuable insights into mental health program effectiveness.
• Unified Operational Workflow: Continuous interaction via in-app messaging and streamlined secure document transfer notably simplifies the placement process, preventing overload in emergency departments.

For questions or information on how to get started with PBM:

Reach out directly to your Regional Healthcare Coordinators or Vulnerable Populations Coordinators or to schedule a demo, email PBM.Support@tn.gov.

PsySTART (Psychological simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) is for the triage of mental health needs and assess and manage behavioral health impact.  PsySTART Tennessee contact is Ken Tartar kenneth.t.tartar@tn.gov

Click to Access PsySTART (Psychological simple Triage and Rapid Treatment)

ReadyOp is a cloud-based application designed to quickly collect and analyze information as well as stay in contact with people on the ground.

Click to Access ReadyOp

REDCap is a secure web application for building and managing online surveys and databases.

Click to Access REDCap

SharePoint for CEDEP EP is a shared, secure platform for web based collaboration.

Click to Access the EP SharePoint Platform

The Tennessee Health Alert Network is a TDH managed system used by state and federal agencies for alerting emergency responders at the local, state and federal levels.

Click for More Information about TNHAN

The Tennessee Countermeasure Response Network (TNCRN) Inventory Management module is used to monitor and distribute medical countermeasure resources. This module is used to monitor resource availability, determine locations, and track disposition.

Click for Inventory Management Tutorials, Documentation and Links to TNCRN Test or Production Systems

WebEOC is a web-enabled crisis information management system that provides real-time information sharing. It is web-based allowing for users to log on from any computer connected to the Internet.

Click for the WebEOC 9.9 Login Page