5th-6th Grade
What are some items you should have in a go-kit in case you need to leave your home quickly?
Extra change of clothes (weather appropriate), toiletries, food, water, local maps (if you can read them), whistle, first aid kit, portable phone charger, weather radio, etc.
What are some things you can do for free to prepare for emergencies?
Make a plan
Create an emergency communications plan
Talk to family, friends, neighbors
Sign up for emergency alerts
Use items from home to make a go-kit
What are some hazards you should be aware of returning home after a flood?
Washed away roads, bridges, or other infrastructure.
Mold damage to home and property.
Electrical hazards.
Private wells could be flooded an unsafe to use until inspected.
What does boiling water appropriately kill?
Disease causing organisms including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Boiling does NOT remove chemicals or other pollutants.
What should I do if the air quality in my area is bad?
Reduce time outside, take breaks, avoid intense activities, consider an N95 mask, shut windows and doors, use air purifiers inside
What are some items you should have at home in case you need to shelter in place?
Non-perishable food, water, enough personal utility and hygiene items, medication, first aid kit, etc.
What are the top threats in St. Louis County, MN?
Wildfire
Flooding
Extreme winter weather
Pandemic
What can cause power outages in communities?
Extreme cold, extreme heat, ice and snow, damage to power grid infrastructure, wind (downed power lines)
What is the difference between a ready (yellow), set (orange), and go (red) status in evacuation?
Ready: Potential evacuation. Closely monitor situation. Make a plan and gather supplies.
Set: Prepare to leave at a moment's notice! Do final preparations to your home and check in with neighbors. Pack your vehicle or items so you can leave quickly.
Go: Evacuate immediately! Head to your designated safe location.
Under state statute in MN, what entity is responsible for providing mass care?
Public Health
What are some examples of winter weather that could lead to emergencies or disasters?
Ice, extreme snowfall, reduced visibility, blizzards, high wind etc.
A. 3 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 12 inches
D. 18 inches
B. 6 inches
What populations may be more vulnerable to disasters?
Low income, unhoused, limited access to transportation, those with disabilities, older adults, children, limited English proficiency etc.
What does "mass care" mean and what response activities might fall under mass care?
Mass care is taking care of the basic needs of entire communities, often in relation to a disaster.
This can include sheltering, providing food and water, first aid and healthcare including mental and behavioral health support.
Mass care ensures that a community's basic needs are met.
In our area, how do people primarily get reimbursed for disasters?
A. FEMA
B. State disaster fund
C. Insurance
C. Insurance
Where are some safe places to shelter from a storm?
Basements, bathrooms, storm shelters, or internal rooms/hallways away from windows.
What are some important components of a communications plan?
1. Backup communication methods
2. Written down or memorized contact information
3. Designated meeting spaces
How can you get notified of emergencies in your area?
Northland Alert push notifications (must register)
Weather alerts from National Weather Service
Local radio and news
Sirens (if outside)
Social Media and press releases from reputable, trusted sources.
How do you safely boil water under a "boil water" advisory?
Bring water to a boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, boil for at least one minute. Turn off the heat source and allow water to cool. Pour into a clean, sanitized container with cover for storage.
Why is taking pictures of your home, property, and possessions important before a disaster?
Many insurance companies may need documented proof of what you had and what condition it was in before the disaster.
True or false: my pet should be involved in my emergency plan.
True!
When can I return home after a disaster?
When authorities say it is safe to do so.
How much water should you have available per person per day in emergencies?
How do you measure risk?
(Likelihood x Impact) - mitigation efforts = risk
Why is officially declaring a disaster important and who does it?
Governor of the impacted state and the president can declare disasters at federal and state levels.
Official disaster declarations allow for more resources to become available for response.