Safety Resources

No one likes to think about natural disasters or emergencies.  But a little preparation and knowledge can help you be calm, helpful and ready if disaster strikes.

Personal Health 

Heart Attack Warning Signs from the American Heart Association
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.  Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don't wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Men commonly experience chest discomfort.  Women are more likely than men to experience other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Stroke Warning Signs from the National Stroke Association

Act F.A.S.T. when there are signs of stroke and call 911.  Signs to look for include:

• Face – ask the person to smile.  Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms – ask the person to raise both arms.  Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech – ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.  Is his or her speech slurred or strange?
• Time – if you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

CPR Training

King County Emergency Medical Services offers free CPR training to King County employees.  Take a three-hour basic class or, if you have had CPR training within the past two years, a two-hour refresher class.  All classes are at the Chinook Building, 401 Fifth Avenue, first floor conference room 126.  To register for a class email Wendy Guirl.

To find other CPR classes and resources, use the American Heart Association’s class connector tool and search by zip code.

Personal Health Risks

Be sure your family members can assess information about chronic health conditions and medications you’re taking.  These can affect treatment options in an emergency. It’s a good idea to also have this information at work, perhaps in a sealed envelope that colleagues only open in case of emergency.  Make sure your emergency contact information is up to date at your workplace.  Consider listing an I.C.E. contact in your cell phone – In Case of Emergency.

Disaster Preparation

3 Days, 3 Ways

In case of a regional disaster, it could be 3 days or more before emergency services reach affected people.  Make sure you’re prepared for disaster by keeping emergency kits at home, in the car and at work.  3Days3Ways.org provides resources to help you make a plan, build a kit, and get involved.

Local Classes and Resources

Some cities offer classes, training and resources to help neighbors be ready in case of disaster.  The Seattle SNAP program, for instance, offers classes in urban search and rescue, first aid and earthquake retrofitting for home.  Check for resources in your neighborhood.

Emergency Evacuation

Should official personnel order an evacuation of your building or community, repond immediately and follow instructions.

• Always be aware of your nearest exits and the staircases at home, work, hotel rooms, etc.   Stairwells may not be lit in an emergency, so it’s a good idea to have a safety flashlight or download an application on your smart phone.
• Identify a meeting place where family members and coworkers will goso you can make sure everyone is safe.