Prepare for the 2019 Hurricane Season – Garner Environmental Services

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Garner’s experience in the field of emergency planning and response is unparalleled anywhere in the world. To ensure a rapid response to all infectious disease outbreaks, all response personnel are HAZWOPER Certified per OSHA 29CFR1910.120, current on vaccinations, and will receive a thorough health & safety orientation before mobilization, upon arrival, and daily, per shift. All operations will be conducted within the established Incident Command Structure and in compliance with the most recent best practices recommended by the WHO and the CDC, response personnel will:

- Establish Work Zones per OSHA HAZWOPER standards.
- Personnel decon stations & facilities, site prep, stage equipment, premix approved decontamination/ disinfecting solutions
- Prioritize equipment to be decontaminated. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Participate in a medical evaluation/surveys at designated intervals as established by Incident Command.
- Be housed separately from the public.
- Have access to medical support personnel 24/7.
- Operate in shifts as designated by Incident Command. No personnel will demobilize the site without written authorization.
- Continue to be medically surveyed for signs and symptoms. Action plans will be in place per Incident Command recommendations and reports will be submitted, as requested.

Hurricane

NOAA’s outlook for the Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season. Now is the time to ensure all preparations are made. Garner is fully compliant and educated on the proper protocols for this hurricane season, including altered sheltering operations with adjusted staffing and spacial requirements for the necessary social distancing and required PPE. To assist you with this hurricane season, Garner can provide:

Pre-Strike Sheltering and/or Post-Strike Sheltering Relief
5 Command Vehicles Available to Serve as:
- Command Control Center
- Communications
Disinfection/Sanitizing Services
Support Congregate and Non-Congregate Sheltering
Logistics & Recovery Response

To make sure you are safe and ready, prepare now:

Have a hurricane plan for you and your family.
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
If you are in an area at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds. The best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
Know your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, shelter locations, or plans for sheltering in place.
Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget pet supplies.
During hurricane season, keep your vehicle fuel tank full, never letting it run below ½ a tank to avoid fuel shortages when the time comes.
Keep essential documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
Charge cell phones when a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices.
Protect your property and business. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies. Have a business continuity plan.

Quick Links:

Ready.gov – Be Hurricane Prepared
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Harris County Flood Control
FEMA App

Stay safe this Hurricane Season!

Flood

Garner coordinates flood operations with various federal, state, and local agencies and can operate State-Federal Flood Operations Center to flood field operations. The Incident Management Team Leader is the primary liaison with the client’s Office of Emergency Management on flood events, potential high-water situations, and other flood emergency issues. In preparation for such events, Garner maintains a complete range of pumps and accessories and has flood management control specialists and pump operators ready for immediate dispatch. Our Flood Operations Team works year-round on emergency preparedness, coordination, and conducts pre-season training and drills to be prepared when needed.

Flooding can develop slowly, over a period of days or happen fast in just minutes without sign of rain. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering floodwaters can lead to injury or death. As every state has the potential to be at risk, be aware of flood hazards, especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream.

While you can’t always predict when a flood will strike, you can stake steps to prepare now:

Know the flood risk for your area. If flash flooding is potential, monitor for the signs.
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Know and practice your evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
Make a family emergency communication plan and include pets.
Have an emergency supply kit ready at home, at work, and in the car available in case you need to leave immediately or if services are cut off.
Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It takes up to 30 days for this policy to go into effect, so be mindful and purchase promptly.
Keep essential documents in a dry, safe place, or create password-protected digital copies.
If in an area prone to flooding, protect your property by moving it to higher levels. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

If you find yourself in a flood:

Go straight to your safe location.
Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information or instructions.
If you are in an area at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
Evacuate immediately when advised by authorities or if you are in a flash flood situation.
Never drive around barricades. They are there for your protection. Turn around. Don’t drown!
Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Bridges can be washed away without warning.
If trapped in a building during a flood, go to the highest level avoiding the attic to prevent becoming trapped by rising floodwater. Only go to the roof when necessary, and once there is a signal for help.

Floodwaters can recede quickly or last several days. Be mindful to:

Follow the instructions of local authorities and only return home when instructed it is safe to do so.
Look out for wildlife that may have been displaced in the floodwaters.
Look out for down powerlines and be aware of the risk of electrocution if any electrical equipment is wet.
Avoid wading in standing floodwater. It can be contaminated or contain debris.

Quick Links:

Ready.gov – Flood Tool Kit
Harris County Flood Control
FEMA App

FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Flood Insurance Program

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. They can occur anywhere and without warning. With the ability to completely destroy buildings, uproot trees, and hurl objects through the air like missiles, they are considered one of the deadliest forces of nature. Because they can strike without warning, the path of destruction is often widespread. Garner has the extensive experience and capabilities to respond to tornadic events with professional personnel to ensure a safe, effective, and comprehensive response. Each Garner response team is outfitted with state-of-art equipment and instrumentation. Practical field experience, coupled with superior equipment, allows our team to dispatch an appropriate response to a tornadic event within minutes of the call. Garner is quick to mitigate the problem. Each Garner responder is well disciplined in proper safe material handling, communications, and quality assurance.

While you cannot predict a tornado occurrence, taking time to prepare now could save lives.

Know your area’s risk for tornadoes. Although they can happen at any time, most tornadoes occur between 4 – 9pm.
Pay attention for the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shape cloud frequently with a cloud of debris. You may also hear a loud roar similar to the sound of a train.
Pay attention to weather reports indicating favorable conditions for a tornado to form.
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds. The best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.

During and after a tornado, the situation can often be chaotic.

Take cover and shield your head and neck with your arms.
Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
Listen to EAS, NOAA, or your local alert system for current emergency information and instructions.
If trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try sending a text or bang on a pipe or wall to alert others of your location.
Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
Never enter a damaged building until you are told it’s safe to do so.
Save your phone calls for emergencies. Many times phone systems are down after a tornado. Alternatively, you can use text messaging or social media to communicate.
Be extremely careful during clean up.

Quick Links:

Ready.gov – Tornado Information Sheet
Taking Shelter: Building a Safe Room Inside Your Home
American Red Cross
FEMA App