River Terrace Emergency Plans

Word from the Adrian Hasty

As all of you know, River Terrace has long had a need for an in-place plan or evacuation plan in case of severe fire or other emergencies. These procedures are spelled out in our Occupant Emergency Plan.

Now, in the wake of 9/11, I have taken steps to protect residents if the reverse of an evacuation becomes necessary and we must stay in our homes. This could happen if terrorists attack us using biological, chemical, or dirty bomb weapons.

Given our location in the Nation's Capital and our location to Shell Gas and Hydrogen Station, Pepco Plant, Metro Rail, Trash Transfer station, local bridges, and the river, I feel there is a need to work with local and federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security, to prepare our responses. What follows are details of these preparations and your role should an attack occur and you should be confined to your homes under what is known as Shelter in Place. This plan will be updated as necessary

Shelter in Place Plan

The term shelter in place means to stay indoors - in homes, schools, churches, businesses, or public buildings. It is used when there is little time to react to a situation and it would be more dangerous to go outside. In homes, air conditioners and ventilation systems can be turned off and doors and windows secured. Residents should expect to stay in their homes in the events of three types of attacks: biological, chemical, dirty bomb.

Nature of Threat

As indicated, residents should expect to stay in the home in event of such attacks, biological, chemical, or dirty bomb. A biological attack involves the deliberate release of germs that are inhaled, ingested, or enter through cuts in the skin. In a chemical attack, a toxic gas or liquid is used to incapacitate people. Typical symptoms include tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, stinging in the eyes, and lack of coordination. A dirty bomb consists of regular explosives that have been combined with either radiation or dangerous chemicals Battery operated TVs and radios will provide continuous updates on the danger.

Exposure

If you are exposed to an attack and experience the symptoms described above, stay away from other people If you are exposed to contaminants, wash your body with soap and water. Do not scrub - this may force chemicals into your skin. Do not use conditioner on your hair - this may also trap chemicals on your hair and body.

Supplies

Each resident will need bottled water, long-sleeved apparel, lightsticks, emergency contact numbers, snack food, an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, a nicotine patch (for smokers), and a battery-operated radio.

Away From Your House

If you are away from your home, do not seek to enter your home if shelter in place is in effect. If you are already exposed, you will not be admitted to any other facility for fear of spreading contaminants.

At that point, your option is to wait for firefighters or DECON personnel to arrive to decontaminate or hose the person down. Cover your nose and mouth with any material at hand, such as a t-shirt, handkerchief, or towel. If you have a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, cover exposed skin. If you are indoors at a restaurant, shopping mall, or other such facility, and an attack occurs in the facility, try to leave the area immediately. Those outside their homes in other areas should seek information by listening to news stations.

Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP)

Procedures developed to protect life in home occupied space. This plan provides procedures for evacuating the facility in the safest, most expedited manner.

When Do We Evacuate?

Residents would evacuate homes with the direction of the Fire Marshall in extreme measures, fire, bomb threats, explosion, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, as well as other natural and human-caused disasters.

How Will We Be Notified to Evacuate

During emergencies when alarm systems cannot be activated, such as a power outage, notification by block captain persons on the River Terrace security team will become the primary means. Runners will inform residents/visitors to listen for further instructions regarding the evacuation process. Block Captains and security team will be identified by wearing an orange vest. We should also be notified by the DC Emergency Preparedness and Response Office.

Evacuation Procedures

Residents are to leave the area as quickly as possible, either by auto or walking as directed.

Evacuation Assembly Points

Residents are to move as directed by their Block Captain to the Assembly Points designated.

Re-Entry into River Terrace

In most instances, residents will re-enter River Terrace once the emergency is over. However, if toxins are in the air, Fire Department personnel will make a determination. If we are not permitted back into River Terrace, other arrangements will have to be made with friends, family, or neighbors.

Transportation Issues

Street Evacuation: Police will limit road traffic. Police will respond when and where needed.

Evacuate by Foot

If it becomes impossible to leave River Terrace by vehicle or public transportation, you may have to evacuate by foot If that occurs, evacuation routes out of River Terrace are available.

Block Captains should have neighbors, friends, to meet at a certain location on their block if an emergency arises.

Handicapped Residents

All handicapped residents must be identified on each street.

Block Captains and Monitors

Make yourself familiar with your Block Captains and designated monitors that assist in emergency situations.