0 cellspacing=0 width=100%>
Yahoo! is not affiliated with the authors of this page or responsible for its content.
A Brief Guide for Residents and Businesses

A Brief Guide for Residents and Businesses Dear Brecksville Residents and Businesses:
While we cannot stop or control natural disasters from occurring, there are
certain steps we can take to be safer and to limit damage to our property and
possessions. These precautionary measures may save a life or prevent an injury,
which is the purpose of this guide. We present detailed information on how
to keep your household or business, family or employees as secure as possible
when a disaster occurs.
During a disaster event, emergency personnel will be unable to reach every-
one right away. Emergency response will be based on priority, life saving being
our top priority. Also, our ability to respond may be based upon our ability to
physically reach your location. Until the community returns to normal, you
may need to provide your own first aid, food and water. Your ability to do so
will be based on what actions you have taken prior to the disaster event.
You can best cope with disasters by preparing in advance and by working with
your family as a team to learn and coordinate your immediate plan of action.
Follow the procedures listed in this manual as you take the necessary steps to be
effectively prepared. Please also consider in your planning special attention to
children, older persons and those with special needs, be they part of your family
or your neighbors.
Please take a few moments to read and then practice the emergency prepared-
ness information in this manual. Protecting the well being of your family and
property during an emergency begins with you and your family being prepared.
Together, our safety forces, combined with your cooperation in preparing for
such an event, will make a major difference in saving lives, reducing injuries
and protecting property.
Jerry N. Hruby
Mayor and Safety Director
Brecksville City Council

President Larry Potla, Vice President, Gerald Broski
Neil Brennan, Louis Carouse Jr., Nora Murphy, Gerald Broski
David Deuch and Greg Skaljac
Fire Chief Ed Egut
Service Director Bob Pech
Police Chief Dennis Kancler
City Engineer Victoria D. McCauley, P.E.
City Safety & Service Forces 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
POTENTIAL DISASTERS IN BRECKSVILLE
Flooding ........................................................................................................ 4
Winter Storm ................................................................................................ 6
Power Outage ................................................................................................ 6
Tornados and Outdoor Warning Sirens ......................................................... 7
Earthquake .................................................................................................... 8
Fire ................................................................................................................ 8
PREPARING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
Family Communication Plan ........................................................................ 9
Decide Where to Meet.............................................................................. 9
Choose an Out of Town Contact .............................................................. 9
Important Family Records ........................................................................ 9
Emergency Medical Information ................................................................. 10
Emergency Contact Card for Minor Children ............................................. 10
Emergency Pet Care Information ................................................................ 10
Complete the Plan ...................................................................................... 10
Floor Plan ................................................................................................... 10
Disaster Supplies Kit ................................................................................... 10
Home Inventory .......................................................................................... 11
Maintain Your Family Plan .......................................................................... 12
PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR HOME
Utility Shut-Off:
Gas ......................................................................................................... 12
Electricity ............................................................................................... 13
Water ...................................................................................................... 13
Fire Extinguishers ........................................................................................ 13
CITY SERVICES IN A DISASTER
Police Department ...................................................................................... 14
Building Department .................................................................................. 14
Engineering Department ............................................................................. 14
Fire Department .......................................................................................... 14
Service Department ..................................................................................... 15
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (C.E.R.T.) ..............15
CodeRED Emergency Notification System ................................................. 16
Financial RecordsReplacing or Recovering................................................. 17
Emergency Medical Form............................................................................ 18
Family Communication Plan Form ............................................................. 19
Internet Resources ....................................................................................... 19
Telephone Numbers .................................................................................... 20
T
ABLE OF CONTENTS 
FLOODING
Due to the topography of Brecksville,
our area is subject to flooding. No one
can stop a flood but there are actions you
can take to protect your family and keep
your property losses to a minimum.
During periods of unusually heavy rain
there can be storm water and/or sanitary
sewer backup into your basement. Keep
items off the floor and on shelves in your
basement and in air tight, water tight
containers. Dont keep your computer
in the basement. If you decide to finish
your basement with paneling and carpet-
ing, keep in mind that it might be dam-
aged should there be a water backup.
Know the terms used to describe flood-
ing. Beware of flood hazards especially
if you live in low lying areas, near wa-
ter. Even small streams, gullies, creeks,
culverts and dry stream beds or low lying
ground that appears harmless in dry
weather can flood.
S

Flood Watch
Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to
an emergency alert weather radio
such as NOAA (National Oceanic
& Atmospheric Administration), or
local radio or television for additional
information.
S

Flash Flood Watch
Flash flooding is possible. Move to
higher ground. A flash flood could
occur without any warning. Listen to
NOAA radio, local commercial radio
or television immediately.
S

Flash Flood Warning
A flash flood is occurring. Seek
higher ground on foot immediately.
S

Urban and Small Stream Advisory
Flooding of small streams, streets and
low lying areas is occurring.
Before the flood
One of the most important things
that you can do to protect your home
and family before a flood is to purchase
a flood insurance policy. The City of
Brecksville participates in the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which permits any
property owner, whether or not they are located within
or near a floodplain or flood-prone area, to purchase
flood insurance. Our floodplain number is 390098. Your
homeowners insurance does not typically cover flood
damage. You can obtain flood insurance through your
insurance company or agent. For more information about
the NFIP and/or flood insurance, contact your insurance
company or call the NFIP at 1-888-CALL-FLOOD,
ext. 314.
Prepare your home and property
S

Remove stored yard waste, grass and tree branches
from your property.
S

If your property has a stream that has been narrowed
by dumping or overgrowth, clean the area.
S

Maintain the stream on your property by removing
trees, cattails, etc., to eliminate flow restrictions.
S

Do not store cut wood on your property that has the
potential to be washed away in a storm, thereby re-
stricting a catch basin or drainage pipe downstream.
S

If your property ends at a ravine, do not use it as a
dump site.
S

Elevate appliances in flood-prone areas of your house.
S

Install glass block in your basement windows.
When you are notified that a flood is imminent, it is time
to put your preparedness plans into action.
S

Make sure you know where your disaster kit is located.
See page 10 for a description of items you should have
in your disaster kit.
S

Be prepared to evacuate.
S

Listen to the radio for weather and flood updates.
S

Check on family and neighbors with disabilities and
special needs to see if they need assistance.
S

Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and
close the main gas valve if evacuation appears nec