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BEING BETTER PREPARED FOR ANY POTENTIAL DISASTER

We listen to the news, we listen to the radio, we read our newspapers; everywhere we turn we hear discouraging news about our world events. Many of us are concerned about terrorism and will we, here in America , continue to feel its effects? There are a number of things one can do, if you want to be better prepared in the case of a disaster (be it man made or natural).

In the event of a disaster, it is important to try to remain calm and cooperate with your local officials. Government officials will inform residents on those actions being taken and those kinds of actions the public should take. Public health and safety officials through broadcasts and print media would provide instructions to the public on personal protection in the event of a chemical or biological incident. Some of those actions the local authorities might want you to take are evacuation and shelter-in-place. Evacuation means to leave the actual area, and you would be instructed by local authorities where to go. Make sure to take your disaster supplies kit with you, your pets, lock your home, shut off your utilities if you are instructed to do so, use designated travel routes, and stay away from downed power lines. Shelter-in-place means to stay indoors, close your windows, and lock your doors. Turn off all fans, heating, and air conditioning systems. Any utilities that are damaged should be turned off.

Besides listening to your officials, it is important to create an emergency communications plan for home and business. It is a good idea to have an out-of-town contact that lives far enough away so they would not be affected by the disaster. Every household member should have each other's contact numbers, e-mail addresses, along with the distant contact phone number and e-mail address. Give all this information to your child's school as well and know your school's emergency plan procedures. Your employer should also have this information as well as how to contact your designated beneficiaries and up-to-date information on any medical needs.

It is important to establish a meeting place for your family away from your home, and include your pets. It is also a good idea to create a diagram of your home indicating the best escape routes, all doors/exits and windows and post it. Businesses should also have an escape plan and have it posted.

Create a disaster supplies kit to include such items as: first aid kit and manual; whistle; battery-powered radio, flashlights, and batteries; special needs items for each member of your household; medications; change of clothing; trash bags for trash, waste, and water protection; food and water for you and your pets; manual can opener; toilet paper and towels; cash and credit cards; important documents; tools; eyeglasses; fire extinguisher (A-B-C type); duct tape; address book including doctor and pharmacy information; etc. Businesses should also have a disaster supplies kit. You may also want to consider a similar kit for your automobiles. Many people find that taking a first aid class through a local provider (American Red Cross or Community College) to be helpful.

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared (This is a good site to visit for all kinds of disaster information. There is a link to the booklet: Terrorism Preparing for the Unexpected . This will add to your search, or you can stop by our front counter and obtain a copy there. We only have limited quantities.)