Cactus Village Community

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - ARE YOU READY?

Sep 03, 2003

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - ARE YOU READY?
By CAO Terry Cooper


A few months ago I attend the Block Watch Advisory Board meeting. The guest speaker was from the American Red Cross and gave a presentation on what to do and what is needed in the event of a disaster. I thought the information was very good and worth repeating, so here goes:

Create a Disaster Plan, meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. After explaining to your children what to do if the house smoke detector goes off, practice a fire drill at home and see if they have listened and understand what they are suppose to do. Determine the best escape route from your home. Make sure there are two ways out of each room. Find safe spots in your house for other types of disasters. Take a CPR class. Check your smoke detectors monthly and change batteries at least once a year.

Pick a place to meet outside your home and an alternate place in case your original spot is not accessible. Also choose a site outside of your neighborhood in case you are at work and your children are at school and you are not able to return home because of an evacuation of the neighborhood. Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact". After a disaster, it's is often easier to call long distance because local lines are busy. Make sure everyone knows this number so they can call in and advise of their location and if they are "ok". Get with your neighbors and plan how you can work together after a disaster. Maybe assisting with elderly or special needs persons. Make plans for childcare in case parents can't get home. These are only a few ideas and basic information.

Needed supplies: (just in case) WATER, (one gallon per day per person, two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food prep/sanitation) and at least a three day supply for each person. Ready to eat foods and snacks, first aid kit, and non-prescription drugs, batteries and a battery operated radio for news and instructions. Flashlights, manual type can opener, toiletries and personal hygiene products, at least one change of clothing per person, blankets or sleeping bags, and special items for babies and persons with health problems. Try to keep these emergency items in a duffle bag or large covered container that is accessible and ready to go in the event of an emergency. Rotate the food and water every six months so it stays fresh.

For more information contact your local Red Cross or write to: FEMA, P.O. box 70274, Washington, D.C. 20024 (Ask for: Are You Ready?, Your Family Disaster Supply Kit)
PRACTICE YOUR PLAN!!!!!!!!. . . ☻