Be prepared - Emergency preparedness is a necessity

by Sheena Madsen
| April 8, 2009 12:00 AM

Check out some of the great emergency preparedness resources available online at: http://www.redcross.org, http://www.disasterhelp.gov, http://www.ready.gov, http://www.fema.gov

Imagine that you have no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service. Imagine that all the businesses are closed and you are without any kind of emergency services. How well prepared are you if you were put in this situation today? Your answer to this sole question is critically important in you and your family’s chances of survival in a disaster situation.

We all have a tendency to think “today is not the day” that something awful will happen, but unfortunately one day disaster will strike, even in Lake County, Montana. Keeping this in mind, it is imperative that we put forth the individual effort to be as prepared as possible for when the unthinkable does strike our small community.

Disasters, both natural and manmade, disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year leaving lasting effects, both to people and to property. If a disaster occurs in our community, local government and disaster-relief organizations will try to assist in any way possible. However, it is critically important that you take it upon yourself to be self-sufficient in case local responders are unable to reach you immediately.

You should know how to respond to any disaster that could occur in our area; power outage, earthquake, extreme cold, flooding, terrorism, etc. You should also be ready to be self-reliant for at least three days. This may mean providing your own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation.

In the event you need to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you, you will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you and your family will need. This being said, every household should assemble an emergency supplies kit prior to needing it and keep it up to date.

An emergency supplies kit is a collection of basic items a family would more than likely need to stay safe and be more comfortable during and after a disaster. Disaster supplies kit items should be stored in a portable container as close as possible to the exit door. Also, consider having emergency supplies in each vehicle and at your place of employment. Review the contents of your kit at least once a year or as your family’s needs change.

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival; fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Clothes

• AM/FM radio (with extra batteries)

• Flashlight (with extra batteries)

• First aid kit

• Essential medications/eye glasses/hearing aids

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust masks

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Can opener for food

• Pocketknife

• Copies of important papers (ID, insurance policies, etc.)

• Cash and coins

• Local maps

The bottom line is this, we can not predict when an emergency will happen, however, preparing now will help protect you and your family in the future. Keep in mind the the old adage, better safe than sorry! Please feel free to contact Lake County Public Health at 883-7288 for more information regarding emergency preparedness.