September is “National Preparedness Month” This is near and dear to my heart since I live where it floods and I’m part of my community’s Long Term Recovery Group and it’s amazing how much we learn each year to better prepare.
What would you do if you have to suddenly evacuate your home because of a natural disaster? How about if you are stranded for several days because of a power outage, snow storm, hurricane or tornado?
It’s common for people to wait until just the day before a hurricane, blizzard or other event is about to happen and make a mad dash to the store only to be greeted by bare shelves. Many events happen without any warning, such as earthquakes and fires. Consequently, the better prepared you are now, the better you’ll deal with an emergency whether it’s immediate or a couple days out.
PREP YOUR CELL PHONE: Phones have useful features that can be of great help in an emergency. Protect it by having a waterproof case, a portable charger, regular charger, batteries etc.
Before an emergency
• Set up SOS feature as this will allow you to quickly call for help and alert emergency contacts. Be sure to practice how to use it so you’re ready if an emergency occurs.
• Use the Medical ID feature: The app appears as a red heart on most phones. Add allergies, conditions and blood type.
• Create a private group list of emergency contacts. One text can let them know you are fine or you need help
• Bookmark useful sites and apps such as the NOAA forecast
• Create a “digital vault” for important papers (deeds, wills, power of attorney etc.) that you’ll be able to retrieve in the event you should need them. There are a variety of sites to choose from e.g. Trustworthy GoodTrust
• If you aren’t regularly using them, check out the flashlight, compass (can help to locate people); and radio features.
During an emergency
Try not to let your phone battery dip below half a charge. Texts can often get through even when calls can’t and use less battery than a call. Keep phone use to a minimum. Extend the phones energy by dimming the screen, not using live Wallpapers or Blue tooth or turn it off and only using when necessary.
REGISTER FOR WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short emergency messages from authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial public alerting authorities that can be broadcast from cell towers to any WEA‐enabled mobile device in a locally targeted area. Wireless providers primarily use cell broadcast technology for WEA message delivery. WEA is a partnership among FEMA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and wireless providers to enhance public safety. Each state has an emergency alert system, They are usually called VT Alert, NH Alert etc. If you have not registered for your state’s program, find it on-line by searching your state’s name and “alert system.”
REGISTER WITH LOCAL AGENCIES if you will need help evacuating or need to be checked on at home. If your state doesn’t have a registry, contact your local fire department and/or police department as they will be heading up rescue operations if they are needed. They can also advise you about special programs to register for.
KNOW YOUR STATE’S EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM/PROTOCALS
Every state has an emergency management division usually within their Department of Public Safety. You can find your state’s program by googling the name of your state with “emergency management.” Read through the website as it can help you prepare for emergencies specific to your area.
KNOW THE ALERT SYSTEMS FOR YOUR AREA
Depending on your community, there can be specific sirens and alerts depending on the type of emergency. Know the best places (radio stations and websites) to monitor the emergency situation.
KNOW WHERE TO GO IF YOU HAVE TO EVACUATE
Is there a local shelter for your community? If there isn’t one, identify a place where you can go if you need to evacuate.
PREPARE A GO KIT
Whether you shelter at home or need to evacuate, having a kit in place makes a difference. At a minimum the “Go Kit”-grab as you out the door-contains
• Sufficient medical supplies: 7-10 day supply of prescription medications, as well as durable medical goods such as diaper, oxygen, catheters.
• Water and food to last 72 hours, including snacks
• Copies of important documents, stored in a water proof envelope -e.g. vital records (birth, marriage, adoption, child custody paper) ID (passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, green card, military service) Deeds
• Whistle
• Phone charger
• Basic 1st Aid Kit
• Pet supplies-including leash, crate and food
• Extra set of clothes
HAVE A PLAN
Create a plan with family and friends: Use the Ready Guide to help you.
TIPS FOR THOSE WITH ANY TYPE OF HEALTH ISSUE
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or other ID
• Know your exact diagnosis
• Carry your insurance card along with medical provider information (Name, phone number, e-mail address, hospital they are affiliated with). Also have written down the medications you are on, dosages, and other relevant information.
• Depending on medication, keep some in multiple places: This includes oxygen
• Consider registering with a life alert program as you can contact them even if there is a power outage and phone lines are down.
• Make a plan with your medical provider: Depending on where you live, as well as your chronic condition, it’s important that you know where to go to get immediate medical help you may need in the event of an emergency. This is particularly true for those on dialysis and certain respiratory diseases.
OTHER RESOURCES
