RSS 2.0 FeedAugust 26, 2011, Weekly editorial
Wake-up call
Recent freak thunder and hail storms and flooding were a wake-up call to South Shore residents. It’s time to get ready for hurricane season once again.
Do you have a “Go Bag”—backpack with emergency supplies/important documents for each household member? According to the American Red Cross, you should have one, and it should contain the following items: water—small bottle; food—nonperishable snacks; battery-powered radio/flashlight (with extra batteries) or crank radio/flashlight; First Aid Kit—bandages, scissors; copies of important documents in a waterproof container (ID, proof of residence, insurance info, emergency contact card); prescription info—name, dose, doctor’s name and number;a whistle to signal for help; silver foil blanket—also called a mylar blanket; keys—a second set of car and house keys; cash—small bills; toiletries—hygiene items, toilet paper and special needs—baby supplies, contact lenses, pet supplies, etc. Your car should have a full tank of gas and be in good repair.
In addition to the “Go Bag,” you also need to stockpile certain items in case you’re homebound because of a disaster (utility disruption, HAZMAT emergency, flu pandemic). A Disaster Supplies Kit — sturdy container such as a duffle bag or plastic bin containing enough provisions to last your entire household for at least three days — is essential. Items to include: water—at least one gallon per person per day; food — foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water (e.g., canned foods, energy bars) and a manual can opener; battery-powered radio/flashlight (with extra batteries) or crank radio/flashlight; special needs items — for children and older loved ones, as well as pets or service animals personal items —eye glasses/contact lenses and solution, hygiene’ items, charged cell phone batteries; copies of important documents in a waterproof container (ID, proof of residence, insurance info, emergency contact card); prescription info — name, dose, doctor’s name and number; First Aid Kit and Manual.
In addition to supplies, each family needs a plan. The Red Cross advises you to:
“(1) Establish responsibilities for each household member so you can work as a team. (2) Pick two places to meet: one near your home in case of a local emergency, like a fire, and the second outside your neighborhood in case of larger-scale emergencies. (3) Maintain an up-to-date emergency contact card with addresses and phone numbers. (4) Choose an out-of-area friend or relative as a contact for everyone to call. It’s often easier to call out-of-area during a large-scale emergency. (5) Include your pets in an evacuation plan. Have items for your pet in your disaster supplies kit and “Go Bag.” (6) Teach adult household members when and how to turn off electricity, water and gas.
Tell household members where emergency information and supplies are kept.
Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Take your planned evacuation route, then map out alternative routes in case main roads are impassible.”
It is also important to learn first aid and CPR.
Include your neighbors in your emergency plan. An end-of-summer block party would be a good time to talk about it.
