Author: Anna Muldoon, Science Policy Advisor
As we wind down 2012 and look forward to 2013, many of us are reviewing our priorities and goals to make 2013 a better year. 2012 has given us many reminders of the need to be prepared for the unexpected. Hurricane Sandy has caused untold damage to several states. Wildfires in the Western and Central US destroyed homes and forced evacuations in several states. Hurricane Isaac caused flooding, power outages and evacuations across Louisiana.
Recovery continues in these communities and life is returning to normal, but what can we do in 2013 to be better prepared ourselves if the next disaster is in our home town? As we look toward New Year’s resolutions, it makes sense to incorporate a few preparedness goals into the list. Many of these ideas are easy and fast, and can make a huge difference if you do them before a disaster is heading your way. You’ll have the peace of mind that you’re done everything you can to keep yourself and your family safe and as healthy as possible.
Make a family plan – discuss what you will do in the event of an evacuation or major warning for your area. Know the kind of disasters you need to worry about most often and plan ahead for them. Talk about what you will do if you need to evacuate – where you will go, where you will meet if you are separated from your spouse or children, how you will keep in touch. Make sure everyone in your family understands the plan. Learn how you can make a plan.
Get a kit – put together the basic supplies to live for at least 3 days without power or away from your house. This includes water, canned food, flashlights, battery or solar powered radios (many of these can also charge your phone), a first aid kit, and important documents. Make sure you include any medications your family members need on a daily basis.
Make copies of important documents – make sure your kit includes key documents. Put important documents, such as house titles, passports, birth certificates, and investment documents in a safe deposit box or a water and fire proof box in your home.
Sign up for emergency alerts – Many towns and cities have local emergency alert systems that will send text messages, emails, or call your cell phone in the event of an emergency warning for your area. Others have Facebook or Twitter sites, so you can be alerted to a disaster on sites you use every day. Knowing the most up to date information on an emergency can save your life. Signing up for these is free and usually only takes a few minutes. Find resources in your state.
Plan for your pets – have a plan for your pets and know what you will do for them in the event of an emergency, especially if you would be staying in a community Some shelters will take pets in the event of an evacuation, but not all will. If you have a dog, having an emergency muzzle or knowing how to make one is a very good idea. Even the calmest animal can be scared into snapping when there is noise, wind, flooding, or fire. If you have cats, make sure you have carriers on hand, so you can take the cat with you safely.
Most of these steps can be accomplished quickly - anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, but they can make a difference when disaster strikes. Why not begin the New Year with a few steps to protect yourself and your family for the long term? It’s never a bad moment to be prepared for the future!
Got other ideas on how to start the New Year out right and prepare yourself and your family for an emergency? Share your ideas in a comment to this blog.
