Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010

Emergency preparedness starts at home

By Cpt. Robert Morton, Blue Springs Police Department

Hurricane Katrina, the Haitian earthquake and tornados that have struck the Midwest over the past few years are examples of major incidents where citizens need to be prepared for emergencies that occur suddenly and without warning.

Many remember in 2002 when sever ice and downed power lines occurred in Blue Springs. Every year thousands of people in the Midwest have to deal with emergencies due to weather or other related problems caused by major events.

Preparation for disasters start at home and every family should have their own family disaster plan. In cases where evacuation or relocation is needed, residents plan should include a contact person, usually a relative in another part of the country, that can receive and relay messages from those involved who cannot talk to each other during the actual emergency.

A pre-determined meeting location, in case family members are separated, should be established, with children able to tell rescuers or neighbors where you might all regroup outside the disaster area. This location should be at least 60 miles from where you live so it will be outside the affected area. Decide who will be responsible for picking up children, family who cannot drive and pets.

The more common emergencies in the Midwest usually require sheltering in place without power for an hour or days at a time. Preplanning will make this power outage less stressful.

Keep an emergency kit available that includes flashlights, a portable radio, a week’s supply of non-perishable ready to eat foods, bottled water, hard soled shoes, basic first aid kit, a supply of prescription medicines if required and a week’s supply of batteries. Other items that should be considered are raincoats, a change of clothing and blankets.

These items are the same items that were in short supply in New Orleans during the Katrina aftermath and are in great need in Haiti after the recent earthquake.

The items in the emergency kit will expire over time, so the kit should be replenished every six months.

Residents can find a step by step guide to create a family plan as well other helpful information on line at www.preparemetrokc.org.