September is National Preparedness Month
Sep. 16—The Caldwell County Health Department encourages residents to prepare for emergencies during September's observance of National Preparedness Month.
Residents can take steps to prepare for the next hurricane, flood or other emergency that may pose a threat to personal safety or result in home damages.
Officials with the health department say it is important to be prepared in today's world for a variety of emergencies that could include a disease outbreak, hurricane, wildfire, severe weather, earthquake or terrorism.
One of the ways to prepare is to build a kit that includes non-perishable food, bottled water, a wind-up or battery-operated radio and flashlight, batteries, copies of prescription medications, medical supplies, bedding, sleeping bags, pillows, clothing, a first aid kit and copies of important documents, including a driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates and tax records.
Having a to-go bag is also important if residents are asked to evacuate. The to-go bag includes a wind-up or battery-operated radio and flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, maps, important documents such as proof of residence, family and pet pictures, insurance policies, and tax records, as well as comfortable clothing and blankets, and other items like prescription medications, pet supplies and infant supplies.
Residents should also make a family emergency plan.
Families may not be together when disaster strikes, which makes it important to determine how to make contact with family members, ways each person will know how to get back together and what to do during an emergency. Plan specific places to meet. Also find out about emergency plans at work and school.
Families need to make plans to evacuate by identifying ahead of time where to meet. Identify several places to go in an emergency, whether it be a friend's home in another town, a motel or public shelter.
Plan for alternative ways to evacuate if you do not have transportation. If you have a vehicle, make sure you have at least half a tank of gas. Take with you an emergency supply kit, take your pets and bring food and water, as well as pet vaccination records.
Residents also need to be informed prior to an emergency.
Before a disaster, learn how to keep track of an impending hazardous event and how to receive advance alerts and warnings for emergencies, like a hurricane. Know the local emergency plans for shelter, evacuation and area contacts, including those who can provide help during a crisis.
Learn the terms to identify a hurricane, be prepared to evacuate and monitor area news reports or listen to a NOAA weather radio for the latest developments.
If local officials call for an evacuation, leave immediately.
Also remember to prepare your home.
Cover windows on a home with plywood or hurricane shutters to protect against high winds. Store outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Close shutters and secure outdoor objects or store them inside. Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. Turn off propane tanks.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes, such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
For more information about preparedness, contact the Caldwell County Health Department preparedness coordinator at 828-426-8461.
Additional information can be found at www.caldwellcountync.org, http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/phpr/, www.readync.org, www.ready.gov and www.redcross.org.
