We have talked about emergency preparedness usually in the context of an earthquake. This past week has shown us how disrupted our lives become because of severe weather and power outages.
What You Can Do Next Time
Make A
Plan
1. Learn what hazards can cause disasters where you live. Determine your family’s needs and how you can survive these hazards. Consider special needs populations such as people with disabilities and the elderly in your planning.
2. Develop and practice a communications plan (what to do should phone lines shut down. Have an out-of-state contact for family members to call if local lines don’t work)
3. Develop and practice an evacuation plan should you need to leave home.
Build A Kit (In case you have to shelter-in-place at home, work, school or car, have a kit with essential survival supplies)
1. Have a Disaster Supply Kit at home (minimum of three days worth of food, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery-operated radio, flashlight, batteries, blanket, ibuprofen, thermometer, alcohol-based hand wash).
2. Have basic items (food, water, light, first aid kit and a blanket for your car, work or school. Include extra change should you need to use a phone booth).
3. Have special needs items in your kit (supply of needed medications for a minimum of three days, an extra pair of eyeglasses or extra cane, surgical mask, food/water/leash for pets)
Get Involved
Know resources around you, including agencies and groups that provide safety training. Be a resource to someone else who may need help preparing. Remember: during a major disaster we will depend on each other.
1. Get Trained (CPR, First Aid, know and refresh your emergency kit)
2. Help a Neighbor, Help a Friend, Spread the Word (Block Watch, Volunteer)
3. Get Connected with your Community (Citizen Corps, Emergency Management Agencies)
Concerns About Looting
We know of some businesses that were burglarized during the power outage that most likely would not have been otherwise. There were a few residential burglaries, but nothing on a scale that indicates there was widespread crime and disorder. The fear of crime and disorder was greater than the actual incidents. (There was widespread idiotic driving, but that’s another issue.)
Resources
• www.seattle.gov/emergency
• http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/index.htm
• www.ready.gov
• www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/familyplan.html
Red Cross disaster preparedness information is available in a multitude of languages.
A wise individual (Snoopy, I believe) once said, “The day of the prom is not when you take dance lessons.” In the context of emergency preparedness, it’s meaning is pretty clear: After the storm hits is not when you get ready for it.
Until next time, Take Care, Stay Safe and have a wonderful Holiday Season!
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
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