Dr. Marion Somers
September 2021 is National Preparedness Month.
The basic concept is COLLECT, SHARE, AND PRACTICE information, to safe guard people, pets and property.
In this climate of Covid-19, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and floods. We have all been inundated with personal and worldwide tragedies. How does one prepare has been my question and quest? I am a strong believer in being prepared. But some things are unexpected. So I have put together a brief list for the commonplace and a list of where to find information for the potential problems. I have attached the resources that I have found most helpful, clear and concise.
Basic information :
Remove all loose items from your patio or balcony
Fill up vehicle gas tanks
Fully charge your cell phones
Pick up your medical prescriptions
Have a portable battery operated radio
All emergency phone numbers written on a piece of paper in case your cell phone battery dies
Do whatever last minute shopping today
Shelter in place:
Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.
Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems.
Seal all windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Make sure you have emergency supplies.
Tune in to local radio or TV stations to receive updates.
If your children are at school, do not pick them up until the danger has passed and shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. School officials have shelter-in-place procedures. You will only endanger yourself by leaving a safe area during the emergency.
Websites:
Ready.gov (An official website for the United States Government)
FEMA.gov (Creating your Family Emergency Communication Plan starts with one question: ”What if?”)
caloes.ca.gov (Governor’s Office of Emergency Services)
disaster.asmdc.org (Assembly Emergency Information & Resources, when disaster hits)
dhses.ny.gov (New York State Emergency Plan)
www1.nyc.gov ( New York City Emergency Management)
No one list will take care of all contingences, but preparation gives you a sense of having thought through your potential needs in an attempt to safe guard your loved ones. The information on each of these sites varies and cover a variety of emergencies.
