National Preparedness Month is
a nationwide initiative that creates an important opportunity for every
American to learn more about ways to prepare for all types of emergencies
from potential terrorist attacks to natural disasters. The national
initiative is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the
American Red Cross.
All
Arizonans can take a few simple steps in order to make citizen preparedness
a priority in their homes and communities.
Step One: Get A Kit
The first step to basic preparedness is ensuring that you and your family
are ready by developing a Family Disaster Kit. Be prepared to have
supplies on hand to make it on your own for at least three days,
maybe longer. While there are many things that might make you more
comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air. Consider
putting together two kits. In one, put everything needed to stay where you
are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightweight, smaller
version you can take with you if you have to get away.
You'll need a gallon of water per person per day. Include in the kits canned
and dried foods that are easy to store and prepare. If you live in a cold
weather climate, include warm clothes and a
sleeping bag for each member of the family. Start now by gathering
basic emergency supplies –
a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit,
toilet articles, prescription medicines and other special things your family
may need. Many potential terrorist attacks could send tiny microscopic
"junk" into the air. Many of these materials can only hurt you if they get
into your body, so think about creating a barrier between yourself and any
contamination. It's smart to have something for each member of the family
that covers their mouth and nose.
For more information
on Family Disaster Kits, including what you and your family may want to
include, visit the www.ready.gov , the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security's website for a Ready America.
Step Two: Make A Plan
Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have
on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Depending on your
circumstances and the nature of the event, the first important decision is deciding whether to stay or go.
You should understand and plan for both possibilities.
Develop a Family Communications Plan: Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will
contact one another and review what you will do in different situations.
Consider a plan where each family member calls, or e-mails, the same friend
or relative in the event of an emergency. It may be easier to make a
long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-state
contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family
members. You may have trouble getting through, or the phone system may be
down altogether, but be patient.
Everyone can do something to help make our families and our communities
safer through:
Personal
Responsibility:
Developing a household preparedness plan and
disaster supplies kits, observing home health and safety practices,
implementing disaster mitigation measures, and participating in crime
prevention and reporting.
Training:
Taking classes in emergency preparedness, response capabilities, first aid,
CPR, fire suppression, and search and rescue procedures.
Volunteer Service:
Engaging individuals in volunteer activities that support first responders,
disaster relief groups, and community safety organizations. Everyone can do
something to support local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical
services, community public health efforts, and the four stages of emergency
management: prevention, mitigation, response and recovery efforts.
Arizonans looking to get
involved in public service should consider joining a Citizen Corps Council
or one of Citizen Corps five volunteer programs:
For more information on the
mission of Citizen Corps, as well as information on how to develop a Citizen
Corps Council in your area, visit: http://www.citizencorps.gov
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as
assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the
same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However there are important
differences among potential terrorist threats that will impact the decisions
you make and the actions you take.
Be prepared to adapt
information on more serious terrorist events to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions
received from authorities on the scene. Above all, stay calm, be patient
and think before you act. With these simple preparations, you can be
ready for the unexpected.
For additional information
please contact Cheryl Bowen by email at cbowen@azdohs.gov or by phone at 602-542-7077.
