Emergency Preparedness

Contributed by Al Filmore, Trainer / Consultant, Evergreen Safety Council

In today’s ever changing world we need to be prepared for whatever disaster that could befall us. This means, but is not limited to:

• Disasters that we know are coming: storms, and

• Disasters that happen suddenly: tornado, earthquakes, etc.

Some people don’t realize that disasters can leave you with the few things you can carry out in a hurry. We need to understand that preparedness is before an incident happens.

Separate kits should be in your car, at home, and at work. I myself have a backpack.     

Things you could carry in your disaster kit:

• First Aid Kit 
• Rope 
• AM/FM Radio w/batteries/combination wind up 
• Light sticks 
• Ponchos with hood 
• Flashlights wind-up or battery (L.E.D last longer) 
• Bottled water 
• Hygiene supplies (tissues, towelettes, infectious waste bag, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, absorbent towel and feminine pad) 
• Survival blankets 
• Gloves 
• Plastic bags 
• Tarpaulin or plastic folded nicely 
• Food bars 
• Meals ready to eat (MRE’s) 
• N95 dust masks 
• Whistles 
• Collapsible water/ shower container

Your Disaster Plan should contain:

• A contact outside of the area 
• A family meeting place 
• Documents with allergy information, blood type, medications, and dosage 
• Glasses, prescription card

Some families are using smart phones to store information and putting quick response (QR) UPC stickers with In Case of Emergency (ICE) information to send updated information to each other, or a central site like the Red Cross Safe and Well site for declared disasters.

These are sites you can refer to for more information and to help you be better prepared at home, while at play and when at work.

https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms//

http://3days3ways.org/

http://www.disasterassistance.gov/

http://www.icesticker.com/Instructions.html

http://www.ready.gov/

Evergreen Safety Council also offers customized onsite training at your company to help everyone be prepared. If you need help, give us a call 800-521-0778.