Natural disasters, such as tornadoes and severe storms, are things we don’t like to think about until necessary. Mississippi ranks seventh in a list of 10 for the likelihood of natural disasters. From floods to all the other natural disasters around us, I believe it is imperative that we give this great thought.
We as Mississippians need to understand emergency preparedness is our responsibility. The Red Cross, the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency are there to help when needed. As Mississippians, we must be ready to take responsibility of our families, ourselves and our pets and be ready for the next impending emergency.
Families need three things to be prepared for weather emergencies:
1. A family disaster plan
2. Weather radio
3. Emergency supplies
One of the most important things you can do for your family is have a family disaster plan that tells everyone in the family what you’re going to do when an emergency occurs.
The plan should include what route will the family use to evacuate, where will the family meet should members be in different locations, checklists, contact information for doctors, insurance plans, pharmacies, veterinarians and an out-of-state contact for an extended stay.
According to Community Emergency Response Team, it is important to follow these steps:
• Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone and in your mobile device
• Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at main switches
• Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Be sure to test them monthly.
• Learn first aid and CPR.
• Meet your neighbors. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after the disaster.
Family safety is the most important factor when disaster strikes.
Weather radios, which cost less than $30, should be in every home, church and public gathering place, especially in communities that do not have emergency warning sirens. Most areas rely exclusively on weather radios.
Weather radios can be programmed to broadcast alerts for watches or warnings for a specific geographic area. The battery backup ensures that the radio will sound even if the electricity goes out. Like other safety equipment, test it regularly to ensure that it will go off when needed. It’s very loud. It will wake you up in the middle of the night. It is important to have radios programmed for watches and warnings, so you can have more notice and get the family prepared.
Finally, families should have a disaster kit that includes the disaster plan and emergency supplies. The kit should be easily accessible so you can grab and go when there is an emergency.
The supplies will allow you to survive for a few days on your own by having the things you need to get yourself settled and back in the groove, and then you can move forward and start implementing your plan to recover from the disaster.
Items in a basic disaster kit should include flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-operated or hand-crank AM/FM radio, a first-aid kit and water. Work gloves, sturdy footwear, toiletries and tools to turn off utilities are other items that can be included.
When putting together an emergency supply kit, remember pets and people with specific needs, including babies, the elderly and those with medical conditions.
One thing most people forget to include in a disaster kit is money.
You may need access to cash in case there’s something you absolutely need to have and it’s a cash economy. If it is a large-scale event and there is no electricity, you’re not going to get gas out of the ground, you’re not going to get money out of the ATM, and credit cards will not work.
Disaster kits can be assembled over time, buying a few things at a time, but it’s a worthwhile investment.
For a complete list of disaster items go to www.fema.gov or www.msema.org.
By having these things in place, it makes recovering psychologically so much easier. The stress is so much less, and everyone gets through the emergency with much more ease. You’re able to function. Everyone knows what they’re doing because you have a plan and you have all of your supplies.
For more information, call the local county Extension office at 453-6803.
• Jennifer Russell is the county coordinator and a child and family development Extension agent for the Washington County MSU Extension Service Office in Greenville. You may contact her at 662-334-2669 or jtb20@msstate.edu.
