Emergency Preparedness Focus Of Get Ready Day

Emergencies can happen at any time — floods, power outages, lightning strikes, tornadoes, floods — but that doesn’t mean families need to live in fear. Taking steps to prepare now will help when emergencies come. Residents are encouraged to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies on Sept. 19 — Get Ready Day.

To really be prepared for emergencies, we each need to have a plan, a three-day supply of food and water, and other critical supplies.

Have a Plan: Know what to do in an emergency. Talk to family members about what might happen and what each family member should do. Talk about how you will contact each other if you are separated when the emergency occurs. Establish a meeting place near your home in case you become separated and can’t get home. Identify a person outside of the area that you can each check in with if local telephone and cell phone service is down.

Stock Supplies: Make a plan to care for your family for at least three days. Stock nonperishable foods like trail mix, canned soups and dry cereal. Pack a can opener and bottled water. Stock 3 gallons of water for each family member.

Emergency Kit: Stock a kit with a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio and a first-aid kit. Add essential things like medicines, diapers and infant formula, eye glasses, cash, and important papers like birth certificates and insurance policies.

Plan For Pets: Like humans, pets will also need at least a threeday supply of food and water. Store pet food in an airtight, waterproof container. Pack the pet’s blankets, leashes and other supplies.

Get Ready Day reminds us of the importance of always being prepared for emergencies, but really, we should focus on being prepared all year ‘round, because emergencies can happen at any time.

Get Ready Day is a campaign from the American Public Health Association.

It is held the third Tuesday in September each year to coincide with National Preparedness Month.

To learn more or to view additional resources, visit their website at www. aphagetready.org.

Public health — working every day for healthier families, healthier communities, healthier YOU!

Learn more on Facebook, by calling (417) 223-7122 or by visiting www.mcdonald countyhealth.com.