Today’s topic is Preparedness: Make a Plan, Have a Kit, Stay Informed!

Why is preparedness important?

Fires, water main breaks, and power outages are all possible interruptions to your regular schedule which many only impact you or your neighborhood. Floods, tornadoes, winter storms, and heat waves are natural disasters which can impact a much larger population for an extended period of time.

All who live and work in Douglas County are subject to these and other man-made and disease-related emergencies which can happen with little notice and can change the course of your day or year.

Taking steps to be prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany emergencies.

Who is responsible for the health and welfare of you and your family in an emergency or disaster?

Emergency Services and government agencies may not be able to respond to your needs immediately. Their buildings, equipment, communications, mobility, and personnel, may be severely hampered by the event or they may need to focus efforts elsewhere. 

Local government and disaster-relief organizations will try to help you, but you need to take steps to ready yourself and your family for the emergency.

Again: Who is responsible for the health and welfare of you and your family in an emergency or disaster?  YOU ARE!!

Everyone needs to be prepared to survive on your own for a minimum of 3 days, and in some cases you may need to be able to stay home for 10 days.

While we cannot control natural disasters, emergencies, or unexpected events, we can be prepared, and we can protect ourselves and our families. Taking time to plan and prepare will help you and your family lessen the impact an emergency has on you. The most important concept in developing a Family Emergency Preparedness Plan is communication. Every member of the family needs to be involved so that when disaster strikes, everyone will know what to do, and how to keep in touch. How well you manage the aftermath of a disaster depends a great deal on how well you prepare today—before the disaster strikes!

Take time tonight to Make a Plan, Get a Kit, and learn how to Stay Informed!