Disaster 101: Keep an emergency kit on hand

The best way to cope with an emergency at home, school, work and in your community is to prepare beforehand, says Southwest Georgia District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant.

"During September, National Preparedness Month, Public Health and other emergency responders are emphasizing the importance of preparing for emergencies - whether they are natural, like hurricanes, or caused by people, such as acts of terrorism," she said.

"Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home," added Dougherty County Health Department Director Cheryl Hendley. "We want you to think about what you would do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones - were cut off."

Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away, she pointed out. "The best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. We encourage you to get or make a disaster kit; make a plan; and be informed."

Julie Miller, Southwest District Public Health’s emergency preparedness director, said everyone should have basic supplies on hand to survive for at least two weeks if an emergency occurs. “Individuals should consider having at least two emergency supply kits: one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time,” she said.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least two weeks, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a two-week supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps

More information about planning for emergencies is available by going online to:
www.southwestgeorgiapubichealth.org.