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First-responders: Prepare for disasters
By christine keelinG
This is the perfect time to prepare for disaster.
September is National Preparedness Month, and area first-responders warn that people need to be ready to sustain themselves for at least three days in the event of a natural or man-made calamity.
“Everyone was so anxious” on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, said Vincent D’Egidio, chief of the New Middletown Police Department. “But how many were really prepared?”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready campaign suggests people get a kit, make a plan and be informed.
Residents should have one gallon of water per person, per day on hand for drinking and sanitation.
Food, hand-cranked or battery-operated radio, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, whistle to signal for help, dust mask, moist towels, pliers, maps and can opener also should be in a basic emergency kit.
“Use the old Boy Scout motto ‘Be prepared,’” said Clark Jones, director of the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency.
He said people should know up-front what they are going to do if phones are out and implement an accountability plan for children.
Most shelters won’t accept animals, he said.
Families should designate someone they know as an out-of-town contact, so family members can communicate if they become separated. Text messages and long- distance calls sometimes avoid in-town network disruptions and are easier to complete.
“There are only so many firemen, police officers, etc.,” said Jones.
“They are going to deal with clearly defined hazards first.”
The thinning of resources during emergency situations is why, he said, the monthlong awareness campaign has emphasis on people taking responsibility for themselves and becoming prepared
Safety-tip information can be obtained by calling area emergency- management agencies.