BY Samantha Lape-Kesel
YATES COUNTY-In an ever-changing world filled with unexpected challenges, the importance of being prepared is being highlighted in September. National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about how preplanning can help reduce stress and keep residents safer every day. Families and individuals alike should have a well-thought-out plan to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones. This guide outlines the four crucial steps that the public health department suggests to help you prepare for any disaster that may come your way.
Step One: Make a Plan
The first step in disaster preparedness is communication and planning. Reach out to friends and family to discuss how you will communicate before, during, and after an event that could impact travel, force an evacuation or otherwise impact the things you need. Create a network of support to ensure everyone’s well-being.
Plan for the essentials. If possible, have a stock of food, water, and other necessities for you and your pets/service animals if you have them. Consider your transportation options, especially if you require assistance evacuating. Don’t forget to make copies of insurance cards and other crucial documents and have them in one place and ready to go if needed.
Yates County Public Health’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Ryan Bailey adds, “It is important to have copies of medical insurance cards, photo ID, list of medications, and contact information for family members and doctors in your emergency kit in case the original copies were lost or damaged in the emergency event.”
Step Two: Build a Kit
Gathering the right supplies can make all the difference in the aftermath of an extended power outage or other event that forces an evacuation. Prepare a kit to sustain you and your family for several days following an emergency. Keep in mind the unique needs of each family member, including pets. There are recommendations from FEMA at Ready.gov to help with preparations.
Remember to replace food and water every three months to ensure freshness and safety.
Step Three: Prepare for Disasters
Understanding the potential disasters that could occur in each locality helps drive what to be prepared for. Research and identify the types of disasters most likely to happen locally, and educate yourself on how to prepare for each. For example, having a complete first-aid kit, a supply of drinking water, clothing and outwear to match the extreme aspects of weather in season. Create a plan for where to seek shelter within your home during each type of disaster and locate emergency evacuation routes.
Stay informed by signing up for local and state emergency alerts so you are well-prepared to respond when necessary.
Step Four: Create a Family Emergency Plan
Gather your family to discuss potential events and what actions to take in each situation. Assign specific responsibilities to each family member.
Develop a family evacuation plan and establish a designated meeting place outside the home. Each family member should know how and where to shut off utilities if required.
Follow www.yatescountypublichealth.org and Yates County Public Health on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
YATES COUNTY-In an ever-changing world filled with unexpected challenges, the importance of being prepared is being highlighted in September. National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about how preplanning can help reduce stress and keep residents safer every day. Families and individuals alike should have a well-thought-out plan to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones. This guide outlines the four crucial steps that the public health department suggests to help you prepare for any disaster that may come your way.
Step One: Make a Plan
The first step in disaster preparedness is communication and planning. Reach out to friends and family to discuss how you will communicate before, during, and after an event that could impact travel, force an evacuation or otherwise impact the things you need. Create a network of support to ensure everyone’s well-being.
Plan for the essentials. If possible, have a stock of food, water, and other necessities for you and your pets/service animals if you have them. Consider your transportation options, especially if you require assistance evacuating. Don’t forget to make copies of insurance cards and other crucial documents and have them in one place and ready to go if needed.
Yates County Public Health’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Ryan Bailey adds, “It is important to have copies of medical insurance cards, photo ID, list of medications, and contact information for family members and doctors in your emergency kit in case the original copies were lost or damaged in the emergency event.”
Step Two: Build a Kit
Gathering the right supplies can make all the difference in the aftermath of an extended power outage or other event that forces an evacuation. Prepare a kit to sustain you and your family for several days following an emergency. Keep in mind the unique needs of each family member, including pets. There are recommendations from FEMA at Ready.gov to help with preparations.
Remember to replace food and water every three months to ensure freshness and safety.
Step Three: Prepare for Disasters
Understanding the potential disasters that could occur in each locality helps drive what to be prepared for. Research and identify the types of disasters most likely to happen locally, and educate yourself on how to prepare for each. For example, having a complete first-aid kit, a supply of drinking water, clothing and outwear to match the extreme aspects of weather in season. Create a plan for where to seek shelter within your home during each type of disaster and locate emergency evacuation routes.
Stay informed by signing up for local and state emergency alerts so you are well-prepared to respond when necessary.
Step Four: Create a Family Emergency Plan
Gather your family to discuss potential events and what actions to take in each situation. Assign specific responsibilities to each family member.
Develop a family evacuation plan and establish a designated meeting place outside the home. Each family member should know how and where to shut off utilities if required.
Follow www.yatescountypublichealth.org and Yates County Public Health on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
