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At a time of year when people traditionally resolve to make changes that can improve their lives, the New York State Office of Homeland Security, in concert with the State Department of Health and the State Emergency Management Office, has urged New Yorkers to take some simple steps now to be better prepared for possible emergencies in 2006.
"While New York State continues to do everything possible in working with local governments to ensure the protection of our citizens, there are some basic actions New Yorkers can take to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones," said James W. McMahon, director of the State Office of Homeland Security. "As we approach a new year, I encourage you to create a family emergency preparedness plan, and practice it with your family. It pays to be prepared."
"No doubt, a lot of us are already thinking about making New Year's resolutions," said State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello. "One that is particularly important to make-and keep-is a promise to be prepared for emergencies. If the lessons of Hurricane Katrina have taught us anything, it is that we need to be thinking about the best ways to protect our families. Make a New Year's promise that will help prepare you for any emergency."
"If you haven't taken precautions to protect yourself or your family for possible emergencies, make this the year you do it," said John R. Gibb, acting director of the State Emergency Management Office. "Emergencies may occur when you and your family members are away from home, so learn about plans at your workplace or anywhere else you and your family spends time. And stockpile emergency supplies to meet your needs."
Officials suggest you start by talking with your family about why you need to prepare for unexpected situations such as a blackout, weather emergency or disease outbreak. Plan for what you need to have on hand, and what you would do. The following suggestions can help:
--Make sure everyone in your family knows where you keep your emergency supplies and your first aid kit. Make sure you have a thermometer you can use to take your temperature and over-the-counter medications to reduce fever. If you get sick, you won't have to go shopping and expose other people to your germs.
--Pay attention to the news. Know which local radio and television stations can provide you with up-to-date official information on protective actions during an emergency. Make sure you have a wind-up radio, battery-operated radio or TV with plenty of extra batteries in case the power goes out.
--Know important phone numbers and list them by each phone in your house.
--Know the best escape route from each room in your home. Practice getting out your house in a hurry in case of fire. Practice escape routes with the lights out-in an emergency, the power may be off.
--Know where family members will meet in case they can't get home. One location should be near your home; the other, outside the neighborhood.
--Know your community's public alert system.
--Know your child's school emergency plan.
An emergency kit should contain supplies that will allow you to be self sufficient for a minimum of three days, and ideally for as long as three weeks. Stock up little by little, if necessary. It's not essential to purchase everything all at the same time. Start by making sure you have a flashlight and fresh batteries, portable radio, ready-to-eat canned food and other non-perishable food items on hand, and at least a gallon of water per day for every member of your household. As soon as possible, add the following to your stockpile:
Manual can opener;
Supplies for babies, such as disposable diapers;
Items for family members with special medical needs;
Bleach (for disinfecting);
Extra bathroom tissue;
Plastic bags and ties (for sanitation).
Try to have a little extra cash on hand (in case ATMs are not working); and keep an extra set of car keys and important documents, such as passports or other personal identification, birth certificate and insurance policies all together in a fireproof and waterproof safe place where you can get to them quickly. If you take prescription medications, refill your prescriptions as often as possible so you won't run short. Make a list of all the medications you take, including their dosage and frequency, and bring it with you if you have to leave your home.
As part of your planning, arrange for a friend or relative to serve as a point of contact in case family members are separated in an emergency. Because it may still be possible to call long distance when local phone lines are down, you should select someone out-of-state to be your emergency contact. Plan, also, for what you will do with your pets if you have to leave your home. They won't be permitted in public emergency shelters.
For more information on what you can do to be better prepared, check these websites:
New York Office of Homeland Security: www.security.state.ny.us
New York State Health Department: www.nyhealth.gov
New York State Emergency Management Office: www.nysemo.state.ny.us
12-28-05
© 2005 North
Country Gazette
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