HEALTH eNEWS: Enhance Future Safety By Planning For Emergncies Today

This month provided further illustration on the importance that advanced planning can have on minimizing the scope of future disasters. As we viewed the scenes of devastation from Oklahoma City and commemorated the two-year anniversary of the Joplin tornado, we once again realized that steps taken now help to protect us from whatever may come next. Despite all of the trauma that was caused by these terrible events, many good things can be taken from the tragedies.

Though we can seldom predict exactly when and where we may next experience a widespread emergency, it is encouraging to observe the quick reactions that occur once conditions indicate that something serious may be coming.

• First, a core team of governmental and non-governmental agencies work together throughout the Metropolitan Area to monitor conditions, develop response plans and practice roles to protect the community.
• Next, media plays its part by distributing instructions and warning to the public.
• Lastly, as we observed in Oklahoma, Joplin and here in our area, members of the public must then obey these warnings and take precautions to protect themselves.

While this comprehensive regional effort is underway, that last aspect demonstrates that a portion of the responsibility does fall upon you. By doing whatever you can to prepare in advance, you will help your family, your business and your neighborhood lessen the possibility for damages and speed the return to normal operations. An easy to follow, three-step emergency plan can help guide you on the path toward safety: 

1)      Create a Plan – Establish a policy that will determine how you and others would react to a situation. Develop plans for two types of situations — staying in place and evacuation. To make the plan more effective, practice until it is easily understood by all members of the group.

2)      Prepare a Kit – Set aside an easily accessible supply of resources that can protect and sustain your loved ones until additional help is available. Experts recommend preparing an emergency kit (see below) with materials that will sustain yourself, your family and your pets for at least three days (72 hours).

3)      Listen for Information – Locate resources that can provide life-saving information and follow these instructions. Make sure that you can obtain these instructions even in times of power outages or communications breakdowns.

A 72-hour emergency kit is easy to prepare and often involves items you may already have on hand.

• Collecting one gallon of water per person, per day and non-perishable foods (along with a can opener and heating source) will provide nourishment.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radios, flashlights and extra batteries will enable you to receive important updates and guide your way should power be lost.
• Your kit should also contain prescription medications, a First Aid kit for minor injuries, some cash (during power outages, you can’t use ATMs or credit cards) and other comfort items.
• If you do own pets, it is also necessary to include food, water and waste removal items for them as well.
• Storing the kit in a waterproof and easily transportable case will allow you to bring it with you if you need to evacuate.
• Visit our website for more information what should be found inside an emergency kit.

St. Charles County’s Department of Community Health and the Environment coordinates efforts with the County’s Division of Emergency Management as well as other local, state and federal agencies to prepare community’s response plans. Individuals and organizations can also participate in these efforts. A Medical Reserve Corps is being trained to respond to a health-related crisis, while area Community Emergency Response Team members will assist natural disasters and other safety responses. The St. Charles County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) chapter provides the platform for community responses through a collaboration of non-profit, governmental, volunteer, faith-based, public service and private business organizations. For information on joining the Medical Reserve Corps, area CERT programs or the St. Charles County COAD, please call 636.949.7408.

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