WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
TO THE SANPETE COUNTY PREPAREDNESS MAGAZINE Welcome
Greetings from the Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management!
In the heart of our rural community, preparedness and self-reliance are not just guidelines — they are a way of life. As we navigate the potential consequences of natural and man-made emergencies, embracing these principles is essential for ensuring our safety and well-being.
BE PREPARED: Awareness and proactive planning are crucial. Equip yourself and your family with the knowledge and supplies needed to handle unexpected events effectively. An emergency plan can be a lifesaver when time is critical.
BE INFORMED: Stay updated on potential risks and the latest safety protocols. Understanding the threats we face
allows us to respond swiftly and efficiently.
BE SELF-RELIANT:
Develop the skills and resources necessary to support yourself during crises. Self-reliance strengthens not only your confidence but also your ability to assist those around you.
BE RESILIENT: Life’s challenges are inevitable, but our resilience is our greatest asset. Building mental and emotional strength will help you adapt and recover, no matter the obstacles.
BE WILLING TO HELP OTHERS: Our community’s strength lies in its spirit of cooperation. By volunteering, getting involved and serving beyond yourself, you contribute to the collective safety and support of Sanpete County.
In this magazine, you’ll find practical tips and valuable insights to foster preparedness and self-reliance as a way of life. We encourage you to actively engage, prepare thoroughly and advocate for preparedness within your sphere of influence. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Sanpete County.
Thank you for joining us on this important journey. Let’s work together to ensure our community remains prepared and united. Stay safe, and stay prepared!
Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office & Emergency Management
GUNNISON VALLEY HOSPITAL
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to highlight the critical importance of emergency preparedness at Gunnison Valley Hospital and share a recent example of our commitment to this crucial aspect of healthcare.
At Gunnison Valley Hospital, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our patients, staff and community by rigorously preparing for emergencies through regular training and drills. Our comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is designed to ensure that we are well-equipped to handle various critical situations effectively.
Recently, our preparedness was put to the test during a significant patient surge event caused by a lightning strike. Over 20 patients were admitted in a short period, and our ER providers, nursing staff and support teams worked tirelessly to deliver exceptional care. Thanks to our well-practiced emergency procedures and the dedication of our staff, we were able to manage this challenging situation with efficiency and compassion.
Our commitment to readiness extends beyond the hospital walls. We conduct annual drills to keep our team well-prepared and encourage our employees to also be prepared at home for emergencies. We believe that preparation is a shared responsibility, and we actively
promote awareness within the public as well. We encourage the community to participate in emergency preparedness drills and to develop their own emergency plans. Simple steps, such as creating an emergency kit, having a family communication plan and staying informed about local emergency resources, can make a significant difference in critical situations.
Liz Brown, B.S., M.S.M.L.
HR Director, Gunnison Valley Hospital
EPHRAIM FIRE DEPARTMENT
Ephraim Fire Department advises residents to do the following to help them prepare for emergencies:
• Check smoke detectors in the home monthly and replace the batteries at each time change (to Daylight Savings Time and back).
• Have a working carbon monoxide detector in every home.
• Have a working fire extinguisher and know how to properly use it.
• Have an escape plan and meeting place that everyone is familiar with so they know where to go in case of an emergency.
• Mark fire extinguishers and ensure emergency exists are not blocked.
• Text and inspect fire protection equipment yearly.
Jeff Hermansen Chief, Ephraim Fire Department
CENTRAL UTAH MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS OFFERS FREE COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS TRAININGS
The Central Utah Health Department, in collaboration with the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), is offering free community preparedness trainings throughout the Central Utah region. These trainings are designed to equip residents with essential skills to handle emergencies effectively, ensuring that our communities are prepared to act swiftly in the face of unforeseen events.
The MRC is a volunteer program made up of trained individuals who are ready to support our community in times of need. Established in response to the 9/11 attacks and the anthrax incidents of 2001, the MRC was created by President George W. Bush as part of the USA Freedom Corps.
The MRC is a branch of the Citizen Corps, which encourages Americans to volunteer in support of their country and communities. The Central Utah MRC has been part of this national program since 2005 and includes medical and public health professionals as well as diverse community members, all dedicated to enhancing our region’s preparedness.
Whether you’re part of a school, church or business or simply a group of friends or family, you can schedule a training session at a time and location that is convenient for you. The MRC provides a flexible range of topics, allowing groups to mix and match to tailor the training to their specific needs and interests.
Some of the most popular training topics include:
• CPR and Anti-Choking Techniques: Learn life-saving skills to assist someone in distress until professional help arrives.
• Basic First Aid: Gain knowledge on how to treat minor injuries and stabilize more severe ones.
• 72-Hour Kits: Get guidance on assembling emergency kits that will sustain your family during the critical first 72 hours of a disaster.
• Narcan Use: Receive training on how to administer Narcan (naloxone) to reverse opioid overdoses, potentially saving lives.
• Earthquake Safety: Understand how to protect yourself and others during and after an earthquake.
• Fire Prevention: Learn strategies to prevent fires in the home and what to do if one occurs.
• Babysitting Safety: Essential tips for babysitters to ensure the safety of children in their care.
These trainings are a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their emergency preparedness. The MRC emphasizes the importance of community members being ready to manage small emergencies independently, which not only helps to keep their loved ones safe but can also free up first responders to focus on critical situations.
If you’re interested in volunteering with the Central Utah MRC or scheduling a training session for your group, please contact Rachel Barney at the Central Utah Health Department at 435-896-5451 ext. 317 or at rbarney@ centralutahhealth.org. Together, we can make Central Utah a safer and more prepared community!
ALERTSENSE Sign up for emergency alerts today through AlertSense
For years, the Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office has relied on AlertSense, a sophisticated communication system that enhances community preparedness. This platform allows the Sheriff’s Office to send outbound 911 calls, integrate with the federal IPAWS system for widespread text alerts and provide residents with critical information via email or the myAlerts app. As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” and AlertSense has been instrumental in keeping the community informed and ready.
AlertSense’s capabilities extend beyond basic alerts, allowing residents to customize their notifications for crimes, severe weather and other emergencies. The myAlerts app further enhances this by offering a detailed view of alerts through lists and maps and even tracking multiple locations across the U.S.
This system has become a crucial tool, ensuring that everyone in Sanpete County, from local officials to everyday citizens, stays connected and prepared.
Over the years, the Sheriff’s Office has consistently encouraged public participation in AlertSense, empowering the community to take an active role in their own safety. By signing up for alerts at https:/public. alertsense.com/signup/?regionid=1248 or downloading the app, residents gain access to vital information that can make all the difference in an emergency. As Winston Churchill said, “Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning,” and, through AlertSense, Sanpete County has been effectively planning and preparing for any situation.
COLORING PAGE
All ages can help a family prepare for unexpected emergencies. Color the firefighter and use your picture to remind your family that we can all be prepared and ready to help others.
FAMILY PREPAREDNESS Protect your family and community with next level emergency preparedness planning
By Doug Fox
On any given day, a quick scan of the headlines throughout the world reveals increasing turmoil, causing distress, uncertainty and fear among those living through any number of traumatic scenarios in real time.
There are various responses people can make in regard to the potential of personally confronting those situations. One is sticking their head in the sand while hoping they never have to deal with a disaster — whether the cause is natural or human-related. The other option involves taking some proactive steps toward getting prepared.
Being prepared for emergencies is not just about having supplies on hand; it’s about gathering resources that ensure the safety and well-being of your family and community when disaster strikes. Whether you live in an area prone to earthquakes, flooding or excessive winds or simply want to be ready for unexpected events, understanding the fundamentals of emergency preparedness is essential.
KEY ELEMENTS OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The first step in emergency preparedness is to create a comprehensive emergency plan. This plan should include the following:
• Communication strategy.
• Evacuation routes.
• Shelter locations.
• Special needs considerations. Knowledge is power during an emergency. Staying informed about potential threats and understanding how to respond to them is crucial.
Subscribe to emergency alert systems in your area, such as weather alerts, and download apps that provide real-time updates. Familiarize yourself with the different types of emergencies that could occur in your region and learn the recommended actions for each.
Having a plan and supplies is essential, but training and practice are what make your preparedness efforts truly effective. Regularly review and update your emergency plan with your family. Conduct drills to ensure that everyone knows what to do in various scenarios, such as a fire or an earthquake. Consider taking first-aid and CPR classes, as well as community emergency response training, to enhance your ability to assist others during a crisis.
Emergency preparedness is not just an individual responsibility; it’s a community effort. Get involved with local emergency preparedness initiatives and encourage your neighbors to be prepared as well. Community organizations, schools and workplaces should have their own emergency plans in place. Collaborating with others can strengthen your community’s resilience and ensure a more coordinated response during a disaster.
Certain populations — such as the elderly, disabled and those with chronic illnesses — may face additional challenges during emergencies. It’s important to address these needs in your preparedness planning. Ensure
that these individuals have access to necessary medical supplies and mobility aids and that their specific needs are considered in evacuation plans.
If you have pets, make sure that your emergency kit includes food, water and other necessities for them as well. Identify pet-friendly shelters or make arrangements with friends or family to care for your animals if you need to evacuate.
In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness. There are numerous apps and tools available that can help you stay informed, track weather patterns and communicate during emergencies. Social media platforms can also be valuable for sharing information and connecting with others in your community.
However, it’s important to remember that technology can fail during a disaster. Power outages and network disruptions are common, so having a backup plan that doesn’t rely on digital tools is essential.
Remember, emergencies are unpredictable, but your preparedness doesn’t have to be. Emergency preparedness is an ongoing process that requires planning, practice and a commitment to staying informed.
By taking proactive steps now, you can protect your family and community when disaster strikes. Whether it’s building an emergency kit, creating a comprehensive plan or getting involved in community preparedness efforts, every action you take helps to safeguard against the uncertainties of the future.
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