Are You Prepared?

COMMITTEES Are You Prepared?

Ruth Mooney, Neighborhood Awareness and Safety Committee (NASC) Member

Ever thought what you would do if a disaster struck (man made or natural). Preplanning and personal readiness is the key. You are encouraged to be prepared in the event of a disaster. This means having a go bag, an emergency kit, and a family emergency plan. Be informed: Do you know what hazards affect your area the most? Where do you go for information. The more you know the better you can prepare for all possibilities. In Maricopa County the top three risks are: Wildfires, Flooding, and the Palo Verde Generating Station. CENS (Community Emergency Notification System) often referred to as “Reverse 9-1-1 is designed to rapidly notify an affected area of an emergency. You Sign up to receive emergency notifications via your cell phone. There are three ways to register:

Online Visit http://ready.maricopa.gov

Telephone: 602-244-1409 (TDD/TTY)

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Mail: Download CENS Brochure from Maricopa County, fill it out and mail to address on the brochure.

Have a Plan: Develop a disaster plan with your family to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. What you need to do: 1. Account for everyone’s needs. Don’t forget your pets. 2. Decide where to reunite, identify two places to meet.

Outside your home, outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center, or place of worship. 3. Decide who to call if separated: Choose an out of state friend or relative.

4. Always keep a copy of the disaster plan with you. In a backpack, wallet, or purse. 5. Know and practice all exit routes from your home and your neighborhood.

BE READY TO STAY: If you were told to stay in your home, or “shelter in place” for a prolonged period? What if there was no electricity: What if there was no running water. Do you have enough supplies in your home to survive on your own for at least three days? Build a Stay-at-home Emergency Supply Kit. Keep these materials easily accessible. You should indicate to your family members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check expiration dates of food and update your kits EVERY THREE MONTHS.

BE READY TO GO: What if you were told to evacuate your home right now? Do you have everything you need ready to go? Each family member and pet should have a GO BAG – a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation. A Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels. A Go Bag should be easily accessible if you must leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.

Items that should be in your Emergency Supply Kit:

• Battery or crank operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries • Solar powered battery bank for charging phone and other electronic devices • Child and/or pet care supplies or other special care items • Dust masks • First Aid Kit • Flashlight and extra batteries • Unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials and eye dropper (for adding bleach to water). • Manual can opener • Ready-to-eat canned foods and other non-perishable food • One gallon of drinking water per person per day • Personal hygiene items: soap, feminine products, toothbrush, and toothpaste, etc. • Personal sanitation items: moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties. • Paper plates and dinnerware. Paper towels. • Tools including a utility shutoff tool. • Whistle Items that should be in your Go Bag:

• Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries • Solar powered charger for your electronics • Bottled water and lightweight, non-perishable food such as energy and/or granola bars • Change of clothes; sturdy comfortable shoes, lightweight rain gear; coat and blanket • Contact and meeting place information for your family and a small regional map. • Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, photo ID’s, proof of address, copies of prescriptions, etc.) • Credit/Debit cards and at least 50-100 in cash in small bills • Extra set of car and house keys • First Aid Kit including bandages and antibiotic ointments. • Flashlight with extra batteries • Mask • Medications and other essential personal items. Keep a list of the medications each member of your family, why they take them, and their dosages. • Whistle