September a month to plan responses to disaster

Are you ready?

When a tornado crashes through an area, it's too late to think about anything more than finding a safe place to wait it out.

If terrorists attack, it's too late to think about where your family members are and whether they are safe.

Timed to coincide with the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Gov. Bob Holden has proclaimed September to be National Preparedness Month in Missouri.

Ron MacCubbin, director of the American Red Cross in Cape Girardeau, advised families to set up a disaster preparedness kit, if possible outfit a room in the house where the family can gather together, and devise a plan for communicating with family members who may be separated when disaster strikes. Put together a disaster plan, he said, and practice it.

"It may take four hours out of your entire life," he said. "But when it's 3 a.m. and the house is on fire, the whole family survives because you had a plan."

Easy to put plans off

MacCubbin said he is amazed how many families aren't prepared and don't seem to want to think about it.

"It's a hard thing to get through to people," he said. "I understand we all have busy lives, but in a few hours you can have your house safe if you just take the time to do it."

For example, it takes only 10 minutes to strap down the household's water heater, he said, but most people find it easier to put that off. Not only would strapping it down prevent injuries from the falling appliance, it would also ensure 100 gallons of drinkable water in case the regular water supply became contaminated or was cut off.

Linda Doerge, the regional public health emergency response planner for the Cape Girardeau County Health Department, said she has a safe room with food and water for her family and for their pets.

A safe kit, Doerge said, can be stored in a five-gallon bucket. The bucket is an important feature.

"If there's no water, you can use it for a potty," she said.

Every household should have extra bottled water, one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days. Families should change the water every six months to make sure it's reasonably fresh.

Families should keep enough canned or dried foods, and extra pet food, and to have on hand a manual can opener in case of power outage. Also on hand should be clean clothes and sturdy shoes for each person and enough cash to get through a few days. In a disaster, supplies may be available, but with a power outage it may not be possible to use a credit card.

Other items MacCubbin and Doerge say should be in the emergency kit include large trash bags (some to line the bucket with if it has to be used as a temporary toilet), paper plates and plastic utensils, matches, a flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, instant ice compresses, prescription and nonprescription medicine, duct tape, toothpaste, paper and pencil, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products (sanitary pads can be used as a large wound dressing), soap, disinfectant, a whistle to signal for help and a prepaid long-distance calling card.

Similar emergency kits should also be stored in the trunk of the family vehicles. Doerge said businesses and schools also should have emergency kits and a safety plan for employees to follow.

Free booklets

The health department and the Red Cross have free booklets covering the gamut of emergency preparedness. They range from being prepared for a terrorist attack, to planning for people with special needs and for people who live in mobile homes. The Red Cross also has a guide for senior citizens written by seniors. There are books advising people how to protect their pets and livestock.

There is information available on how to survive a major winter storm, extreme cold and heat, a flood, tornado or earthquake. MacCubbin pointed out information he has for how to prepare financially before and after disaster strikes.

"People think if they're going to make up this plan then something is going to happen," MacCubbin said. "Something will happen. We need to have the plan."

lredeffer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160