To the editor:
It happened in Turkey, and it could happen here. I am not trying to put the fear of God into your lives, but whatever you think of earthquakes or tornadoes, you need to be prepared with battery-operated radios, at least one telephone in your home or business that does not require electricity (your phone will not ring if the power is off and someone calls you), flashlights and extra batteries, a good supply of nonperishable foods, drinking water stored in plastic or glass containers, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, extra medication that you are required to take, a crescent wrench and a generator large enough to operate essential appliances. There are numerous other precautions to do and know as well.
If you would like to have additional information, contact me at the Chaffee Emergency Management Agency, P.O. Box 209, Chaffee, Mo. 63740-0209 (telephone 887-3040), or your local EMA director or coordinator.
I have been involved in emergency management and civil defense since 1967. It is better to be prepared and be alive that not be prepared and ... .
An earthquake does not necessarily have to be in the immediate area to destroy bridges and power lines in the Cape Girardeau and Sikeston area.
JOHN HALTER, Coordinator
Chaffee Emergency Management Agency
Chaffee
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