From extreme weather conditions to disaster scenarios, it’s important to be prepared for any emergency situation. Disaster strikes when people least expect it so they need to take the preventive measures necessary to ensure they stay out of harm’s way and can survive until help arrives.
The Emergency Management Center in Pearl River County will be holding various meetings throughout this hurricane season to ensure law enforcement, fire personnel and county officials are prepared to handle hurricanes as well as other emergency situations such as floods, brush fires or school shootings.
Emergency Management Director and Fire Services Coordinator Danny Manley encourages families to plan how they will respond to any given emergency. Before an emergency arises, families need to establish whether they plan to evacuate or stay inside their homes, Manley said. If residents decide to evacuate, they need to make sure they notify family members about their evacuation plan, have a place to stay and can afford the trip.
Since disasters can strike at any given moment, it’s essential that families have the tools necessary to respond quickly and efficiently.
The American Red Cross provides tips on their website about preparing for an emergency. The organization advises residents to create a family disaster plan and ensure at least one person in the household is trained in first aid and CPR. Owning an emergency preparedness kit is also essential.
According to their website, the emergency kit should include medical equipment such as bandages, scissors, gloves, antibiotics and hand sanitizer; toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and wash cloths. It should also contain batteries, flashlights, a whistle, a radio and water pouches.
Families should make sure they purchase enough items for every member of the household.
While it seems like a waste of time to prepare for an emergency before anything happens, it’s not. Residents should take every measure necessary to ensure they are safe during an emergency.
For more information about emergency preparedness, visit http://www.redcross.org.