Follow-up on your New Years resolution to be prepared in 2012.

Several weeks ago we all started on our 2012 new years resolutions. Have you completed or made progress on your most important new years resolution, the goal of preparedness in 2012?

If not, there is still plenty of time in 2012.

If so, are you completely satisfied with your progress?

Households can look ahead and determine how to deal with disasters, whether it be a fire in the home, or something that affects their entire neighborhood or county. They need to know what emergencies are most likely to happen in their area. Knowing what to do when disaster strikes can make a difference for everyone in the household, and for the community. To be prepared, you should:
1. Get a kit. If you’ve ever had to search for your flashlight when the power goes out, you know what it feels like to be unprepared. The Red Cross has a downloadable checklist to help you assemble your emergency preparedness kit. It should include the following (at a minimum):

Ready-To-Go Emergency Preparedness Kit

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water—one gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene purposes
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit, medications and medical items
• Copies of all important documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Extra cash

2. Make a plan. Talk with members of your household about what to do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case everyone is separated, and choose two places to meet—one right outside the home, in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside the neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate. Other tips on how you should formulate your emergency plan are:

• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. All household members should have this person’s phone number and email address. It may be easier to call long distance or text if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.
• Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.
• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.
• Plan ahead for your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. Keep a phone list of “pet friendly” motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.
• Keep wallet cards with emergency meeting locations and emergency phone numbers current (and remember to carry them).

3. Be informed. Know what situations may occur where you live, where you work, where you go to school.

• If you live or travel often to areas near a fault line, learn how to prepare and what to do during an earthquake. If summer includes a trip to the beach, know what to do in case you are faced with a tropical storm or hurricane. Remember that emergencies like fires and blackouts can happen anywhere, so everyone should be prepared for them.
• Find out how local officials inform the public in the event of an emergency.
• Learn first aid and CPR/AED so that you have the skills to respond in an emergency before help arrives, especially during a disaster when emergency responders may not be as available. Contact your local Red Cross chapter to get trained.
• Contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency with any questions on preparedness you may have. There staff of trained professionals are happy to assist Tama County citizens.

As you look forward to the new year and what you would like to change, add getting prepared to your list of resolutions for 2012. Visit the Tama County web site (www.tamacounty.org) to know what to do to stay safe in all kinds of emergencies.