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Hurricane Season 2006: Being a Personal First Responder
Hurricane season is with us once again and the big question is: What have we done to prepare? According to several polls released, not much. These polls indicate that the average American living in high-risk target areas of severe weather is not one bit more prepared than they were for Katrina. We remember Katrina. She was in all the papers and she was no lady. If we learned anything at all from Katrina it should be that we are our own, best, first responder. As of this moment, if we are not making even the most basic of preparations for severe weather, then we are wrong and we only have ourselves to blame. Each one of us should have a survival plan for the next round of bad weather, bad luck or bad behavior. Below is a simple guideline for a plan: 1. Take stock of your situation. Ø What threats do you face? Ø What do you need? Ø If I have to leave, where will I go and how will I get there? 2. Make a plan based on the evaluation of your situation. Ø What community plans are in place? Ø Gather information and be aware. 3. Stockpile supplies. No matter what our financial situation we can all take steps to mitigate the effects of a disaster. Ø The most basic need is usually water. If you cannot afford to stockpile bottled water you can stockpile clean, empty, containers. At the first hint of anything more than a strong breeze heading your way, fill the containers from the tap and store them (Also clean and fill your bathtub.). Remember you will need about one gallon of clean water per person per day. Ø Store nonperishable food that requires no heat or water to prepare. Ø Buy or build a first aid kit, ready made kits can be had for as little as five dollars. These kits will not see you through major surgery but they will keep that small cut from turning into a real problem. Ø Have at least one reliable flashlight with extra batteries, this need not cost more than four or five dollars. Please do not use candles the last thing you will need is a fire hazard. Ø A battery powered radio is needed to keep up with information and directions from emergency relief. 4. Think of your special needs. Ø Have a week’s worth of prescribed medications on hand; keep meds in original containers with the prescription info on them. Ø If you need oxygen make arrangements with the medical supply company to have at least one spare tank. If you cannot afford this talk to your Doctor or health care provider and express your concerns. If that fails, talk to your representatives. 5. Do it now. If you wait until tomorrow to start you are already a day behind.
This is just basic preparation but it can go a long way to easing suffering in the event of an emergency. Other information available at: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/elonpoll/20060603.xhtml
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