Emergency preparedness tips: it never hurts to be cautious

Police Chief Bob Burford

First let me say that if I had to pick anyplace on earth to be safe in a time of potential terrorism, Sweet Home is that place. Communities like Sweet Home, throughout the country, are unlikely targets.

However, this does not mean we should sit back, relax and pretend we are absolutely immune from any potential danger.

During this time of war, the City of Sweet Home and the Police Department have implemented several additional community security measures and, we as individuals, should always be ready in the event of an emergency.

It is prudent for all Americans to be prepared to take care of their own households. On February 7, of last year Sweet Home was struck by a windstorm that cut off power to many homes for up to a week. Roads were impassable and for a short time, it was difficult, if not impossible, to purchase needed supplies. Whether it is a windstorm, snowstorm, flood or terrorist attack, we should each be prepared to care for our own for at least a few days.

Below you will find some very good suggestions for a home preparedness kit as published by the State of Oregon Office of Public Safety and Security.

– Choose a location such as a closet or “safety corner” in the garage, where it is cool and dark. If you live in an apartment or have limited space, be innovative. Other possible storage locations include under the bed, under stairways, or even in a large box or plastic tub that can be covered with a tablecloth and used as an end table.

– Layer supplies as shown in the diagram, and keep them together in a container such as a plastic garbage can with wheels. Check every six months for childrenís clothing sizes, food expiration dates, etc.

– Start with what you already have. If youíre a camper or backpacker, youíve got a head start. Your cook stove, tent, and other gear can double as emergency supplies.

FOOD:

– Use canned foods for easy storage and long shelf life. Choose ready-to-eat canned meat, fruits, and vegetables that your family likes. (During a disaster is not the time to try new menu items. Youíre under enough stress!) Keep food fresh by checking dates and replacing it every year.

– Also recommended are canned or dried juice mixes; powdered or canned milk; high energy food (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, unsalted nuts, and trail mix); cereals, and rice.

– Store foods in single- or family meal-size packaging. Un-refrigerated leftovers can lead to food poisoning.

– Donít forget your pets. Store canned and dry pet food along with an extra collar and leash. Pets are not allowed in most shelters. If evacuated, you may have to leave them behind with extra food.

– Add a manual can opener, cooking and eating utensils, and basic food seasonings.

WATER:

– Store a three-day supply of water for each family member. One gallon per person per day is recommended for cooking, drinking, and washing. Remember to include water for your pets. Write the date on the water containers and replace them every six months.

– Learn how to remove the water from your hot water heater just in case you need it. Be sure to turn off the gas or electricity to the tank before draining off water for emergency use.

– Purify water by boiling it for 5 to 10 minutes or by adding drops of household bleach containing 5.25% hypochlorite. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water. Water purification tablets or a filter system such as those designed for campers and backpackers also work.

OTHER ITEMS:

First aid kit: blankets, battery-powered clock, candles, flashlights, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, matches, money (coins), list of insurance policy numbers, fire extinguisher, trash bags, medications, copy of prescriptions, extra eye glasses, hearing aid batteries, cook stove with fuel, heavy gloves, duct tape, sturdy shoes for each family member, ax, shovel, broom, pliers, wrench, pry bar, household bleach, map of area (for identifying evacuation routes or shelter locations), diapers, baby formula, vaccination records, hygiene products, warm set of clothes for each family member

GET YOUR NEIGHBORS INVOLVED:

– Working within your Neighborhood to share expensive equipment items such as chain saws, generators, and 4-wheel drive vehicles.

– Start a “buddy squad” to check on elderly or disabled neighbors during and after disasters such as extended power outages or winter storms. Also check on children who may be home alone.

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