Article by Megan M. Powell, Public Relations Specialist, University of Kentucky
Chandler Medical Center
Simple Kits Can Help Recover after Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can strike anywhere, without warning, and what they
leave behind can be devastating. While we can’t stop these from happening, we
can be ready.
Since the recent Hurricane Katrina disaster, emergency management has
been a top priority around the nation. The same is true in Kentucky.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Domestic
Preparedness is sponsoring the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation
Program in Kentucky. Five preparedness partners, the University of Kentucky
(UK), the University of Louisville , Kentucky Community and Technical College
System, the Department of Justice Training Center and the Administrative
Districts, have joined forces to prepare, test and evaluate an emergency
management plan that will be implemented if a disaster were to occur in
Kentucky.
As part of the program, each community has set up adequate shelters and
the necessary equipment, and understands the right steps to take in an
emergency. “Across the state, firefighters, EMTs, police, the American Red
Cross, hospitals, health departments and many others are all working with the
emergency management teams to be properly trained and prepared,” said Karen
Early, a UK emergency management training specialist.
“It’s really important to know, as a community, what is expected and what
needs to be done in an emergency,” Early said. “Kentucky is fortunate; we are
prepared. There is a good group of people ready to assist. Kentucky is the only
state where five community partners have come together to create a
comprehensive plan.”
In Kentucky, the most common natural disasters include floods,
tornadoes, thunderstorms and winter weather.
The Division of Environmental and Emergency Management strongly
suggests individuals and families prepare for such circumstances by taking these
simple steps: Make a family disaster action plan, get basic emergency training
and assemble an emergency kit.
Making a family disaster plan is easy. Talk to your family about where to
meet in case of an emergency. Plan evacuation routes in your home. Learn
about emergency procedures at school or work. Practice. Prepare a list of
emergency contact phone numbers, including family members and local and
national officials.
Basic emergency training can include taking first aid and CPR classes.
Your local American Red Cross, YMCA or schools may offer these. Know how
and when to call 911.
An emergency kit should contain items essential in any type of
emergency, and everyone in the family should know where the kit is stored.
The kit should contain enough supplies to last your family at last three days.
Keep supplies in easy-to-carry containers and store kits where they may be
reached easily in an emergency.
Kits should contain a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a
first aid kit, bottled water, prescription medicines, baby food and care products,
non-perishable food and snacks, blankets and documents such as emergency
plan, important family information, contact numbers and extra forms of
identification.
Also consider adding a sleeping bag, a change of clothes, extra money,
an extra set of car keys, hygiene products, pet food, a whistle, and duct tape,
plastic wrapping, scissors and towels (to build a shelter in place, if necessary).
In case of a tornado:
-- Grab your emergency kit and take shelter right away. The safest places
are interior rooms on the lowest level of your home. In public places, look for
signs that direct you toward pre-designated shelter areas.
-- Stay away from windows, doors or outside walls.
-- Get under something sturdy. Protect your head. Cover yourself with
blankets, if possible.
In case of a flood:
-- Be alert. Get to high ground immediately.
-- Do not try to walk, drive or swim through floodwaters.
-- If water rises over the road, abandon your vehicle and seek higher
ground.
In case of thunderstorms:
-- Stay inside. Unplug any unnecessary electrical devices.
-- Keep away from water. Do not take a bath or shower.
And remember, don’t panic. Try to think clearly, pay attention and act
quickly. Being prepared will help you know exactly what to do. Listen to
authorities. After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be there to
assist you. Follow their instructions. By working together, we will all be prepared.