Emergency Preparedness

Are You Prepared?

Both FEMA and the American Red Cross feel that it is vital for all Americans to possess a minimum of supplies within reach in case of a declared emergency. The earth’s climate is changing and we now see the power of that change. Even little Broad Branch Road has become less inviting during heavy rains. The real reason for advanced preparation is that there is simply not enough personnel or resources to respond to everyone at the same time.

Below is a recommended list of MINIMUM essential must-haves for a period of 72 hours and an evacuation lasting up of two weeks.

Basic Supply Kit:

• Water - Three gallons per person for three days. Back up – fill tub, bottles and buckets
  
• Three day supply of non-perishable food. Red Cross suggests two week supply at home
  
• Battery powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  
• Extra batteries
  
• Flashlight and batteries
  
• First Aid Kit
  
• Police whistle – to signal for help.
  
• Dust mask, duct tape, and plastic sheeting for making a shelter
  
• Moist towelettes, trash bags and plastic ties – for sanitary removal of bodily waste
  
• Multipurpose tool, Wrench and pliers, to turn off utilities
  
• Can opener for canned goods
  
• Local maps
  

• Prescriptions and extra eye glasses
  
• Infant formula and diapers
  
• Pet Food and extra water for pets
  
• Copies of important documents
  
• Cash or travelers checks
  
• Sleeping bag and warm blankets
  
• Complete change of clothing
  
• Plain chlorine bleach with no additives and medicine dropper - 16 drops to a gallon of untreated water makes it drinkable
  
• Fire extinguisher
  
• Matches
  
• Personal hygiene items
  
• Utensils, cups, plates and paper towels
  
• Pen
  
• Work gloves, rain gear, sturdy footwear
  
• Cell phones and chargers
  

Given recent large disasters, FEMA and the Red Cross have changed their websites to make them more responsive and user friendly.

Red Cross www.redcross.org maintains a messaging website called Safe and Well (safeandwell.org) where, after a disaster, you can let friends and family know you are safe. Facebook has a similar feature.

FEMA’s disaster plan and preparedness info is at ready.gov. It’s new "normal" sadly includes info on mass shootings.

DC's emergency information can be found at hsema.dc.gov, where there is an abundance of neighborhood planning advice. One should not miss the link at the top of the page where it says ReadyDC (ready.dc.gov).

Similar to the Red Cross and FEMA, DC uses an impressive approach to sharing information. Not only listing types of disasters; flood, chemical, but each type of disaster is detailed into “Before/During/After” format.

Good luck and keep safe!