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Listed below are a few emergency preparedness tips from Campbell County Emergency workers:
Blizzard
- Keep candles and matches in your home, along with warm clothing and blankets
- If caught by a winter storm while driving, stay in the vehicle.
- Don't take back roads to get around highways that have been closed off. They're likely to be equally impassible.
- Keep cold-weather gear in the vehicle.
Fire
- Install fire alarms on every level and outside every bedroom. Replace batteries twice a year. An wasy way to remember is to switch them every time the clocks are changed for daylight saving's time.
- All family members should practice an escape plan so everyone knows where to go in the event of a fire.
- Buy fire extinguishers, learn how to use them, and have the inspected every year.
Flood
- Learn if your home is in a flood-prone area.
- Move valuables to higher ground.
- Raise breakers, fuse boxes, and meters above the anticipated flood level.
Tornado
- Anchor mobile homes with appropriate tiedowns.
- Tie down loose items to keep them from becoming dangerous missiles.
- Purchase a battery-operated radio to listen for weather updates.
For literature, questions, and other information call Campbell County Emergency Management at 686-7477.
Make your own emergency disaster kit
The Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend families keep on hand a disaster kit with supplies for at least three days.
- Water: One gallon of water per day. Replace bottles every six months.
- Food: Choose foods that do not need to be refrigerated or cooked and require as little water as possible. Rotate food out every six months.
- First aid kit: The more comprehensive the better. Don't forget prescription medications that will be needed. Be sure to check expiration dates.
- Tools and other emergency supplies: items such as a knife, pliers, or a flashlight that will come in handy if stuck in one place for a long time.
- Sanitation: Things such as disinfectant, bleach, and hygiene prodcuts that are needed to keep clean.
- Clothing: At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person, plus sturdy work shoes and gloves that could come in handy.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
Develop a family communication plan
- Contact person: Pick someone who lives out of state that everyone can call to get in touch with. The contact person should have everyone's number and live far enough away so it's unlikely he or she will be affected by the same event.
- Meeting places: Designate two meeting places to be used in an emergency - one right outside the home and one further away if the home is no longer an option.
