Safety Matters - March 2008

Now that I have lived in Vernonia for almost four years I certainly have a greater appreciation for being “prepared”. The windstorm of December 2006 left everyone without power for over four days. The flood of 2007 not only had a short power outage but put Vernonia into a short isolation from basic necessities. Not to mention the brief power outages we face throughout the year due to wind, snow, and downed trees. Vernonians must be prepared for all circumstances. Nationally, experts have determined that regardless of the hazardous circumstances or natural disasters, individuals and families should be prepared to survive on their own for 72-hours (3-days). Everyone should prepare or purchase a 72-kit for everyone in their household. A 72-kit contains the basic essentials needed for someone to survive for three days on their own. A 72-hour kit also contains basic items like food and water but also items that you may not readily think about like 3-days worth of medication. In a flood situation the 72-hour kit should be portable since you may have to evacuate or head to higher ground to survive. Preparedness is so importance yet often not a priority in our lives. All too often we get wrapped up in the daily grind of our lives and put preparedness off to another day. Only when a disaster or event suddenly occurs does preparedness come to the forefront of our busy lives and often, this is too late. There is no reason for anyone in the Upper Nehalem Valley not to be prepared for any event. A great website that I use to get prepared is www.ready.gov. On this website you will find a wealth of information how you and your family can be prepared for all types of disasters. The website promotes three steps: 1) Get a kit 2) Make a plan 3) Be informed. Besides having a 72-hour kit, step two is very important, especially for families. We must have a plan for any type of disaster that may occur. During an event is not the time to figure out how everyone should react what they should or shouldn’t do. The website brings up many topics and ideas that you would not think of normally. I recommend that everyone go to www.ready.gov to be better informed on all types of disasters and how to prepare you and your family to survive. There is a link to the ready.gov website on the VPD website under the Community Resources link.