Governor Beshear Proclams September Preparedness Month
McCreary County – In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, Gov. Steve Beshear proclaimed September as Preparedness Month in Kentucky.
Partnering with Kentucky Emergency Management, McCreary County Emergency Management urges Kentuckians to “BE AWARE – BE PREPARED – HAVE A PLAN.”
“Kentuckians face threats to their safety and property throughout the year; from tornadoes, flooding, straight line winds, lightning winter storms, man-made hazards, to daily emergencies.” said Douglas Stephens, McCreary County Judge Executive.“Every household and every business should be prepared to face these challenges at any given time.”
A disaster can occur anytime, anywhere in Kentucky. In fact, Kentucky has received four federal disaster declarations in 2015, placing the Commonwealth among the leaders in federally declared disasters in the nation.
“We urge all Kentuckians to be prepared for any emergency or disaster,” said McCreary County EM Rudy Young, Director. “Supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, radios and first aid kits are easy to store, and can be lifesavers when a crisis hits. A communication plan with family, friends and neighbors is also important. Emergency situations can happen any time, any place, so it is smart to be prepared.”
“Although state and local governments are ready to assist the public during emergencies and disasters, preparedness starts at home”, said Michael E. Dossett, director of Kentucky Emergency Management.
Douglas E. Stephens – McCreary County Judge Executive said educating and preparing citizens is important, which is why Gov. Beshear, Kentucky Emergency Management and McCreary County Emergency Management are joining together to offer preparedness tips.
PLANNING FOR
DISASTER:
Be Aware:
• Stay informed about risks in your communities and monitor weather forecasts.
• Own and monitor a battery backed-up NOAA Weather Alert Radio. During threatening weather, stay tuned to your local broadcast stations.
• Discuss conditions with family members, and know their locations during dangerous weather.
Be Prepared:
• Discuss known risks with family members and neighbors.
• Develop and review your emergency plan periodically for necessary updates.
• Refresh your emergency kit(s) periodically. A kit should have enough food, water and medications for five days.
• Drill: practice your plan with household members.
Have a plan:
• Utilities – Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do/so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
• Shelter – Identify safe locations within your residence.
• Contacts – Written contact information for relatives, neighbors, utility companies, employers/employees and local emergency contact telephone numbers.
• Evacuate – Predetermine evacuation routes. Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places, such as a friend or relative’s home in another town, a motel or shelter.
• Children – Make backup plans for children in case you (or they) can’t get home in an emergency
• Vehicles – Keep jumper cables in vehicle at all times.
Maintain at least a half tank of fuel in vehicles.
Move vehicles away from under trees during possible wind events.
Keep an emergency kit in all vehicles.
During winter months, keep a blanket and bag of kitty litter in the trunk (for traction).
• Medications – prepare a list of all prescription drugs.
• Share your plan with others, including friends or relatives in another region or even another state.
Make a kit:
• First aid kit and essential medications (to include prescription medicines).
• Canned food and can opener
• At least three gallons of water per person
• Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• Waterproof matches and candles
• Local phone book
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
• Extra set of car keys
For additional preparedness information, visit http://www.mccrearycounty.com/EmergencyManagement.html, www.ready.gov and Kentucky Emergency Management at http://kyem.ky.gov/Preparedness/Pages/default.aspx , where you can also find a copy of the Governor’s proclamation and follow KYEM on social media.
