September is National Preparedness Month: Make your plan now

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. - Virginia has experienced several disasters over the years, including February’s severe winter storm. That storm not only caused massive amounts of property damage but paralyzed the area.

Unless they needed emergency medical attention, citizens were “snowed in” until roadways were cleared and businesses resumed normal operations. Emergencies such as these tend to motivate individuals to prepare themselves and their loved ones for future disasters. Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue  would like to remind citizens that planning ahead is the key to survival should disaster strike.

By following a few simple and low-cost steps you can prepare and protect your family, business, neighborhood and community when emergencies and disasters arise.

· Be in-the-know. Getting reliable information during an emergency situation is vital. The National Weather Service broadcasts warnings and information 24 hours a day for all types of hazards — including natural (severe weather), environmental (chemical release or oil spill) and public safety (amber alert or 911 outage). Make sure you do the following:

• Have an NOAA Weather Radio at home and at your worksite.

• Register on the County’s emergency notification system — PWCAN — to receive emergency information from county officials. Registration is easy and free. Go to www.pwcgov.org/pwcan to register.

· Make a family emergency plan. In a recent survey, only 15 percent of Virginia respondents had a written family emergency plan. This may be the single most important thing you can do for your family. You can get a family emergency plan worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov.

· Choose an out-of-town emergency contact. The same survey showed that 56 percent of Virginia respondents said they have not identified an out-of-town person for family members to contact in case of emergency. It’s very important to choose an out-of-town relative or friend for your family to call because families may not be together when an emergency happens, and often it’s easier to make a long distance call than a local call during emergencies. The out-of-town contact can relay messages to other family members that you’re Ok.

· Get a Kit! September 2010 marks the seventh annual National Preparedness Month. Each September, Americans are encouraged to take the necessary steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. This year, NPM’s focus is to encourage all Americans to join the readiness team; being Ready within your own family unit while helping others, your neighbors and your communities, to be prepared as well. Below is a list of items essential to your emergency supply kit:

• You need at least three days of supplies for each family member:

o Food that won’t spoil, such as canned goods and packaged foods

o Water, one gallon per person per day

o A hand-crank or battery-powered radio and extra batteries

o A family emergency plan

• Other items useful in an emergency supply kit:

o Flashlights with extra batteries

o First aid kit

o List of prescriptions and doctors

o Special items for young children and disabled or older family members

o Food and water for your pets

If this task seems overwhelming, start out gradually and add a few items each week until your kit is complete. But don’t put it off! Remember, emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Make your plan, NOW!

For more information, visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov and www.ready.gov.

This column is provided by the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue's Community Relations Team.  Send questions or comments to DFR Responding to You,  9250 Lee Ave., Manassas, VA 20110 or via e-mail to dfrrespond ingtoyou@ pwcgov.org.