Program Chair Teri Treat introduced our program speaker, Prentiss Andrews, from the American Red Cross. Prentiss, an AmeriCorps volunteer currently working with the Red Cross, gave a presentation on Community Preparedness Education.
Prentiss emphasized that we should be prepared to deal with all sort of emergencies, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, fires, floods, etc., even though the odds of being involved in any one of these events is not high. He stressed that a three-point approach to preparedness is recommended; Making a Plan, Building a Kit, and Getting Informed.
Making a plan could involve: having available some backup form of communication, such as a battery radio; he advises identifying an emergency contact person outside your immediate area, since all communications in the immediate area could be down; have an evacuation plan - know your area well enough to know how to evacuate, and, finally, work within your community to know neighbors and how to keep in touch with them.
Building a kit involves maintaining a supply of food and other materials that might be needed in an emergency. Water is the most important; ideally, you should have enough water for two weeks. Having some non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries and a few basic tools are also recommended. It is also important to keep copies of key documents, such as medical prescriptions and bank and medical phone numbers in the kit.
Getting informed involves doing some things we often do not think of. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be in good working order. A flashlight and a pair of hard soled shoes should be kept under each person’s bed. And, very importantly, items that could fall over in an earthquake and cause injury or a fire, such as a hot water heater, should be securely strapped or attached to walls.
Prentiss emphasized that volcanic eruptions are not too likely and if one did occur, our greatest risk would be from mud and debris that would flow down valleys from the site of eruption. An earthquake is more likely and, for that, it is important to know the “drop/cover/hold” procedure. In the event of a flood, the most dangerous thing is trying to cross fast-moving water. Household fires, often the result of unattended cooking or candles, are quite common and for that eventuality, the necessary fire suppression equipment should be available. Having some first aid training, to be able to deal with injuries that can occur from any of these events, is recommended.
Materials dealing with Emergency Preparedness, the points made in his presentation, and other important details, can be found on the Red Cross Emergency Preparedness web site.
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