Powerful Practices

By Calvin Brown, Director
Montgomery City/County Emergency Management Agency

No matter where you are, emergencies can strike swiftly and with forces so powerful that they can uproot entire families. From tornadoes to ice storms and everything in between, weather-related hazards are the emergencies we are most likely to face in the River Region. These events can strike with little warning, and our best defense against them is to have a plan and practice it with our families.

If you have children, your family may not necessarily be together when disaster strikes. Complete a card with contact information for each member of your family and make sure these cards are placed in wallets and book bags. Decide on a contact person such as a friend or relative who lives out of state for members of your family to notify that they are safe. As odd as it may seem, during a natural disaster it may be easier to make a long-distance call than one across town.

Teach even young family members how to use text messaging because these messages can often get around call disruptions when a telephone can’t.

Other actions families can take to stay safe include working together to build an emergency kit, sitting down as a family to talk about your communications plan, role-playing what you would do as a family, and holding fire drills in your home.

Remember the basics in putting together an emergency supply kit: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food; a manual can opener; a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries; flashlight and batteries; first aid kit; a whistle to signal for help; and a cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

These are just a few ideas on keeping your family safe during emergencies. For more information contact FEMA at http://www.ready.gov/. A little planning can help protect the ones you love the most!