September Is National Preparedness Month - Are you prepared?
Immediate Release
September 3, 2010
Batavia, Ohio. If your family was forced to ‘shelter in place,’ basically remain in your home, with no access to tap water or outside food, do you have enough food and water stored to take care of every member of your family, including pets, for at least three days? “A lot of people will say it won’t be necessary,” said Clermont County Health Commissioner Marty Lambert. “But, remember that bad wind storm we had in recent years? Some people in this very county were without power for over a week. By putting together a basic emergency supply kit today, we can be prepared for disasters that could hit our community tomorrow.”
Contents of your shelter in place kit should include one gallon of fluids per person per day (and don’t forget your pets,) a three day supply of non-perishable food, both prescription and nonprescription drugs like ibuprofen, a battery powered radio, extra batteries, several flashlights, and a first aid kit. “Think of your family and their special needs,’ said Lambert. “If there is a baby in the house, keep a supply of diapers. If there are children, keep some puzzles and coloring books in your kit. Don’t forget when you change your clocks in the spring and fall to check the expiration dates on the items in your kit, so everything is fresh and usable when you need it.”
Lambert also stresses the need for a family emergency plan. “The first thing everyone wants to know after a disaster is that their family is okay. Make a plan on how you’ll contact each other. Texting is a great option, and if local communications are out, you might have better luck reaching a friend or relative that’s farther away from the disaster. You should have two meeting places if you are separated when a disaster occurs. One location could be at your home, but in the event you can’t return home, agree to meet at a friend or relative’s home that lives outside your neighborhood,” she said. “Make sure everyone has the address of the meeting place, and all the contact phone numbers with them at all times. If texting is an option, take the time to learn how to send out group messages.”
The Clermont County General Health District invites the entire community to take part in a nationwide preparedness effort on Saturday, September 11, 2010. After pausing to remember the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks on America, citizens are encouraged to use part of the day to practice emergency plans with their families as part of the 9/11 Drill Down for Safety campaign. For more information about emergency preparedness, visit the Clermont County general Health District Web site at www.ClermontHealthDistrict.org.
Pictured above: Clermont County Health Commissioner Marty Lambert holds a three day emergency supply kit for one person
#
For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathy Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.