A focus on safety
Friday, September 10, 2004 2:25 PM PDT
Tami Hart Argus Observer
VALE
The importance of disaster and emergency planning has gained added emphasis as hard-hit residents struggle to deal with the after-effects of Hurricanes Charley and Frances, which have ravaged Florida and the East Coast in the past three weeks.
Throughout September 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, American Red Cross, American Prepared Campaign, the National Association of Broadcasters, the U.S. Department of Education, and other partners will host a series of events to highlight the importance of citizen emergency preparedness.
While the risk of hurricanes in western Idaho and Eastern Oregon is a meteorological impossibility, there are several significant risks residents should be prepared for, Malheur County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Division Commander Lt. Craig Smith said.
"Severe winter storms have knocked out power for as much as a week. Floods and fires are not uncommon," Smith said.
Smith said businesses, government agencies and families should take the time during this week to prepare and review emergency plans, supplies and emergency items that will be needed in an emergency or disaster at home, in their neighborhood, community or workplace.
"The impact of an emergency can be more severe if we do not plan, prepare and respond efficiently," Smith said.
A basic 72-hour kit for families containing, at a minimum, food, water, clothing and medical supplies is suggested since, in the event of a disaster, it will take time for emergency services to reach residents.
Vehicles should also have emergency kits, Smith said.
"A lot of times, it's just getting people to take that first step toward doing something," Smith said, referring to putting together the emergency kits.
Smith also suggests that families establish communications procedures and meeting places in the event of an emergency, practice evacuation plans at home and at work, arrange plans for children left at school, daycare or home alone in an emergency and also know how to relay messages to family members, get access to money, fuel, fresh batteries, transportation and other important necessities.
"A lot of good information is available at libraries and online with Web sites from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Oregon Emergency Management and the Red Cross," Smith said. "Counties and some cities have emergency managers that can answer questions."
