City Of Marion: Disaster Preparedness Tips

Press release from the City of Marion:

03/03/2022 1:25 PM

The 2020 derecho taught us many valuable lessons. It showed us the generosity of Iowans, reminded us of what’s important and gave us a lesson about being prepared for an emergency. It also serves as a reminder that disasters can strike at any time. Are you prepared for a disaster? Most of us are not. Being prepared requires taking steps to stay safe before, during and after disasters. A key way to cope with a disaster and help with safety, security and comfort is to have a plan. Regardless of the type of disaster, use the tips below from the Department of Homeland Security to be prepared.

General preparedness

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. In a disaster, local officials and first responders cannot reach everyone immediately. Help may not arrive for hours or days. It is estimated that after a major disaster, it may take up to three days for relief workers to reach some areas. Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. You need to be prepared to survive on your own after an emergency. This may include providing your own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation. Be prepared ahead of time by having enough food, water and other supplies to last at least 72 hours. Stock your emergency supply kit with the items listed below. Most items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Consider what special needs your family might have, such as supplies for babies, pets or seniors and add any essential items to the list.

A basic disaster supply kit includes the following recommended items

Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supply kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

 Additional emergency supplies to consider based on your individual needs:

Maintaining your kit so it’s ready when needed is just as important as putting your supplies together:

Be sure to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. Many times, large-scale disasters impact the availability of supplies and bad weather conditions prevent safe travel. Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles. Preparing for a disaster might seem like an impossible task, but being prepared can reduce your fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters.

For more information about different types of disaster preparedness, go to www.ready.gov.

This press release was produced by the City of Marion. The views expressed here are the author’s own.