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| September 2008 THIRD THURSDAY: Emergency Preparedness |
On Thursday, Sept. 18, Dr. Jonathan Richmond led a discussion on
preparing our families for emergency. Using the book Disaster Ready
People for a Disaster Ready America as a guide, the group explored 12 easy
preparing our families for emergency. Using the book Disaster Ready
People for a Disaster Ready America as a guide, the group explored 12 easy
steps to take to ensure that your
family is ready to survive anything
from a short-term blackout to a
pandemic flu outbreak.
Two simple things Dr. Richmond
recommended to the group were:
family is ready to survive anything
from a short-term blackout to a
pandemic flu outbreak.
Two simple things Dr. Richmond
recommended to the group were:
| Emergency Preparedness |
The first step in getting your family prepared is to have important
conversations with your immediate and extended family members.
During this time, you can begin to asses the types of emergency situations
your family may face. This is also a good time to address any specific
fears that children or elderly family members may be feeling. Other
chapters in the book will help you prepare for staying at home throughout
the emergency, or efficiently handling an evacuation.
The group was especially interested in food storage, and how to determine
how much food and water your family might need. It was mentioned that
warehouses like Costco and Sam's Club sell emergency preparedness kits,
which include supplies for up to 275 meals. It is a good idea to plan for
food and water for your family members that will last three weeks
(approximately 240 meals for a family of four). Special attention should
be paid to food allergies and special needs (such as baby formula).
conversations with your immediate and extended family members.
During this time, you can begin to asses the types of emergency situations
your family may face. This is also a good time to address any specific
fears that children or elderly family members may be feeling. Other
chapters in the book will help you prepare for staying at home throughout
the emergency, or efficiently handling an evacuation.
The group was especially interested in food storage, and how to determine
how much food and water your family might need. It was mentioned that
warehouses like Costco and Sam's Club sell emergency preparedness kits,
which include supplies for up to 275 meals. It is a good idea to plan for
food and water for your family members that will last three weeks
(approximately 240 meals for a family of four). Special attention should
be paid to food allergies and special needs (such as baby formula).
1) make sure your cell phone is
programmed with an ICE number
(In Case of Emergency.)
Paramedics and emergency
personnel are now trained to look for
this number in a victim's cellphone.
Having this information
pre-programmed can often save time
(and lives);
2) fill out a Medical profile, and have
it in your wallet or purse at all times.
programmed with an ICE number
(In Case of Emergency.)
Paramedics and emergency
personnel are now trained to look for
this number in a victim's cellphone.
Having this information
pre-programmed can often save time
(and lives);
2) fill out a Medical profile, and have
it in your wallet or purse at all times.
Mat Erickson and Marion Warren
were eager to learn how to prepare
their households for any emergency.
were eager to learn how to prepare
their households for any emergency.
Katie Deese listens as Dr. Richmond shares
some ideas about emergency preparedness.
some ideas about emergency preparedness.
Disaster Ready People for a Disaster
Ready America is broken down into 12
chapters, each addressing a different aspect
of emergency preparedness. It is designed
so that each month of the year, you might
focus on one aspect of your preparations.
In this way, you will easily be able to take
the steps necessary to prepare your family
for any disaster. Please contact Jonathan to
receive a copy of this important publication.
Thanks to the Ericksons for hosting this
month's Third Thursday, and to Dr.
Richmond for such an informative
presentation!
This information includes your doctor's name and address, as well as a
brief medical history, a list of current prescriptions and medications, and
your health insurance company numbers.
brief medical history, a list of current prescriptions and medications, and
your health insurance company numbers.
