Emergency Management

The Importance of Being Prepared

Disasters such as earthquakes, extreme cold or heat, flooding, pandemic, or terrorism, disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects, both to people and property.

When preparing for a potential emergency situation, it is important to prepare an emergency supply kit that includes basic needs for survival, develop a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that may occur in this area and the appropriate ways to respond to them. Everyone should have disaster supply kits stored in accessible locations at home, at work and in your vehicle.

In the event of an emergency, local responders may not be able to reach you immediately so you should be ready to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days and up to two weeks. This means providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water, and sanitation.

Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake, a terrorist incident, a pandemic or other emergency on you and your family. For more info, visit Ready Shelby.

Emergency Kit

Prepare an emergency kit with the following items:

  • One gallon of water per person per day for three days. Remember to include enough for your pets too.
  • At least a three day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. Also choose foods your family will eat , such as ready to eat can meats, peanut butter, protein or fruit bars, and dry cereal or granola. Also pack a manual can opener and utensils. Don’t forget to add food for your pet.
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both. You can find one radio that is a combination of both.
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid Kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and five gallon bucket for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Importance of Water:
Clean water is an essential element to survival but easily taken for granted. Make sure you are adequately prepared by reviewing these water tips.