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Posted: September 28, 2006
Whether you enjoy life by a sun-drenched beach or love the solitude and majesty of the mountains, you’re never out of reach of a potential disaster situation. Hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, lightning, tornadoes, hail, flooding, forest fires – are but some of the mischief that nature can stir up.
Coupled with natural disasters are man-made disasters, such as hazardous chemical spills, power outages, structural failures, civil disruption, all of which have the capacity to place any of us in an immediate emergency situation.
Even though “disaster” may be a strong word to digest, Plano does have disaster risks, as does any community in the world. Plano’s Department of Homeland Security lists the following as the most common disasters likely to occur in Plano.
Plano is located in the Trinity Valley flood plain and is also on the tip of a geographical area known as “tornado alley.” Hazardous materials are transported through Plano on major highways; therefore, a spill could affect Plano. During winter months we can experience high winds, hail and ice storms and we are also susceptible to major thunderstorms, bringing damaging lightning and hail that may cause structural fire and/or power outages.
When it comes to emergencies, the best preparation is defense. Get a kit! Make a plan! Be Informed! Most planning is quick and simple. Here’s just a sample of the quick and easy ways you can be prepared.
Teach all family members how to turn on and off vital utilities and discuss how to handle power outages. Pick two emergency meeting places for both outside and inside your home, depending on the emergency. Know the safe spots in your home for disasters, such as where to go in the event of a tornado. Ensure all children, regardless of age, are familiar with dialing 9-1-1. Even three-year olds have become some of Plano’s “littlest heroes!”
Have supplies on hand for all the needs of your family, including food and water for at least three days with an eye towards battery power. Choose your food wisely as power may be out, eliminating cooking and refrigeration.
Build your family a basic supply kit. It’s fast and easy. Here’s a sampling of items to stock in your kit.
Estimate your water at one gallon per person per day with a minimum three-day food supply. Don’t forget extra batteries for flashlights, weather radios and purchase a whistle, which makes a great signal for help.
Moist towlettes can be stocked to help keep your family clean. Filter masks or a cotton t-shirt can help temporarily filter air if needed. Plastic sheeting and duct tape should be purchased in case you need to seal your family inside your home (in a dedicated room or larger area) during a shelter-in-place. (This has gained new importance with the threat of bio-terrorism.)
Garbage bags and plastic ties are great for meeting personal sanitation needs and can always double as rain gear or for keeping articles dry and organized, if needed. A wrench or pliers should be thrown into the kit to turn off your utilities and don’t forget the manual can opener! Unique family needs such as daily prescription medications, personal care items, infant formula or diapers should be stocked or within easy reach.
Important documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance information, personal emergency contact information) should be kept in one place for immediate retrieval. And don’t forget the family pets! If you own pets, keep their vaccination records, vet information and tag information with your important documents. Stock enough pet food to last for at least three days and pack a spare leash and collar with your emergency supplies.
Plano’s R.E.D.I. (Residential Emergency & Disaster Initiative) guide is now online and downloadable, and the Plano Department of Homeland Security site contains a wealth of information, links and more detailed emergency information geared to Plano and our region.
To become familiar with the Plano Department of Homeland Security web site, click here.
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