Disaster Preparedness – A Community Effort
By Rick Bass
Being prepared for a national emergency or crisis is critical for everyone’s survival in these turbulent and unpredictable times. Supply chain problems, food shortages and limited essential services may be the fall-out of the current geo-political and global challenges. Being prepared can save lives and mitigate human suffering.
The Vail Ready.wordpress.com web site has a dedicated page for “Disaster Preparedness” information. Listed here are some of the important features, resources and links you can find at the web site.
- SEVERE WEATHER
- THUNDERSTORMS & LIGHTNING
- EXTREME HEAT
- WILDFIRES
Be prepared by following these three important steps:
Content provided by – Ready.gov – Official website of the Department of Homeland Security.
Step 1: Make a Plan
How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
What is my shelter plan?
What is my evacuation route?
What is my family/household communication plan?
Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans due to Coronavirus.
Step 2: Consider Specific Needs In Your Household
As you prepare your plan, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.
Keep in mind these factors when developing your plan:
3-4 weeks supply of food and water is recommended for each household
Dietary needs
Pets or service animals
Households with school-aged children
Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
Different ages of members within your household
Responsibilities for assisting others
Cultural and religious considerations
Languages spoken
Locations frequented
Step 3: Fill Out A Family Emergency Plan
PDF download available here: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/family-emergency-communication-plan.pdf.
Sign up for Pima County Emergency alerts: https://emergencyalerts.pima.gov/
Community News & Updates: Vail Preservation Society Events – First Saturdays – April 2, 2022 – “Between the Tracks” & Volunteer Orientation – Sat. April 9, 2022 – Freeman House. Please visit: Vail Preservation Society web site for more information. https://vailpreservationsociety.org/
“Global Impact” section added to the Vail Ready website: Help the Ukraine through the American Red Cross, Unicef USA & USAID.
We can all be “Vail Ready” by being prepared for the unexpected, save lives and preserve our great quality of life. Please Visit: Vail Ready.wordpress.com for a list of comprehensive links, resource information and community updates.
We can all be “Vail Ready” by being prepared for the unexpected, save lives and preserve our great quality of life. Please Visit: Vail Ready.wordpress.com for a list of comprehensive links, resource information and community updates.
Rick Bass is a USAF Veteran. He has extensive background in crisis management, suicide prevention and re-source development for the disabled. A lifelong community volunteer and a new age music composer, he enjoys the expansive beauty of the Vail area.
