Being prepared -- especially for families -- is the key to facing natural disasters.
A general rule of thumb is to be able to fend for yourself for at least three days. That means having sufficient food, clothing, possible temporary shelter, needed medications and other emergency supplies.
"With a little time and effort, families can prepare for severe weather hazards affecting our area. Developing a family disaster plan is the first step," said Jay Jones, Coweta County emergency management agency director.
Today is the first day of Severe Weather Awareness Week, with the topic focusing on family preparedness.
"Family Preparedness Day is a time for every family in Coweta County to plan and rehearse what they should do during the first 72 hours of any severe weather-related event or disaster," Jones said.
Among the suggestions from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency are:
• Pick at least two family meeting places. One should be near your home, as in the event of a fire; the second should be somewhere the family can meet if they are unable to return home.
• Have an out-of-state friend serve as a "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
• Install safety features in your house, such as a NOAA Weather Radio, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Inspect your home for potential hazards that can move, fall, break or catch fire, and fix them.
• Have family members learn basic safety measures such as CPR and first-aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and, how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
• Teach children how and when to call 911.
• Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your family's needs for at least three days.
• Assemble an emergency preparedness kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. •n Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules.
• Conduct drills.
• Test your weather radio and smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Replace stored water and food every six months.
For more information, contact Jay Jones, Coweta County Emergency Management director, at 770-254-2650 or visit these websites: www.ready.ga.gov , www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.gema.ga.gov .
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(Coming tomorrow: Thunderstorm Safety.)
