Keep Things Organized

Today's article for the Statesman Journal, by Jennifer Bailey.
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20090930/COMMUNITIES/909300309/1107

September 30, 2009

Why prepare if you're not going to evacuate?

Evacuation becomes necessary when your home is made unlivable. However, if you are not going to evacuate, why bother with an emergency kit or family plan?

Even the most minor of disasters can be very inconvenient and being at home does not guarantee you will have everything you need.

If you are staying at home because of a chemical spill or other airborne hazard, you will need plastic sheeting and tape to seal up a room to protect yourself and your family from outside contaminants. If you are sealed in a room, you will need personal sanitation items along with the items listed above and more.

If you have pets, they will need food and water, toys, leash and bed, too.

The point is that in an emergency you don't want to be looking all over the house for the basic items you need to make your stay more comfortable. You don't want to have to go out in bad weather to pick up items at the store. You want everything you need to be in one place and ready for use and you want every member of your family to know where it is.

Today is the last day of National Preparedness Month. Don't wait any longer. Check out www.ready.gov and get ready!

Jennifer Bailey, formerly of FEMA, is the public affairs coordinator of Oregon Emergency Management. She may be reached at (503) 378-2911, Ext. 22294 or jbailey@oem.state.or.us.