National Preparedness Month

Families should have a plan for emergencies

The nationwide initiative, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies since they often occur without warning.

The U.S. Civil Air Patrol's Bowie Composite Squadron offers advice on various disaster preparedness topics each week of the month, as a service to Bowie residents. In this fourth and final week, the focus is on family preparedness.

Disasters can take a variety of forms including terrorism, fire and severe weather. They can affect all members of the family including parents, children, grandparents and even pets.

Creating a family plan

Begin by discussing the type of emergencies that are most likely to happen in your area. It is important to decide how you will contact each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency since you may not always be together when trouble occurs. Families should choose two meeting places. One should be near the home in the event of a sudden emergency such as a fire. The other should be outside of the neighborhood in case it is not possible to return home. Bowie Squadron's Homeland Security officer, 2nd Lt. Albert Redd Jr. suggests taking it a step further in case of a large-scale disaster. "Everybody should choose a couple of places outside of the capitol region that could serve as a gathering place," he says. In addition, you should choose an out-of-state family member or friend to check in with in case family members become separated. Redd says everyone should carry a contact card with all of the addressees and phone numbers discussed in the family emergency plan.

Emergency kit

The Department of Homeland Security advises all families and individuals to prepare an emergency kit containing the following items: water, nonperishable food, battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, whistle to signal for help, dust mask to help filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place, personal sanitation items, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, medication and eyeglasses, and local maps.

Items should be stored in a plastic container or duffel bag that is easy to carry. Redd also suggests keeping copies of important documents and cash in your emergency kit. "If there is no power, you are not going to have access to automated vending machines such as ATMs," he says. "It's also likely that banks will not be open in the immediate area affected."

Senior citizens and the disabled

Disabled Americans and senior citizens need to take a few extra precautions when preparing for emergencies. In addition to the supplies mentioned above, add the following items as needed: hearing aids and batteries, wheelchair batteries, oxygen and other equipment needed for daily living. Also, consider placing copies of medical records and insurance cards (Medicare and Medicaid) in the emergency supply kit. If you anticipate needing assistance during a disaster, talk to friends and family ahead of time about how they can help.

Pet preparedness

Pets are considered family members in many households so they should be included in your disaster plans. Create a separate emergency kit for your animal that includes pet food, water, medications, medical records (including current vaccinations), leashes, ID tags, a few pet toys and other appropriate supplies. If you have to evacuate, try to take your pet with you but keep in mind that shelters do not typically allow pets inside even if they are service animals. To prepare for this problem, make a list of vets in others cities where you can temporarily shelter your pet. Redd encourages pet owners to also make a list of hotel chains that typically allow pets in case you have the opportunity to rent a room.

For information, visit the homeland security section of the Bowie Composite Squadron Web site at www.bowiecap.org. If you or your child, 12 years or older, are interested in volunteering with CAP, call 301-805-8200.

The writer is a second lieutenant with the Civil Air Patrol, Bowie Composite Squadron.