Hansen shares tips on how to be prepared in an emergency
Scott Hansen of Benton County Emergency Management spoke to the Vinton Kiwanis concerning preparation for disasters. He shared a list of supplies that families should have on hand, encouraging everyone to stock up a little bit at a time if they can't buy a lot of supplies at once. He shared that the 25-year food supplies that he's tested, are still good some 15 years after his family bought them.
Water
He encouraged people to have at least a gallon of water on hand per day, per person. (4 people=12 gallons for 3 days) Store the water in a cool and dark location. He said these will be good for up to 3 years. He recommends that families have 3 days of supplies on hand (5-10 days would be better) as well as enough food so that your family is "one less family that the government needs to help in an emergency."
The following situations might require more water:
-Children, nursing mothers and the ill require more water
-very hot temperatures could double the amount of water needed
-medical emergencies could require more water
Food
Hansen also suggested having some longterm food storage on hand. He included websites below where this could be purchased. He suggests if money is an issue to start small and build your supple a little at a time.
Sirens
He addressed the tornado sirens and when those are activated. If there is a warning, meaning a much more serious risk of a tornado touching down, as we had in March, sirens will go off. The sirens sound for 3 minutes and resound in 5 minutes. A Tornado Watch means, "watch out" and a warning means "We're warning you now, something is happening." Right now Mt. Auburn and Luzerne are the only towns not covered by sirens in the county.
Hanssen clarified that there is NOT an "all clear." When you hear the sirens, it's serious. Pay attention to the TV or radio stations to determine when it is safe to come out.
He reminded everyone to also be aware of the weather. Vinton has been hit several times over the years with tornados, floods and wind. He reminded everyone that even if lightning is in the area, to get inside. About 30 people each year are killed by lightning.
LEPC
Hansen is also responsible to take part in the LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committees) which covers chemical emergencies. He said that your family should have a room that can be sealed up, and have access to food and water for days. He reminded residents that we have trucks and trains that go through the town all the time. He said if you can smell it, you don't need to ask the government if it's dangerous.
Hansen plans to retire from his position at the end of June next year and thought that he'd be able to quietly step away. Then the county added a new radio system, and the schools are going to be doing a security analysis so there won't be much down time for Hansen before that date.
Websites:
Iowa Homeland Security Emergency Management
FEMA
Emergency Essentials Long term storage food products
Long term storage food products
Hansen handed out a packet of information for those interested in being prepared. Below are copies of:
20 Weeks of Preparedness
Shelter in Place
Severe Weather Brochure
20 Weeks to Preparedness
Shelter in Place
Severe Weather
Comments
Submit a CommentPlease refresh the page to leave Comment.
Still seeing this message? Press Ctrl + F5 to do a "Hard Refresh".