FORT RUCKER, Ala. (January 16, 2015) -- Alabama is home to all kinds of weather, with temperatures that range from freezing to well over 100 degrees, to hurricanes and tornadoes, and has even been known to get an earthquake every now and then, and it's for those unexpected emergencies that officials urge people to be prepared.
Willie Worsham, Fort Rucker emergency response manager, said the key to getting through those emergencies is preparedness, and one way to be prepared is to have an emergency preparedness kit.
"During an emergency situation, things that people are accustomed to, such as water and power, are not as readily available as during a normal situation, so the best thing to do is be prepared by having a stockpile of nonperishable foods, water and things like that can help immensely during an emergency," he said. "People should make sure they have blankets in case their heat goes out and also have a plan in case they need to evacuate their home."
People in this area are used to hearing tornado sirens, but some things people aren't as accustomed to are things like freezing rain and temperatures, so people should do what they can to make sure they are ready for an emergency in case there is a power failure in freezing temperatures.
Early in the year is when the South can experience extremely cold temperatures, so people should make sure they have the necessary equipment and supplies in case there is a power outage or if their pipes freeze over, said Worsham.
Emergency kits should include but not be limited to the following recommended items:
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation;
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food;
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both;
- Flashlight and extra batteries;
- First aid kit;
- Whistle to signal for help;
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation;
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities;
- Manual can opener for food;
- Local maps;
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger; and
- Blankets to keep warm in cold weather situations.
Because of Mother Nature's unpredictability, Worsham said that people should always have a plan ready for an emergency situation, stay informed, listen for sirens and make sure everyone in their household knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
In addition to an emergency kit, Worsham suggests that people make sure they have a family communication plan and go over the plan regularly in case of an emergency, including establishing a meeting place inside or outside of the house, depending on the emergency.
These tips can be used for just about any emergency, said the emergency response manager, and regardless of the type of emergency, he said people need to be ready for anything because anything can happen.
For more information on emergency preparation, visit www.ready.gov or www.acsim.army.mil/readyarmy/ra_readiness.htm#natural.
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