THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - During the last days of summer, the United States experienced an earthquake, a hurricane, deadly floods, and the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
All reminding us to consider the possibility of public health emergencies. "At any given moment we can have a thunder storm come through our area that can take trees out and wipe our power out," said Lowe's Project Specialist Bill Ritter.
The Southwest Public Health District encourages a simple three step process to make it through any disaster. "One is to get a kit. Two is to make a plan. And three is to stay informed and be informed," said Emergency Preparedness Director Julie Miller.
Officials say while it is important to be prepared at home, it's also important to be prepared at work. "If the electricity goes off at work and you are not able to leave your office, do you have what you need to be able to take care of yourself for several hours," said Miller.
Supplies you should keep in your storm kit are flashlights, batteries, water, and tarps.
Emergency Preparedness Director Julie Miller has a plan for those working on a tight budget. "There's some discount stores that have the items that you would need. They have canned food items that will do you well as well as do your pets well. Go ahead and start that process and maybe buy one or two a week or one or two a pay period as you can and than it builds."
It's always important to take all safety precautions when using a generator, chainsaw, or any potentially dangerous tool. "Anytime you are using a product that requires you to use gasoline, it's going to burn gasoline or anything like that, you want to make sure that product is outside the house. You don't want to fill you house up with carbon monoxide poison," said Ritter.
Most importantly you should never wait until the last minute to buy your supplies. Not only will you be fighting long lines, but whatever you are looking for may be sold out.
The 2011 Hurricane Season officially ends November 30th. Below is a list of emergency preparedness websites.
www.cdc.gov
www.ready.gov
www.ready.ga.gov
www.fema.gov
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