Are You Prepared? Learn How to be Ready for an Emergency or Disaster
In recent years, earthquakes and horrific wildfires spread along the West Coast of the United States, while tropical storms devastated popular vacation spots throughout the South. Severe flooding and tornados have wrecked numerous communities throughout the Nation, while blistering cold temperatures led to polar vortex winters in the North and Upper Midwest. Natural and man-made disasters can strike at any time; therefore, it is important to have a planned response. These events could occur while you are at home, at work, on vacation, or even on the road.
During the month of September, as we celebrate National Preparedness Month, we are reminded to prepare ourselves and our families for emergencies or disasters that could occur with a moment’s notice. While the global surface temperature for 2022 was the sixth highest since record keeping began in 1880, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2021 was unusually deadly. 20 events in 2021 caused at least 688 direct or indirect fatalities, which is the most disaster-related fatalities for the United States since 2011 and more than double 2000’s number of 262.
For many, especially our rural and farming communities, we may be the first ones to act after a disaster strikes and before first responders can arrive. Therefore, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself, your family, and your community. Here are a few safety tips to consider to be prepared when faced with an emergency or disaster:
It is always better to be safe, than sorry! Don’t ignore updates on severe weather conditions and listen to local weather reports on the television, radio, or internet. If electric and cell phone service become disabled, be prepared with flashlights, batteries, and other important items.
Make sure to have a family communication plan in place, and all members of the family should review and practice the plan. Have all family members' and other important phone numbers written down or memorized.
Have an evacuation plan in place for your home or farm. You should not only consider how to escape but think about where your family and/or livestock will go next.
Check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as floods, earthquakes, and tornados.
Have an emergency kit in your car and at least three days of food and water at home.
Be sure to store all important documents, like birth certificates, insurance policies, etc., in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box.
Learn life-saving skills like first aid and CPR.
Know how to shut off utilities, like gas and water.
Hazards can still exist when returning home after a disaster. Be aware of debris, mold, asbestos, chemical, and sewage. Always use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) during any clean-up effort.
Preparing for emergencies are woven into several Progressive Agriculture Safety Days held throughout North America each year through sessions on first aid, roadway safety, water safety, and weather safety. No matter the season or the time of year, it’s important to remember we must always be prepared for a disaster or emergency.
The “Safety Day Corner” is a safety message by the Progressive Agriculture Foundation® (PAF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, with the mission to provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children and their communities. Recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America, the Foundation’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® program, has expanded its reach since 1995 to individuals in the United States, U.S. territories and Canadian provinces. For more information about PAF and its programs, visit: www.progressiveag.org.