Emergency Preparedness is Just Not Government Responsibility - How Prepared Are You?
LAWRENCE COUNTY - APRIL 3, 2023 - The Lawrence County Zephyr reported on Friday that Mitchell had tornado siren that was not working for over one year.
Photo: The one of two tornado sirens in Mitchell have not worked for more than one year.
According to Mitchell Mayor Nathan Jenkins the county says ECS is waiting on parts for the siren.
However, emergency preparedness just does not fall onto government, but each resident has personal responsibility for their own personal safety.
Question is are you prepared for a tornado?
Here is some recommendations from the American Red Cross:
Here are some recommendations from the American Red Cross:
Right Before a Tornado
Don’t wait until you see the tornado to act! If you do nothing else:
Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
Move to an underground shelter, basement or safe room. If none is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative.
Remember – no area of a mobile home is safe during a tornado. If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, go there immediately, using your seat belt if driving.
Find a local emergency shelter and know the best routes to get there if you need to.
During a Tornado
If You Are Outdoors
Seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building.
If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter, immediately get into a vehicle and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. Remember to buckle your seat belt.
Stay away from bridge/highway overpasses.
If strong winds and flying debris occurs while driving, pull over and park, keeping your seat belt on and engine running. Put your head down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket.
After a Tornado
If you do nothing else:
Let friends and family know you’re safe. – Register yourself as safe on the Safe and Well website
If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
Continue listening to local news or an NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.
Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive.
What Do You Need In A Survival Kit?
At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:
Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)
Deluxe family first aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Map(s) of the area
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit:
Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
Games and activities for children
Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
Two-way radios
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Manual can opener
The time to prepare for a tornado is now before they happen and be prepared for any emergency at all times.
For any information on this and other safety recommendations go to redcross.org.
For breaking news, news and information go to lczephyr.org or like/follow the Lawrence County Facebook page.
ADVERTISEMENT
CALL 812-902-8168
