Officials urge emergency preparedness

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September 5, 2010

Being ready when disaster strikes should be everyone’s top priority

Kenneth Hart The Independent The Daily Independent Sun Sep 05, 2010, 10:54 PM EDT

ASHLAND — If the lights go out, are you prepared?

That’s a question local emergency management officials want residents to answer for themselves this month.

September has been designated as National Preparedness Month, and officials are using the occasion to stress the importance of being ready when disaster strikes.

“Kentuckians face manay challenges throughout the year, from tornadoes, flooding and winter storms to man-made hazards,” said Brent Webster, director of the Ashland Boyd County Catlettsburg Office of Emergency Management. “Every household should be prepared to face these challenges at any given time.”

The ice storm of January 2009 provided a vivid illustration of the important of individual self-preparedness, said John W. Heltzel, director of the state Division of Emergency Management.

That was because many of the agencies that normally assist the public during times of disaster were not able to respond immediately, he said.

Among the items every household should always have on hand are a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food for each member of the family, essential items such as medications, flashlights, a radio spare batteries, candles and first-aid supplies, Webster said.

“Something as simple as having a flashlight, radio and extra batteries available in the event of a power outage can make you and your family more comfortable during those times,” he said.

Along with an emergency kit, every household should have an emergency plan, which all family members should be aware of and which should be reviewed and updated periodically, Webster said.

More information on emergency preparedness can be found online at www.kyem.ky.go, www.ready.gov and www.abcem.com.

KENNETH HART can be reached at khart@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2654.

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