Emergency measures discussed at safety meeting

The College Cultural Neighborhood Watch meeting watch group held an emergency preparedness program at its Dec. 15 meeting. People from neighboring groups joined in the educational session presented by Sgt. Lloyd Nicholson, Mott Community College Public Safety, and his staff.

"Preparing makes sense," Nicholson said. "Whether it's for a natural disaster, a technological disaster, or a terrorism disaster you need a plan," he said.

Nicholson recommended putting together a family plan that is very specific.

"Your family may not be together when disaster strikes so determine how you will contact one another," Nicholson warned.

He suggested having an out-of-town relative as a central contact for family members.

According to Nicholson, special consideration should be given to people in the family with particular needs, the elderly and pets.

Older people should have copies of their medications and prescriptions as well as dosage information. Extra batteries for hearing aids, extra eyeglasses, wheelchair batteries and a supply of oxygen if needed should be part of the emergency kit. Documents such as family records, wills, power-of-attorney, deeds, social security numbers and bank information should be kept in a separate waterproof and fireproof container.

"Consider your pets when you make your plan," Nicholson added. "Make sure you have a plan if you must evacuate and take your pets with you, if possible. But if you go to a public shelter only service animals will be allowed inside — not pets."

According to Nicholson pets need their own emergency supply kit containing food and water. Medicines and medical records for pets should be kept in waterproof containers. Collars with identification tags, a harness or leash, pet litter and pet carriers can also be included.

A family emergency supply list was distributed listing the basic items.

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Battery-powered radio.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit.
• Whistle to signal for help.
• Dustmask, moist towelettes, garbage bags.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Hand-operated can opener.
• Local maps.

Nicholson said business owners need to make the same kind of emergency plans as families. How quickly a company can get back into business after a disaster depends on the emergency planning done today, Nicholson said.

Go to www.ready.gov, www.do1thing.com or www.fema.gov for more information.

The group meet next at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at Mott Community College Regional Technology Center, Room 1301.