Get Ready for America’s PrepareAthon

DEM Blogger

April 28, 2015

Millions of people throughout the United States are taking the pledge to become more prepared for emergencies and disasters. In Lexington and throughout the state, the Division of Emergency Management wants you to join the national PrepareAthon this Thursday, April 30 and be better prepared for those unpredictable events.

“We’ve experienced severe weather conditions already this year,” said Patricia Dugger, Lexington’s Director of Emergency Management. “From snowstorms to flooding to tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, Fayette County can experience most kinds of seasonal weather events. It’s important for people to be prepared for weather and other types of emergencies.”

When people prepare and practice for emergencies before they happen, it makes a real difference in their ability to take immediate and informed action. Being prepared for emergencies also enables people to recover more quickly from that emergency or disaster.

The Division of Emergency Management wants you to take action during the PrepareAthon. Here are some of the things you can do:

• Have a working NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio in your home and office. If you spend time outdoors, get a battery-operated portable weather radio to take with you when playing golf, hiking, fishing or camping.
• Talk about and put together a personal or family emergency plan. DEM has planning information available at BeReadyLexington.com.
• If you have an emergency kit, go through it and make sure it has everything you need. Check any food or water to make sure it hasn’t gone past an expiration date. If you don’t have an emergency kit, go to BeReadyLexington.com and print out the emergency kit checklist. Get a few things every week until your kit is fully stocked.
• Review what the local hazards are in your community. In Fayette County, hazard awareness includes flooding, earthquakes and chemical emergencies.
• Make sure you have an emergency communications plan. Write down important phone numbers in case your mobile phone doesn’t work. Know how to text message. Choose an out-of-town emergency contact and share that number with family and friends.
• Collect, copy and safeguard important documents, like insurance policies, birth certificates, court documents, deeds, prescriptions and a list of credit card numbers.
• Take a first aid and/or CPR course. If you’ve taken them before, take a refresher course so you know the latest techniques for lifesaving.
• For mobile phone users, download the latest FEMA app that includes the option for local weather alerts.
• Make sure you have some cash on-hand for emergencies. If the power is out, credit and debit cards may not work.
• Have an emergency plan for pets. Make an emergency pet kit with food, water, toys, leashes, feeding dishes, litter and litter trays, blankets and pet carriers. Have a recent photo of your pet in case you get separated. Create a buddy system with a relative or friend to help each other’s pets if one of you is away from home during an emergency.More information about emergency preparedness is available from the Division of Emergency Management website: BeReadyLexington.com. Information from the division is also available through the DEM Facebook page: LexingtonKYEM and the DEM Twitter account: @lexkyem.