You are probably wondering why the Village is developing an Emergency Preparedness policy and a formal Emergency Action Plan. Why would we need such a thing? We certainly are an unlikely candidate for a terrorism event, we are almost exclusively residential in land use, and have minimal interaction with outside agencies. Despite these surface considerations, we are encouraged at both the State and Federal Level to formalize our Preparedness Programs. Beyond these incentives and mandates, recent events show the importance of having an organized approach for dealing with unplanned events that could have dramatic effects to our community and its residents over a prolonged period of time. The Power Outage of last month stands as an example. Fortunately, the weather tempered the impact of the outage, but those reliant on power for medical care (Oxygen, Dialysis) were surely concerned about the duration of the event.

Consider the impact of a major weather event such as a snowstorm, flood or hurricane. The geographic attributes of our Village, with its proximity to water, narrow roads, large trees and limited access, make us particularly vulnerable. Consider the impact of a catastrophic failure or explosion from our neighboring power plant. Consider our reaction to a spill or other environmental disaster attributable to the local plants or a navigational mishap. Are we prepared to react in an organized and professional manner? Should we be solely reliant on the County’s Response Agencies and the good men and woman of our Volunteer Fire Service? A review of exemplary government practices, and the Boy Scout Motto would suggest otherwise.

What to Have in Your Head: Household Disaster Plan

Consider developing a disaster plan with your household members to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. Decide where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center or place of worship.

• Make sure everyone knows the address and phone number of your second meeting place.
• Know and practice all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
• Designate an out-of-state friend or relative that household members can call if separated during a disaster. If phone circuits are busy, this out-of-state contact can be an important way of communicating between household members. When local phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make.
• Account for everybody’s needs, especially seniors, people with disabilities and non-English speakers.
• Practice your plan with all household members.
• Ensure that household members have a copy of your household disaster plan to keep in their wallets and backpacks.

What to Have in Your Home: Emergency Supply Kit

Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own for at least three days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only.

• One gallon of drinking water per person per day
• Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (You can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries.)
• Whistle
• Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials) and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)
• Personal hygiene items: soap, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.
• Phone that does not rely on electricity
• Child care supplies or other special care items

WHAT TO HAVE IN YOUR GO BAG

Every household should consider assembling a Go Bag – a collection of items you might need in the event of an evacuation. Each household member’s Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels. A Go Bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.

• Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, photo IDs, proof of address, etc.)
• Extra set of car and house keys
• Credit and ATM cards and cash, especially in small denominations. We recommend you keep at least $50-$100 on hand.
• Bottled water and non-perishable food such as energy or granola bars
• Flashlight, battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries. You can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries at retail stores.
• Medication and other essential personal items. Be sure to refill medications before they expire. Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages.
• First aid kit
• Sturdy, comfortable shoes, lightweight raingear, and a mylar blanket
• Contact and meeting place information for your household, and a small regional map
• Child care supplies or other special care items