LAWRENCE COUNTY, KY– September 1st–September has been designed as National Preparedness Month. If the lights go out, are you prepared?  Local and state officials encourage everyone to be prepared in case of emergency.

“Kentuckians face many challenges throughout the year, from tornadoes, flooding, winter storms to man made hazards”, said Harold Slone, Lawrence County Emergency Management Director, and Slone concluded, “Every household should be prepared to face these challenges at any given time.” 

“Although the state and local governments are expected to assist the public during times of emergencies and disasters, preparedness starts at home. In the event of large scale disasters the government may be unable to respond immediately”, said John W. Heltzel, director of Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM). He continued, “The January ice storm of 2009 taught us many valuable lessons which we learned from.  One of the most important is the value of self preparedness.”  

Be prepared! You should have a three day supply of food and water for each member of your family, along with essentials such as: medicines, flash lights, radio, extra batteries, matches, candles, first aid supplies, etc. 

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 these times.   

Along with an emergency kit you should have an emergency plan.

PLANNING FOR DISASTER:

“Be Aware - Be Prepared - Have a Plan - Make a Kit”

Be Aware: • Know in advance your weather forecasts • Stay tuned to your local broadcasting stations • Discuss conditions with family members and know their location during times of known potentially threatening conditions.

Be Prepared: • Discuss your plan with family members and neighbors • Review your plan periodically for necessary updates • Refresh you emergency kit(s) periodically • Drill: practice your plan with household members

Have a plan: * • UTILITIES: Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on) • SHELTER: Identify safe locations within your residence • CONTACTS: Written contact information should include; relatives, neighbors, utility companies, employers (employees) and local emergency contact telephone numbers • EVACUATE: Predetermine evacuation routes.  Identify where you could go if told to evacuate Choose several places . . . a friend or relative's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter • Children: Make back up plans for children in case you (or they) can’t get home in an emergency • Vehicles: Maintain a half tank of fuel in vehicles                  Move vehicles from under trees during possible wind events                  Keep an “Emergency Go Kit” in the vehicle • Medications: prepare a list of all prescription drugs   * Share your plan with others. It is suggested to include sharing it with contacts in another region or even another state. 

Make a kit: • First aid kit and essential medications (to include prescription meds) • Canned food and can opener • At least three gallons of water per person • Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries • Waterproof matches, candles • Local phone book • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members • Extra set of car keys

For additional information please visit the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management’s website at www.kyem.ky.gov, www.ready.gov, www.lawcokyem.org  or contact your local emergency management director at 606-638-0334.

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