Barton County Preparedness Week has been scheduled for this coming week, and all individuals are encouraged to make emergency planning a priority next week, said Amy Miller, Barton County emergency management director. Her office has developed a week of planning actions for individuals to become disaster ready.
In addition, the County Commission Monday morning will consider a proclamation marking the observance.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility and it takes all residents to help prepare themselves and their communities for an emergency, she said. Emergencies may last three hours, three days or three weeks, prepare and plan for an event that may leave you without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or local services for several days.
“We must work together as a team to ensure that our families, businesses, and neighborhoods are ready for an emergency,” Miller said. “Make a plan, build an emergency supplies kit and be ready to follow the recommendation of emergency response officials during an emergency.”
Individuals should start preparations by evaluating their own personal needs and making an emergency plan that fits those needs. If you or someone close to you has a disability or other access or functional needs, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family. Identify what kind of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available.
Emergencies affect everyone in a family including your pets. Be sure to assemble an animal emergency supply kit and be prepared to evacuate with your pets if advised by emergency officials. If you must go to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for pet shelter alternatives such as a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for your pets, if you are unable to do so.
One can learn more about emergency planning by visiting the Barton County website at www.bartoncounty.org, go to the department tab – Emergency/Risk Management, and select Preparedness Week 2013 for more information and links to planning documents in English and Spanish.One can also visit www.ready.gov for even more preparedness information.
For other questions contact the Barton County Emergency Management office at 620-793-1919.