Dec. 29, 2006
Resolve to become prepared!
Our tradition is to make New Year's resolutions. They typically include things like losing weight, exercising more, or using credit cards less. For 2007, the King County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging people to become better prepared for emergencies and disasters. The recent windstorm may have motivated more people to become prepared for extended electrical power outages.
"People give all sorts of reasons for not being prepared for disasters," says Eric Holdeman, Director for the King County OEM. "Their excuses range from ‘Nothing has ever happened to me', to the traditional, ‘I'm too busy and don't have the time and energy to become prepared'. Neither reason will provide much comfort once a disaster hits and people are stuck without needed supplies to care for themselves and their families."
Disaster preparedness is not difficult and it does not have to be time consuming. You just need to integrate it into your everyday activities. Regionally, there has been a coordinated media campaign focused on people becoming prepared for a minimum of three days. The campaign, "Three Days, Three Ways" centers on having a plan, building a disaster kit, and getting involved in your neighborhood and community. More specifics on the campaign and preparedness can be found at www.3days3ways.org. There is even a streaming video on the web site for those who would like a more visual guide.
Additionally, hundreds, if not thousands, of people have purchased generators since the recent windstorm. Not everyone has had experience with operating generators safely, and needless deaths occur after every extended power outage due to their improper use. King County Office of Emergency Management, in cooperation with Puget Sound Energy, has produced a 30 minute video program on natural gas and electrical power safety. A portion of that video provides detailed information on how to safely set up and operate a generator. The streaming video is available online.
"The recent windstorm was a predicted weather event that had plenty of media coverage and warnings. Still people chose not to become prepared by filling their cars with gasoline and having supplies on hand for predictable power outage situation," said Holdeman. "I'm hopeful that along with the usual New Year's resolutions to eat better and exercise more, these folks will also resolve to be better prepared in 2007 and will take action to protect themselves and provide for their family's comfort and safety."