Resolve to be READY in 2016!

Reflecting back on 2015, we recognize that many communities in West Virginia were negatively impacted by disasters of all kinds - floods, fire, mudslides, power outages, and severe weather. We can’t control the weather or other potential disasters, but we can become more resilient if we prepare ourselves for emergencies. ReadyWV encourages ALL West Virginia residents to Resolve to Be Ready in 2016. Make preparedness one of your New Year’s resolution!

One option is to sign-up for Do 1 Thing, which is 12-month on-line preparedness program that makes it easy for you to prepare yourself, your family, and your community for emergencies or disasters. They will provide you with 1-step per month that you can take and will send e-mail reminders.

In case you’d rather pick and choose your own steps to take, consider the basic preparedness actions below:

Be Aware

From changing weather conditions to traffic accidents and serious emergency situations, staying informed is vital to everyone’s safety. Be aware of the type of emergencies that are most likely to affect your community. Keep informed via local radio or television, websites, smartphone apps or alerting text message services. Check with your county emergency management to see if they have special alerting services that you can opt-into.

Make an Emergency Plan

Write down home, office and mobile phone numbers and share with all family members.

Designate a neighborhood and out of town meeting place in case family members get separated.

Create an In Case of Emergency (ICE) phone number on your mobile phone. Family members should do this too!

Text Don’t Talk - during emergencies. Text messages will go through when voice calls may not.

Pick an out-of-town relative or friend as an emergency contact. Long distance phone calls may go through when local calls don’t.

Collect and make copies of important documents and put them in a safe place, ideally a waterproof, fire-resistant container.

Build an Emergency Kit

During an emergency, you may need some basic supplies to help you and your family stay safe and sound. It doesn’t need to be expensive or time consuming, but you should have these things gathered and ready to go. Below are some basic items to have on hand:

3-day supply of:

Non-perishable food - Food that doesn’t require cooking: canned, crackers, peanut butter, etc.

Water - 1 gallon/person/day

Medications & medical equipment

Pet supplies: food, water, collar, carrier, toys, etc.

In Addition:

Radio: crank or battery powered

Flashlight & batteries

Cash - ATMs and credit card machines may not work during power outages.

First Aid Kit & Hand Sanitizer

Paper towels, moist wipes, garbage bags & ties

Medical information, insurance cards, bank account records

Can opener

Wrench/Pliers

Local maps

Whistle - If you need to signal for help, a whistle’s sound will carry father than a shout.

Filter/Dust mask

Cell phone charger – An extra car charger or external battery backup will keep your phone charged.

NOAA Weather Radio (optional) – A sure way to get current weather information.

Change of clothing – At least one change of clothing per person. Clothes should be seasonally appropriate. Sturdy shoes or boots.

Books, games and puzzles (optional) – During an emergency, the hardest part may be waiting.

Contact:

Gina Namay
304-558-0111
Gina.L.Namay@wv.gov