The original item was published from March 1, 2017 3:01 PM to March 3, 2017 1:44 PM
PLAN AHEAD TO WEATHER SPRING STORMS
Every day, St. Charles County residents are at risk for a variety of potential hazards. All too often in recent years, we have witnessed how natural disasters, health scares and everyday emergencies can strike quickly and disrupt lives.
SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK (March 6-10, 2017)
To remind us how to prepare for and react to the various natural dangers that commonly arise during the spring and summer months, the State of Missouri has declared March 6-10 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. Each day of this week will be devoted to a separate subject:
- Monday – Families and businesses are encouraged to discuss the common threats we face and to develop ways to safely respond to these dangers.
- Tuesday – A state-wide drill (planned for 10 a.m., on March 7) emphasizes take-cover response plans and ways to be aware for the development of tornadoes.
- Wednesday – Focusing on flash-flood safety, the activities will relate to the mantra “Turn Around. Don’t Drown” as a reminder not to drive through water-covered roadways.
- Thursday – The concentration centers on severe thunderstorm safety, recognizing the difference in the terms “Watch” and “Warning.” A WATCH means that conditions are favorable for the event to occur; while a WARNING declares that the event is occurring at that time in the community, and immediate action is required.
- Friday – Details the benefits of staying informed — especially through the use of a NOAA Weather Radio.
READY IN 3
Though we may not be able to determine precisely when and where the next emergency will occur, a plan of action that follows pre-arranged steps and provides adequate resources can guide you through all types of scenarios. This three-step preparedness plan — being Ready in 3 — can lessen the impact of a disaster and return you to normal activity more quickly.
CREATE A PLAN – This plan determines how you would react and where you would go in two types of scenarios (evacuation and sheltering-in-place)
PREPARE A KIT – Your emergency response kit will provide you, your family, co-workers and pets with materials that can sustain them for up to three days, if outside help is not available. At minimum, a well-stocked emergency kit contains one gallon of water per person per day, non- perishable food items, a manual can opener, first aid supplies, a battery powered radio, a battery powered flashlight, extra batteries, a way to communicate with others, necessary medicines, a small amount of c
ash and any additional comfort or safety items you may need.
LISTEN FOR INFORMATION – Stay tuned for life-saving or other helpful information from authorities, response agencies and local media. Then, act on this guidance to remain safe during or after the event. For notification, various emergency applications, text alerts, media announcements, a NOAA Weather Radio and other alert systems are designed to provide advanced warning of potential threats and response information.
VOLUNTEERS
Should any of these events occur, volunteers would play an important role in the response and recovery efforts. Consider joining one of the groups below now to become familiar with various opportunities:
- For Individuals – The Medical Reserve Corps assists the needs of the community in a public health emergency, with volunteers putting their knowledge and skills to use in helping in areas such as medical support, logistics, animal care, transportation, communications and others.
- For Organizations and Businesses – The St. Charles County Community Organizations Active in Disaster chapter brings together collaborating agencies to meet unmet needs and supplement response efforts.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
St. Charles County Division of Emergency Management
St. Charles County Department of Public Health
Resources for your municipality
Ready.gov
Missouri State Emergency Management Agency