As a recent college graduate, I am about to begin living on my own and am wondering what type of precautions I should take, first as a renter and eventually a homeowner, to be prepared for any threats to life and property I might encounter during various types of unexpected situations.
"There are a variety of threats and hazards that can cause an emergency situation to arise at any time," says Melody Daniel, spokesman for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. "Personal preparedness is the first step to being ready for any emergency that may occur."
Daniel offers some tips for being prepared in the event of various emergencies:
"Have an emergency preparedness kit that contains critical items such as a flashlight, water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), nonperishable food items, emergency or extra medication, copies of important paperwork, cash, blankets, spare clothing, and extra batteries," she says, adding that those desiring more detailed lists can visit ready.gov or adem.arkansas.gov and click on the Plan and Prepare tab at the top of the screen.
"It's also a good idea to have an emergency communication plan," Daniel says. "For families with school-age children, ensure that topics such as 'what to do if an emergency happens during school hours or while parents are not home' are covered," she says. "Know what emergency evacuation routes are available in your area and have an alternate evacuation route planned."
Once a plan has been devised, the next step is to practice it, she says.
While it's difficult to completely prepare for any and all emergencies, any preparedness steps taken can improve a person's readiness, ability to survive, and functionality before, during and after an event. And remember to make use of technology, using apps such as Smart911 to provide first responders with additional information about yourself or family members during an emergency.
When it comes to a severe winter weather event, emergency kits should include rock salt to help combat icing, which often occurs here in Arkansas.
• In winter, car kits should contain additional items such as extra blankets, an ice scraper, matches and windshield anti-ice spray.
• Consider an alternate cooking option for all-electric houses.
• Insulate pipes and outdoor water spigots before freezing weather arrives. Know where water shut-off valves are in case of a burst water pipe. To avoid such a situation, leave a trickle of water running when temperatures are low enough to freeze the water in pipes.
TORNADOES
Tornadoes are a very real threat here in Arkansas. Precautions to prepare for one include staying alert during the threat of hazardous weather, and monitoring the latest weather information via weather radio, television or other means.
"It cannot be emphasized enough that tornadoes can strike with little to no warning," Daniel says. "As one of the primary hazards in the state, we recommend that families have a thorough tornado/severe weather plan."
Families should have a designated meeting location in case the family is not together during the event, and an emergency kit for afterward.
During a tornado, find the best possible shelter from high winds and debris. In a structure, move to the a windowless room on the lowest floor. For those in a trailer or manufactured home, it is safest to leave and take cover elsewhere, preferably a storm shelter. Those driving should attempt to take cover in a ditch or the other lowest point of ground nearby.
To prepare for and protect against flooding, Daniel offers the following advice:
• Move important items to the highest possible floor.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water within your home.
• Make copies of important documents and keep them in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe or in a separate location from your home.
Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We'll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email:
lhaymes@arkansasonline.com
HomeStyle on 11/19/2016