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Community Corner

When Disaster Strikes, Be Prepared

"Disasters are always inclusive. Response and recovery are not, unless we plan for it," says June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant.

 

Get Ready Gwinnett, a seminar sponsored by the Gwinnett Emergency Preparedness Committee of the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services, was held last Saturday, Sept. 15, at Annandale Village. The event was organized by Gwinnettians committed to increasing awareness of the needs of the elderly and those with disabilities simultaneously considering all residents of the affected area.   

At least 30 agencies came together to provide suggestions and guidance in preparing for all kinds of emergencies, ranging from personal go-kits for immediate evacuations to what to do when severe weather threatens.

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Representatives of Federal Emergency Management Administration(FEMA), Gwinnett Emergency Management Administration/Gwinnett Fire Department, Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), National Family Caregivers Association and the Disability Resource Group presented during the morning lecture session. These people have dedicated their lives to making sure that the nation, Georgia and Gwinnett County are prepared in emergency situations.

The call from each group represented was for every person and every family to have a plan, a go-bag, and a back-up in the event of weather, natural disasters, hazardous material spills, terrorist or pandemic situations. 

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With the focus of the event being on people with disabilities and the frail elderly, conversations with people with experience living with a disability gave real-life examples of people with disabilities leading able-bodied workers out of crisis situations. 

The disability community encourages their clients to develop plans of action and not wait for deliverance by a governmental agency, so their mindset is to take action when dire situations occur.

Suggestions for preparedness include the following Go-Bag to grab in case of emergency evacuation:

Non-perishable Food (3 day supply)       

Water (1 gallon/person/day) for at least 3 days

Dishes and utensils                                        

Manual can opener  

Flashlight                                                            

NOAAWeather radio (battery-operated or crank)

Extra batteries                                                 

FirstAid Kit

Extra cash (ATMs may not work)              

Whistle (to alert of location, warn of danger)

Medications (at least 2 weeks’supply)   

Matches (Waterproof)                

List of medications and supplements: name, dosage, frequency, how to take                

Physician and Pharmacy addresses and phone numbers

Health equipment and supplies (Glasses, hearing aidbatteries, oxygen, etc.)

Hygiene supplies (soap, water, handi-wipes, tooth care, toilet paper, trash bags,disinfectant, dish soap)

Contact information for family members/caregivers/friends andneighbors

Dust Mask                          

Plastics heeting and duct tape/tent        

Change of clothes Rain gear                            

Blanket for warmth                                        

Extra shoes

Important papers (Insurance policies, house or car titles, proof of address, birthcertificates/passport, health status) in waterproof container

Cell phone with charger                                               

Babysupplies (if applicable)

Maps of the area                                            

50’nylon rope

Pocket knife                                                      

Water treatment equipment

Watch/battery operated clock                  

Pet supplies

Pencil and notebook                                          

Deck of cards

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities        

Chart with shutoff valves around house

Gloves/Cloths for cleaning up chemical spills

Portable stove (butane or charcoal)       

Multi-purpose tool                                         

Extra car and house keys 

In addition, every family should have a plan for communicating with other family members who may not be together: this may involve getting in touch with out-of-town relatives who gather all information from the crisis area. Many times, calls or texts can go out but incoming systems are overloaded.

Whether to stay in place or leave will be a last-minute decision, depending on the crisis. Local authorities may not provide a definite direction and each family may have to make a decision based on information from the television, radio or Internet. If specifically instructed to leave or seek medical treatment, do so immediately.

Know the possible disasters or emergencies likely to occur in the immediate area; identify how authorities will alert the population; recognize the different levels of warning and what actions to take. Also know action to take in locations where you are traveling for business or pleasure. When disaster occurs the community may change in an instant.  Share this information with family, household, neighbors and friends and encourage them to be informed.

Medical Reserve Corps members are accountants, teachers, nurses, computer professionals—anyone who wants to become a trained local volunteer. MRC members help their community during emergencies and provide education and prevention services to improve the health and well-being of their neighborhoods and communities.  For more information visit http://mrcgem.com  or call 770-339-4260. Citizens Emergency Response Team serves a similar role. Training is available for interested residents through Gwinnett Emergency Management Administration. Noah’s Ark www.noahsarkbesafe.org offers free online planning tools for individuals and families. They also have a supply of gourmet, extended-storage food for sale.

For more information about preparing for disasters, visit www.ready.ga.gov. For Gwinnettians, visit the CoalitionCommittee’s webpage  www.getreadygwinnett.org or email togetreadygwinnett@gmail.com or call 770-995-3339.

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