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Citizen Corps offers lessons in preparedness
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By Michelle Brooks
mbrooks@newstribune.com
Pat Vezina has faced many disasters as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, but during the recent ice storms, she learned first-hand the value of being prepared.
Like many Mid-Missourians, Vezina's power in Holts Summit was out for several days.
And also like many of her neighbors, she had intended to make a disaster plan for her home and put together a preparedness kit.
Now Vezina and others know the importance of having essential items, including bottled water and batteries, in a central location.
The Cole County Citizen Corps hopes others like Vezina will commit to a New Year's Resolution of being ready for the next disaster.
The corps announced Wednesday it will distribute family safety guides, bookmarks and DVD presentations in January to enable families, churches and businesses to be prepared.
“People really need to have a plan,” said Vezina, who served more than 65 storm victims at the shelter at Solid Rock Family Church. “I will make this New Year's Resolution and encourage our married children to do the same.
“I knew it but hadn't acted on it; it was just one of those things I was going to do.”
However, everyone has to put together the plan that works for their family, considering special needs and pets, said coordinator Lisa Binkley. The literature and plan outline will provide a good framework.
“You need things you can pick up and take with you (quickly) or where you can shelter in place,” Binkley said. “(You shouldn't) have to dig through cabinets to find batteries for your flashlight,” as was the case for many a few weeks ago.
Water should be stored in amounts of one gallon per-person per day for at least three days, Binkley said. It's more than for drinking; that may be the only source some have for hygiene too, she noted.
The Rev. Mark Dumas, pastor at First United Methodist Church, noted that the younger generations seemed to be less prepared than the older generation during the storm's aftermath.
In addition to putting items into a kit, families should designate meeting places for both an at-home event or if it's a community event. And they should have a long-distance contact that all family members can report to if some forms of communication are down.
In the last few years, Binkley has made presentations to more than 15,000 people in Cole County on the topic of preparedness.
Cole County Presiding Commissioner Marc Ellinger noted that the recent ice storms showed how well emergency response organizations can work together and that citizens were “pretty prepared.”
* Water - one gallon per person per day.
* Food - ready-to-eat canned food, canned juice, high-energy foods, vitamins, comfort foods and specialty foods per family diet.
* First aid supplies - bandages, antiseptic, soap, Latex gloves, non-prescription drugs.
* Clothing and bedding - sturdy shoes, rain gear, blankets, hats, gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses.
* Tools and emergency supplies - battery operated radio, flashlights, fire extinguisher, pliers, shut off wrench, matches in a water-proof container, liquid soap, personal items, household chlorine bleach.
* Special items for an infant, medication for family members, books and games for entertainment and important family documents.
In addition, always keep a full tank of gas and vehicles should be winterized, including tires and brakes, heater, windshield wipers, lights and antifreeze levels
Like many Mid-Missourians, Vezina's power in Holts Summit was out for several days.
And also like many of her neighbors, she had intended to make a disaster plan for her home and put together a preparedness kit.
Now Vezina and others know the importance of having essential items, including bottled water and batteries, in a central location.
The Cole County Citizen Corps hopes others like Vezina will commit to a New Year's Resolution of being ready for the next disaster.
The corps announced Wednesday it will distribute family safety guides, bookmarks and DVD presentations in January to enable families, churches and businesses to be prepared.
“People really need to have a plan,” said Vezina, who served more than 65 storm victims at the shelter at Solid Rock Family Church. “I will make this New Year's Resolution and encourage our married children to do the same.
“I knew it but hadn't acted on it; it was just one of those things I was going to do.”
However, everyone has to put together the plan that works for their family, considering special needs and pets, said coordinator Lisa Binkley. The literature and plan outline will provide a good framework.
“You need things you can pick up and take with you (quickly) or where you can shelter in place,” Binkley said. “(You shouldn't) have to dig through cabinets to find batteries for your flashlight,” as was the case for many a few weeks ago.
Water should be stored in amounts of one gallon per-person per day for at least three days, Binkley said. It's more than for drinking; that may be the only source some have for hygiene too, she noted.
The Rev. Mark Dumas, pastor at First United Methodist Church, noted that the younger generations seemed to be less prepared than the older generation during the storm's aftermath.
In addition to putting items into a kit, families should designate meeting places for both an at-home event or if it's a community event. And they should have a long-distance contact that all family members can report to if some forms of communication are down.
In the last few years, Binkley has made presentations to more than 15,000 people in Cole County on the topic of preparedness.
Cole County Presiding Commissioner Marc Ellinger noted that the recent ice storms showed how well emergency response organizations can work together and that citizens were “pretty prepared.”
What you need to keep on hand
Six basic types of supplies should be packed in a special container for both home and vehicle:* Water - one gallon per person per day.
* Food - ready-to-eat canned food, canned juice, high-energy foods, vitamins, comfort foods and specialty foods per family diet.
* First aid supplies - bandages, antiseptic, soap, Latex gloves, non-prescription drugs.
* Clothing and bedding - sturdy shoes, rain gear, blankets, hats, gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses.
* Tools and emergency supplies - battery operated radio, flashlights, fire extinguisher, pliers, shut off wrench, matches in a water-proof container, liquid soap, personal items, household chlorine bleach.
* Special items for an infant, medication for family members, books and games for entertainment and important family documents.
In addition, always keep a full tank of gas and vehicles should be winterized, including tires and brakes, heater, windshield wipers, lights and antifreeze levels
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