West Newsmagazine News

West Newsmagazine is West St. Louis County's exclusive direct-mailed community newspaper.

West County EMS launches disaster preparedness program

The West County EMS and Fire Protection District recently launched its disaster preparedness program. The fire district is the first in the area to offer the program, which is intended to offer guidance to families, schools, businesses and others in the community in preparing a plan in case of disaster.

The program uses the Ready In 3 concept. Endorsed by the American Red Cross and the Missouri Emergency Management Agency, Ready in 3 focuses on three steps people can take to prepare for many kinds of emergencies. The three steps are: creating a plan, preparing a kit and listening for information.

Patrons of the fire district may register for more information and alerts in case of a disaster at wescofire.org (click on “Emergency and Disaster Safety Information”).

The form seeks basic information, including names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers. It also seeks permission to dissemination information via text messages in case of an emergency.

Other questions on the form include:

* Do you have pets that will require evacuation and how many?

* Do you and your family have alternate shelter identified in your emergency plan? Will you require assistance finding shelter?

* Does any member of your household have any special needs? Would they require assistance if an evacuation was ordered?

* What languages are you or your family able to read, write and understand?

* Do you or other members of your household have any resources to offer in a disaster?

* Are you or other members of your household trained as Community Emergency Responder Team (CERT) members?

The basics of the Ready In 3 plan are:

* Create a plan for you, your family and at work. Talk about how you will reach each other in different situations. Make sure everyone in the family can get to a safe place and find each other in the event of an emergency. Designate two family meeting places, one in the neighborhood and one farther away. Consider contacting the same friend or family member by telephone or e-mail. Think about making an out-of-town family member or friend the contact. It could be easier for an out-of-town person to connect separated family members.

* Prepare a kit for your home, car and at work.

For your home, have one gallon of water per person per day, to last three days; canned or dried food to last three days per person (if there is an infant in the house, include formula and baby food); battery-powered radio and flashlight (extra batteries for the radio and flashlight); list of prescription medications and first-aid kit.

Keep a small, portable emergency supply kit in your car with a gallon of water, several cans of food, a manual can opener, blankets, sleeping bags, money, and first-aid supplies.

At work, keep your own supply of fresh water and canned food, a flashlight, and battery-powered radio. Everyone should consider keeping a change of clothes, and a pair of strong, practical shoes or boots at work.

Make sure your pets have identification tags and up-to-date vaccinations. If you must leave home, bring your pet with you and create a supply kit that includes extra food, water and medications. A carrier and leash also are needed. For cats, include extra litter.

* Listen for information about what to do and where to go during an actual emergency. Stay calm in an emergency and get as much information about the situation as possible. City, county, and state officials have developed emergency plans. In the event of an actual emergency, follow their instructions and advice.