SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) - This is National Preparedness Month. Get involved. A chance for you and your family to get set to face the next emergency or disaster. "Luck is not a planning factor" says the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). Being ready is not as hard as you might think.
Minnehaha County Emergency Manager Lynn DeYoung says it's a matter of three steps....
1. Build a kit. Suggested contents here: https://www.ready.gov/kit
2. Make a plan - include ways other than cell phones for your family and friends to keep connected https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/108887
3. Stay aware - know what the threats are....weather, earthquake, terrorism, power outage, all-hazards!
Here's a cool map the Google crew puts out to keep you aware!
https://www.google.org/crisismap/weather_and_events
State provided preparedness planning tools here: http://bready.sd.gov/family/family.aspx
DeYoung says the recent events on the East Coast underscore the message. Residents there faced tropical storms, known to be a threat for several days in advance. Most were "storm ready", and protected their property and lives.
GETTING INVOLVED: Join a community service organization active in disaster response, such as Red Cross, Salvation Army, Civil Air Patrol, a Community Emergency Response Team or County Rescue Squad. Get trained, build skills and contribute. Serve your community! You can make a real difference for others to be ready. Contact your local Emergency Manager for more information. In Minnehaha County, call (605) 367-4290.
He urges you to follow the steps, and do the right thing in advance. Be ready to be on your own for a 36 hour period. He says when first responders have to help individual families, the larger recovery effort will slow down. "There's lots of things government will be doing in the first 36 hours after a disaster" says DeYoung. He adds that debris clearance, opening roads, restoring power, and opening shelters are task-intensive.
FEMA has provided a toolkit for you to share with your family here: https://community.fema.gov/