By Amy Sutton
As the Executive Director for the Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross, I talk with people all the time about the importance of being prepared for every day emergencies and disaster situations. People tell me that this topic can feel overwhelming which can lead them to avoid it all together. I like to use my grandmother as an example of what preparedness could look like for every day people. She lived through the depression and war. She always kept her basement stocked with food and supplies “just in case”. Every week when she would grocery shop, she would buy a little extra, especially if it was on sale. Generations long before us understood what it was like to have interruptions in their normal routine, goods and services. She never told me she was afraid, her knowledge was in fact empowering.
Knowledge is power so it is important that focus on what is in your control. By putting together a preparedness plan, you are taking responsibility for yourself and your family. Plans should be simple and include stocking and maintaining key supplies. It should include education and training for yourself and family members. American Red Cross classes such as Basic First Aid and CPR can give you the confidence you need in an emergency. Other Red Cross resources can help you learn how to prevent every day emergencies from occurring. With regard to disasters, find out what community resources are available to you before you need them. Plan for events that are likely to happen which in our community are things like fires, floods and storms. Planning for what is a real possibility, gets you ready for the situations that cannot be predicted.
The world is a dynamic place with real risks for natural and man made disasters beyond the every day emergencies that can arise. When each of us does our part, the community becomes stronger. I hope that the emergency preparedness information contained within our website is a resource for you to get started. The Greater Somerset County chapter here as your partner in preparedness and in helping to build a resilient community!
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