Considering recent natural disasters on the east coast, emergency officials push preparedness.
An earthquake earlier this month and Hurricane Irene are examples of why it’s important for everyone to be prepared, so says Tod Pritchard with Wisconsin Emergency Management. He says one can’t always predict the severity, time, or location of a disaster. “This Hurricane Irene is the perfect example. You know there were predictions of what was going to happen but you never really know until it strikes. Now, of course, there’s massive flooding in Vermont, which I don’t think anyone predicted. You can’t pick your disaster, they pick you, unfortunately. You need to be ready for everything.”
And that means you should get an emergency preparedness kit and have a plan. “One of the simplest things to do is just prepare a little emergency kit.”
It’s also important to have a plan of action, including a potential meeting place in case family members get separated, and have an out-of-state contact in case local communication is impaired. Pritchard says first responders aren’t always able to help, if they’re busy helping others or in danger themselves.
You can check their website readyWisconsin.wi.gov for preparedness tips. You can also sign up for a chance to win an emergency kit. The extra push for preparedness comes as we approach the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.