State officials urge you to be prepared for emergencies.
Just remember three simple things: Get a kit, make a plan, and be informed. That’s the advice from Tod Pritchard of ReadyWisconsin.
For starters, he advises families to establish a meeting place or a contact person in case family members get separated during a crisis. “It doesn’t have to be a big, elaborate thing. It really is as simple as ‘where do we meet if we’re separated? How do we communicate?’ So, I think one of the best tips I’ve ever heard is, you know, make someone a contact person outside of the state so your family can communicate through them if you can directly communicate.”
Also, Pritchard says, be sure to have an emergency kit with necessary supplies, including medications and plenty of water. He recalls examples of how flooding and contamination led to water shortages. Pritchard says preparing a kit doesn’t have to be hard work; He suggests you make a game out of it. “When you’re putting a kit together get your family together, get our checklist off of the website, and make it a scavenger hunt. Give the kids the list. Then say ‘OK kids go around the house and let’s see if we can find these things.'”
In addition to the necessities, you might want to consider other essentials to keep you from going crazy while passing the time. “Absolutely. My kit has a yahtzee game in it.”
Preparedness tips and facts are available by visiting Wisconsin Emergency Management or ReadyWisconsin on line. September is Wisconsin Preparedness Month.