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As 2007 becomes 2008, many Americans resolve to be more healthy, to exercise or to quit smoking. The Southern Nevada Health District urges everyone to adopt healthy habits to ensure a better quality of life. In addition, it encourages everyone to . . . ‘resolve to be ready,” as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security launches its annual Ready Campaign for the fifth year.
The health district’s Office of Public Health Preparedness, which advises everyone to “make a plan . . . make a kit. . . stay informed,” was created to develop plans to manage health-related events and to mitigate their affect on the community. In addition, the Southern Nevada Health District works with other local government agencies to develop emergency plans.
It could take three days or longer for federal or state assistance to reach the community. Family and individual preparedness kits should include enough supplies to sustain the entire family for a minimum of three days. Some experts recommend that families have enough supplies for up to three weeks.
A large trashcan, a backpack or a suitcase are good options to store the family’s preparedness kit. Keep the storage container in an easily accessible location. An emergency preparedness kit can be put together over several months by adding just one or two items to a grocery list. A calendar is available on the health district’s website to help you develop an emergency preparedness kit. Keep a smaller version of your kit in every car.
The family kit should include items that everyone enjoys, such as specific food items or games as well as accommodations for family members with special needs. Don’t forget to provide for family pets. Items in the kit should include food, water, a first aid kit, tools, medications, sanitary supplies, infant formula and diapers, copies of important documents, clothing and bedding, and pet supplies.
Develop a plan and practice it. Every family member should know specific meeting places in case you cannot go home, an out-of-town contact to call, and how to use an ABC-type of fire extinguisher. When the clocks are changed in the spring and fall, review your emergency preparedness kit and replace items that are close to their expiration dates. Rotate items in and out of the kit as needed.
Business owners and large employers should have plans in place for business continuity and plans for the possible interruption of government services such as sanitation or electrical service. In addition, businesses should identify key employees and their job duties, update sick leave/medical leave policies, develop off-site work solutions in case employees must work from home, and develop communication plans to educate staff about the company’s plans.
The health district’s website, www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org has information available to assist families and individuals to develop emergency plans.
Additional resources include www.Ready.Gov, the American Red Cross, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Citizen Corps and many others.
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