“The time to get ready for a disaster or an emergency is before it happens,” said Gerald Jaskulski, Chief of the Fire and Rescue Department’s Emergency Management Division. “Having a disaster supply kit and extra food and water already on hand can help save lives during any type of crisis. It’s also important for people with physical handicaps and those who are medically dependent on electricity to be prepared for lengthy power outages.”

During the severe thunderstorms that struck Stafford on July 19, the Fire and Rescue Department partially activated the Emergency Operations Center to monitor and react to emergency events that included power outages affecting more than 15,000 residents and clearing of trees down across roadways. Trees also fell across the CSX railroad tracks in the Widewater area, and they were removed by fire and rescue personnel from  Company 3. The tracks were shut down for about an hour and a half while they were being cleared. Fire and rescue staff were also available to assist residents who called after the storm for assistance with medical equipment questions, and worked closely with vendors to ensure their needs were taken care of.  Still, advance preparation is the key to surviving such emergencies.

Every home should have an emergency supply kit with provisions to last for at least six days in case roads are closed or utilities are out of service. Following is a list of items to include:

·         Important documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records stored in a waterproof, portable container.

·         One gallon of water per person per day for drinking, and extra water for sanitation purposes.

·         Prescription medications.

·         First aid kit including non-prescription drugs, bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors and tweezers.

·         A battery-operated radio and flashlights with plenty of extra batteries.

·         Toilet paper, disinfectant towelettes, plastic garbage bags and household chlorine bleach.

·         Blankets or sleeping bags.

·         Extra clothing and sturdy shoes or work boots.

·         Basic tools including wrenches to turn off household gas and water.

·         Matches in a waterproof container.

Severe thunderstorms can occur with little warning, dropping damaging hail and torrential rains that cause flash floods. All thunderstorms pose a lightening threat – if you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightening. If you are caught outside, go to a low-lying, open space away from trees, poles, and metal objects. Squat low to the ground and place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Do not lie flat on the ground, because this position will make you a larger target. Never take shelter under a tree, on a hilltop, or in a boat on the water.

Thunderstorms generate high winds that blow debris around, and bring down power lines and trees. Before a storm hits, take the following precautions to protect yourself and your property:

·         Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.

·         Secure outside objects like lawn furniture and trash cans.

·         Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: After seeing lightening, go indoors if you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

·         Unplug appliances – power surges from lightning can overload circuits and destroy televisions, computers, air conditioners and refrigerators.

·         Avoid showering or washing dishes. Plumbing and sink fixtures can conduct electricity.

·         Use only cordless and cellular phones during a storm.

·         Be extremely cautions when you go outside after a storm. Never walk near or drive across downed power lines.

If a member of your family is disabled or has special needs, create a support network to help in an emergency. Tell these individuals where you keep supplies, and give someone a key to your residence. Contact the utility company or medical equipment vendor if the disabled person requires electricity for life-sustaining medical devices. They can give you suggestions on how to prepare for extended power outages. Store copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards in waterproof containers in a safe place. Following are additional actions that people with disabilities can take if they lose electricity:

·         Arrange for backup power with your electric company.

·         Ask the equipment vendor how to maintain the devices and the types of backup systems that will keep it running during a power outage.  

·         Purchase a portable generator to keep medical equipment working. Learn to operate it safely, including how to safely store gasoline outside the home, operating the generator the residence only, and how to correctly plug the equipment into the generator.

·         All hospitals have backup power. If you do not have adequate backup power, call 9-1-1 for transport to a hospital.

·         Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment.

Information about disaster preparedness, including checklists, is available online at www.ready.gov, www.fema.gov, www.redcross.org, www.staffordfirerescue.com and www.VAEmergency.com. For more information about preparing for emergencies, visit the Fire and Rescue Department in the Rowser Building annex at 1739 Jefferson Davis Highway, or call (540) 658-7200.

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