Emergency readiness urged during National Preparedness Month
Susquehanna Independent
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
After the U.S. was battered by Hurricanes Gustav and Hanna in the past few weeks, the Gulf Coast region is bracing for Ike to make landfall.
Residual effects of the storms are felt, mostly in the form of rain, in Susquehanna County.
Heavy, sudden rainfall increases the chances of this county's most usual hazard - flooding. In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan left in its wake enough damage to cause the county to be labelled a federal "disaster area."
September marks the peak of hurricane season. It is also designated as "National Preparedness Month."
In an effort to increase public preparedness, Price Chopper and the Susquehanna County Red Cross have emergency kits available for purchase at the Montrose store.
The kits contain emergency essentials such as first aid supplies, blanket, light stick, whistle and a "Call 911" banner. Kits are priced under $15 and are sized for conveniently for vehicle or home storage. Price Chopper will donate $2 from every kit sold to the Susquehanna County Red Cross Chapter.
Price Chopper and Red Cross are also teaming up to offer a free personal disaster preparedness training. The 45-minute class, is scheduled to be held twice at Price Chopper, Montrose, at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 and 17. Register for the class at Price Chopper or by calling the Red Cross local office at 278-1427.
"The time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens and emergency preparedness is the responsibility of every Pennsylvanian. It's important to create an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan and stay informed - we need to make citizen preparedness a priority in every community," said Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell.
The governor encouraged residents to recognize National Preparedness Month by remembering three simple steps: be informed, be prepared, be involved. The state plans to launch a new awareness campaign this month called ReadyPA which includes a website that will serve as a clearinghouse of emergency preparedness information.
Operations and Training Manager of Susquehanna County's emergency management department Charlene Moser reminds residents they should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency.
Moser has also scheduled several training classes this fall for first responders and disaster workers. For information, contact Moser at 278-4600, ext. 286.
At the national level, National Preparedness Month is focussing on a four-prong approach to emergency readiness: get a kit, make a plan, be informed and get involved.
For information, including items to include in a preparedness kit, visit: www.ready.gov/america.