Watch the Video on Emergency Preparedness
The devastating wildfires in California are a stark reminder of the need to be prepared to leave your home on very short notice during an emergency, County Executive Ken Jenkins advises.
Jenkins said every household member should have a Go Bag or emergency kit packed with needed items, including clothing, medication, non-perishable food, essential documents and other supplies. A Go Bag should be a sturdy and easy-to-carry backpack or suitcase on wheels, containing things you would want to have with you if you have to leave in a hurry.
Jenkins said: “Many people impacted by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area had to flee with little time to gather the things they would need to be away from home. Incidents like these remind us that the best time to prepare for an emergency is before time is of the essence.”
Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services Susan Spear noted that flooding, major storms and lengthy power outages have required some Westchester residents in the recent past to have to leave their homes for multiple days. She urged residents to also have an evacuation plan, which includes knowing how family members will contact one another if separated; establishing a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find; planning ahead for locations where displaced family members can stay, possibly with relatives or friends outside of their immediate area.
Spear said: “DES appreciates County Executive Jenkins’ leadership in making sure that Westchester residents are aware of the importance of being prepared, and that they have the information necessary to protect themselves and their families. You don’t want to start thinking about packing a go bag when you are dealing with an emergency. It’s much better to have it ready to go when you need it.”
In preparing a go bag, Spear said the following are common items to consider including:
- Bottled water and nonperishable food, such as canned foods and granola bars;
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, etc.);
- Flashlight, hand-crank or battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries;
- Chargers for any cell phones, laptops or other portable electronic devices;
- First aid kit;
- Dust mask to reduce inhalation of dust, smoke and other debris;
- Work gloves;
- A change of clothing (long sleeve shirt/pants, rain gear, sturdy footwear, etc.);
- Copies of important documents (insurance/medical cards, contact lists, identification, marriage and birth certificates, etc.) in a portable, waterproof container or plastic bag;
- Back-up medical/assistive equipment and supplies;
- A list of the medications you take, why you take them, and the dosages;
- Cash, in small bills;
- Supplies for your service animal or pet.
Spear noted that every family’s unique needs and circumstances should be considered when making a Go Bag or emergency kit. These include planning for family members who take medication or need specialized medical supplies; having diapers and formula if needed for infants and small children; and bringing food and other critical supplies for any family pets.
Copies of important documents can be placed into fire- or weather-proof bags or stored on a thumb drive or in the cloud so they can be accessed if needed.