Fire Department

Emergency Preparedness

According to Do1Thing.com, the goal for April is food storage. Part of a good emergency preparedness plan is having enough food for your family for at least three days. Having enough food for seven days is better, if possible and practical. Given the popularity of our location among friends and family, it might be prudent to have enough food for visitors who may evacuate to our area. When building a food storage plan, don’t add more stress to your family in an emergency by feeding them unfamiliar foods. Buy foods your family already likes and eats. Create a good mix of the foods your family already consumes; canned goods, cereals, and frozen meats and vegetables. Keep in mind special diets of family members and food for your pets, too. In addition to a supply of food, maintain a reasonable supply of your supplements, vitamins and medications. Besides having a supply of food and medicine, consider keeping your vehicle fuel tank above half, in case evacuation is advised. Every spring and fall, we participate in Daylight Savings Time. These bi-annual events are opportunities to test smoke alarms and replace batteries, and replace furnace filters. This is also an excellent time to check the expiration dates on your emergency preparedness supplies and stored food. Warm weather is right around the corner. Have a great spring!

–Ward Symes

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