Emergency Preparedness!

Firefighters train continuously to prepare for emergencies. Police officers do too. In our professions it is a necessity. The world is changing and so are the hazards that emergency responders face. As I write this article I have been following the developing story of a mass shooting on the campus of Virginia Tech University.

Large scale emergencies that affect more than just a few people, like the incident at Virginia Tech University, are classified as disasters. Disaster can take many forms. Ice storms, thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, hazardous material spills, large fires and acts of terrorism are all incidents that have the potential to be classified as a disaster.

Some disasters, like school shootings, have a low probability of occurrence but have the potential to impact a large number of people. Others like a thunderstorm have a much greater chance of occurring but usually have a much smaller impact. The loss of electricity from a thunderstorm, for example, can cause quite a bit of disruption for those affected but is usually not life threatening when the duration is short.

Firefighters and police officers respond to emergency situations on a routine basis. Because of this they are able to handle routine emergencies very well. However, when a disaster strikes firefighters and police officers can become overwhelmed with emergency calls very quickly. When this occurs they prioritize their calls and respond to them as they are able. In other words, during a disaster situation emergency responders will not be able to respond immediately to all calls for emergency assistance. There can and probably will be a delay in their response to many calls.

Our State and National Government recommends that each citizen be prepared to take care of themselves for the first 72 hours of a disaster. If a disaster occurred today are you and your family prepared to take care of yourselves? Are you prepared to handle the loss of electricity for an extended period? If the police department ordered an evacuation from your home for a hazardous material spill how long would it take you to leave a dangerous area knowing you would be required to stay away for a 24 hour period of time?

The likelihood that you and your family will survive a major disaster incident depends largely on how well prepared you are to handle the first 72 hours of the disaster. You must have the tools and plans in place to take care of yourself no matter where you are when disaster strikes.

Preparing Makes Sense:
There are four actions everyone can take that can make a difference.
1. Make a Plan
2. Build an Emergency 72-hour Kit
3. Get Trained
4. Get Involved – Volunteer

Make a Plan
Planning ahead is the first step to a calmer and more assured disaster response. Components of your plan should include:
• Develop a family communications plan.
• Create a plan to Shelter-in-Place.
• Create a plan to get away if required to evacuate.
• Know emergency plans for schools and work.

Build an Emergency 72-hour Kit
What you have on hand when a disaster strikes can make a big difference. Plan to store enough supplies for everyone in your household for at least three days. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about fresh water, dried or canned food and clean air. For a complete list of items, check out the recommended contents for a 72-hour Kit on our web site at www.brimfieldohio.com and click on Brimfield Emergency Action Plan (BEAP).

Get Trained
Learning simple first-aid techniques can give you the skills and confidence to help anyone in your home, your neighborhood and at work. Many people could be injured including family members. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED). See a separate article entitled “The Importance of Community CPR” for additional information about local training opportunities.

Get Involved – Volunteer
After preparing yourself and your family for possible disasters, take the next step and get involved in preparing your community. Consider the American Red Cross, local church organizations and the Citizen Corp. at www.citizencorps.com.  We can all take an active role to keep Brimfield secure during emergencies of all kinds.

How do I get started?
You can begin by taking steps to become better educated and informed about disaster preparedness. The fire department has a book entitled “Are You Ready?...An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness” available at no cost. Make a plan, build a 72-hour Kit, and take a CPR class. It is far better to think in terms of taking care of yourself, your family and your community. Begin today to improve your emergency preparedness.
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Contact Information
 BRIMFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT
1333 Tallmadge Rd - Kent, Ohio 44240
Fire Chief: Robert Keller
Phone: 330-678-9244
Fax: 330-678-4234
E-mail: brimfieldfire@neo.rr.com