By: Emergency Management Specialist Mclayne Vaughn
In 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared September as National Preparedness Month. The goal of National Preparedness Month is to raise awareness about emergency preparedness and to learn more about the small steps you can take towards your safety and the safety of those around you.
Here at the UW-Madison Police Department, preparedness is a part of what we do every day. From delivering trainings, to developing plans, to responding to emergencies, preparedness is always happening. So, what can you do to prepare?
Know your risk
The more you know, the better you can prepare- take some time to get to know the potential risks in your area. Find out if your location is prone to flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, even snowstorms or heatwaves. Doing this can help you determine how to respond.
Make a plan
You do not have to be a first responder, emergency manager, or expert to make your own emergency plan. In fact, taking the time to prepare before a disaster can save you time and money if disaster strikes. Here are some things to consider in your emergency plan:
- Evacuation: consider the evacuation routes for any building that you are in. For example, if you are in a dorm room or an apartment, do you know your nearest exits in an emergency? Practice noticing these exits whenever you are in a new building, whether on or off campus.
- Shelter in place: for some emergencies, evacuation might not be the safest option. While it makes sense in a fire, it is not advisable if a tornado is on the ground. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the safe shelter locations in the buildings you frequent. Look for places like basements or interior rooms with no windows.
- Important information: ensure that you have personally identifiable information and all other important documentation accounted for ahead of time. Keep both paper and digital copies of these important documents. Consider keeping paper copies in sealable, water-tight bags or fire-resistant safes to prevent water or fire damage.
- Emergency alerts: sign up for emergency alerts in your area, as well as surrounding areas, so you do not miss life-saving information. Have a back up plan for receiving pertinent emergency updates. For example, purchase a weather radio.
- Communicate: talk with members of your household, your roommate, and your friends about where you will go if you have to evacuate. This helps maintain accountability in an emergency, and helps you practice walking through the steps of how you would respond.
Build a kit
Having food, water, and emergency supplies packed and ready to go in an emergency might just save your life. Even packing a few supplies you already have lying around could make a difference. It is recommended that each individual have supplies in their kit for at least three days. This includes items like food, water, a flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, and weather radio. Some things to keep in mind when building a kit;
- Check around your house first; you probably have spare batteries, bottles of water, non-perishable food, or a flashlight you can add to your kit.
- Clothes: store a few changes of clothes in your go-bag. Next time you are thinking of dropping something off at a thrift store, consider first if you could use anything for your go kit. In an emergency, a few changes of clean, dry clothes can make a big difference.
- Gear: keep an eye out for useful supplies at thrift stores or garage sales. You never know who might be selling camping gear from the hobby they never quite got into, tools they no longer use, or what backpack you could repurpose to hold your supplies.
An important thing to remember when building your kit is that you have to maintain it. Check for spoiled food, add fresh water, and make sure items like your flashlight and radio are still operational.
Get involved
Look for ways to support your community. Consider joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), to learn how to prepare and help those around you in an emergency. Joining a CERT could teach you some basic skills in fire safety, search and rescue, and team organization.
For more information regarding National Preparedness Month, visit FEMA’s website.
For any UW-Madison specific questions, please visit UWPD’s Emergency Management website, or send us an email.