What Can Citizens Do to Prepare for an Emergency
For more information about the Yachats Community Emergency Response Team contact Betty Johnson at 547-4934 or email at seaspruce@peak.org
Reduce the risk before a disaster
Reducing hazards in and around their homes. By taking simple actions, such as raising utilities above flood levels or taking in objects that could become projectiles in a high wind, citizens can reduce the amount of damage caused by an emergency or disaster event. Come by City Hall at pick up information about protecting your home against earthquake damage. Do you have flood insurance? You don't have to be in a flood zone to need it.
Prepare for the emergency
Preparing a disaster supply kit. By assembling disaster supplies in advance of an event, citizens can take care of themselves until first-responders arrive. (See the recommended Emergency Supply Kit ) In order to help you “Be Prepared”, the Yachats Volunteer Fire Department is making disaster packs available. They have very small packs designed to supplement what you may already have, all the way up to packs for 5 or 10 people. The most popular pack has been the 2 or 4 person pack. Prices range from $26 to $100 depending on size. If you need help with your disaster planning and how best to build a survival pack, give the Fire District a call at 547-3266 or stop by the fire station at 215 W 2nd and look at the display of supplies available.
Volunteering with an established organization. Organizations and agencies with a role in emergency response and recovery are always seeking hard-working, dedicated volunteers. By volunteering with an established voluntary agency, citizens can become part of the emergency management system and assure that their efforts are directed to where they are most needed.
Taking training in emergency response. Taking training in emergency response, whether the training is basic first aid through The American Red Cross or a more complex course through a local community college, will enable citizens to take initial response actions required to take care of themselves and their families, thus freeing first-response personnel to respond to higher-priority incidents that affect the entire community.
Respond during the emergency
Neighbor Helping Neighbor? In case of an emergency will you need help? Will you be able to help someone else? Click here to get more information about the local buddy system and other information to help you prepare for an emergency. Information about the local Neighbor Helping Neighbor Program: NHN-Brochure
Monitoring emergency communications carefully. Throughout an emergency situation, critical information and direction will be released to the public via electronic and other media. By listening and following these directions carefully, citizens can reduce their risk of injury, keep emergency routes open to response personnel, and reduce demands on landline and cellular communication.
Recovery from the emergency
When an emergency or disaster occurs many organizations mobilize to provide assistance to individuals. However, the most effective way to recover is pre-disaster Emergency Financial Literacy and Preparation. After a disaster, financial issues affect more people than personal injury or direct property damage. The first step in correcting this situation is to encourage every individual to complete an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit and a Personal Disaster Preparedness Guide. http://www.operationhope.org/smdev/lf1.php?id=187
National Flood Insurance Program: http://www.fema.gov/nfip
Disaster Information for Citizens: http://www.fema.gov/pubs