September is National Preparedness Month and Dawson County Emergency Management Director Billy Thurmond, in the first of a three-part series, asks individuals, families, businesses and communities to take this opportunity to prepare for emergencies. “This annual event reminds us that every family should take action to plan, prepare, and stay informed about emergency situations,” said Thurmond.

“When preparing for emergencies, we need to first consider basic needs like fresh water, food, clean air and warmth,” Thurmond said. He recommends the following items for a basic emergency supply kit:

· Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

· Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

· Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

· Flashlight and extra batteries

· First aid kit

· Whistle to signal for help

· Dust Mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

· Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

· Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

· Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

· Local maps

People should then also consider additional items to place in the kit including:

· Prescription medications and glasses

· Infant formula and diapers

· Pet food and extra water for your pet

· Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

· Cash or traveler's checks and change

· Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov.

· Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

· Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

· Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

· Fire Extinguisher

· Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

· Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

· Paper and pencil

· Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Businesses should urge employees to have a similar portable kit and should plan to:

· Keep copies of important records such as site maps, building plans, insurance policies, employee contact and identification information, bank account records, supplier and shipping contact lists, computer backup files, emergency or law enforcement contact information and other priority documents in a waterproof, fireproof portable container. Store a second set of records at an off-site location.

· Talk to your co-workers about what emergency supplies the company can feasibly provide, if any, and which ones individuals should consider keeping on hand.

“Ready Georgia, a Georgia Emergency Management Agency project, is encouraging all Georgians to plan, prepare and stay informed about potential threats during the national observation,” said Thurmond.

Citizens may visit the Ready Georgia website to learn more ways to prepare for emergencies.

For more information contact Dawson County Emergency Management Agency at (706) 344-3666 or visit www.ready.ga.gov.

Next week Director Thurmond discusses making a family emergency plan.

 Dawson County Emergency Management Director Billy Thurmond