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Older and Wiser: Seniors Prepare for Emergencies

May 15th, 2012 by

May is Older Americans Month – a great time for older adults and caregivers to think about preparing for a disaster. Most older Georgians are able to age in place in their homes and communities due to increased support from organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging. Many are in good health, but some may have slower reflexes, hearing or vision loss, or difficulty walking. Whatever the circumstance, older adults can take responsibility now to prepare for their specific needs during a disaster. By taking a few simple steps, older adults can be ready for the unexpected.

Prepare a  kit. Basic supplies will allow you to survive on your own for up to 72 hours following a disaster. Customize your kit by including items specific to your needs:

  • Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Dehydration is a serious health problem for older adults. Use small containers with easily removable caps.
  • Have a three-day supply of nonperishable food, with consideration given to your special dietary needs.
  • Talk to your doctor about prescribing an extra month of medication so you can keep the medication in your kit. Rotate the medication out monthly to avoid expiration.
  • Include nonprescription medications that you use daily.
  • Include a personal medical history.
  • Keep an extra pair of eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries in your kit.
  • If you use an electrical device (i.e., a wheelchair), have a manual device or extra batteries on hand.
  • Have an emergency contact person who lives in a different geographic area. Give that person a list of names, phone numbers and email addresses of people who should be contacted; provide your support network with your out-of-area contact information as well.
  • Put copies of your important papers in a waterproof container. These should include insurance policies, bank account and credit card information, Medicare and/or Medicaid cards, Living Will and Power of Attorney documents.

Make a plan. Your plan should include how to safely shelter in place, as well as a way to evacuate if the need arises. It should also include information on how to meet your medical or prescription needs if the resources you use regularly become limited or unavailable. If you rely upon services such as a home health nurse or aide, create an alternative plan to get the help you need if these services are disrupted. Create a support network of trusted neighbors, family and friends. Communicate your plan and your needs with this network so they can be ready to assist during a disaster.

Stay informed. One of the best ways to stay informed about disasters in your community is through a battery-powered weather radio. Adaptive devices for individuals who would benefit from visual or other sensory alerts can be added to the radios to ensure that everyone will receive notification of the emergency alert.

For more information on staying informed, creating a plan, or creating a disaster kit specifically for an older adult or a person with a disability, visit www.ready.ga.gov. For information on aging services available in your area, call 1-866-55-Aging. To schedule a Ready Georgia presentation at a senior citizens home, contact your local emergency management agency or the Ready Georgia campaign.

Photo Credit: Light House Faith

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Don’t Get Stressed – Get Ready

Apr 26th, 2012 by

Have you ever heard that a little bit of stress is actually good for you? It can motivate you to take action, provide mental stimulation and give you the confidence that you can perform under pressure. Stress isn’t always bad, when given in the right doses.

On the other hand, overwhelming levels of stress can be debilitating, especially when you are forced to respond to an emergency that you aren’t prepared to handle.

In observation of April as National Stress Awareness Month, I encourage you to make ‘someday’ today and get ready for whatever emergencies could come your way. Being prepared can help reduce anxiety during an emergency and its aftermath. It can give you confidence and help you keep calm, enabling you to make good decisions even in the face of a disaster.

Here are a few good stress management tips that also apply to emergency preparedness:

  • Become knowledgeable – Familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that could take place in your city and how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plan, as well as the terms that are used to identify severe weather such as advisories, watches and warnings.
  • Know your limits – Develop a communications plan so that you’ll know everything that you and your family will need to do in case of an emergency. Map out and practice your evacuation route also so that you’ll have an idea of where to go and who to contact ahead of time.
  • Accept your feelings – An emergency can trigger a host of emotions. Consider your feelings while staying focused on taking the steps to protect yourself and executing the plan that you’ve already created.
  • Manage your stress – If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed during a disaster or emergency, take steps to reduce your stress.  Simple ways to manage stress include recognizing signs of stress, learning breathing techniques, and engaging in spiritual communities.
  • Confide in others – Getting prepared and responding to the unexpected can be easier when the entirely family gets involved, even the kids. It’s important to talk to your family about emergency preparedness. You could even limit stress on you and your family by making sure that friends, neighbors and extended family outside the state are aware of your preparedness plan.

Do you need an additional incentive to Make “Someday” Today? Enter Ready Georgia’s Facebook contest for your chance to win one of a half-dozen prices, valued at up to $100 each. The sooner you enter, the better your chances of winning!

Photo Credit: MentorBuilders.com

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Spring Kicks Into Gear…Preparedness Should Too

Apr 17th, 2012 by

Spring is in the air! In this episode, WRBL’s Chief Meteorologist Bob Jeswald shares tips to help you prepare for various types of weather that you can expect to see this season. He also discusses the importance of planning before an emergency and ways to stay informed to protect your family in the midst of a disaster so that you and your family will know how to respond.

To learn more about emergency preparedness:

  • Tune in for preparation tips to help yourself and loved ones
  • Visit our Stay Informed page for detailed information about specific weather-related emergencies
  • Download our mobile app for preparedness info on the go.

A transcript of the podcast can be found here.

 
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Proactively Plan for Your Pet’s Preparedness

Apr 9th, 2012 by

In honor of National Pet Day on April 11, we encourage you to celebrate your furry, feathered and scaly companions and the unconditional love they provide by preparing them for an emergency. Planning ahead for disaster will prevent you from being caught off-guard by the unexpected, and will ensure that you are able to safeguard yourself and your pet.

For many, pets are more than a household animal meant for companionship and enjoyment. These animals become important family members, which is why they should be a part of your emergency preparedness plan. We depend on them in so many ways, but when disaster strikes they turn to us for their well-being.

According to a 2011 survey, nearly 50 percent of respondents stocked extra supplies for pets in their Ready kit. That’s a good start, but there’s still more work to be done. What will you do with Tiger, Daisy, Smokey or Oreo in an event such as a hurricane, tornado or flood?

Here are a few tips to help you prepare in advance for the sake of your pet’s safety:

Start with the basics – Prepare your pets just like you would your two-legged family members. Create a Ready kit and include basic items such as food and water for three days, medication and important documents like rabies vaccination forms. You may also want to include an extra collar with an ID tag, an extra harness or leash and familiar items such as favorite toy, bed or crate to reduce stress.

Arrange a safe haven – There are two things to keep in mind: If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. Also, if you have to evacuate, most public shelters cannot accept animals. Make a plan detailing where to take your pet during an emergency. Try to locate a hotel or shelter that would accept you and your pet. Or consider a boarding facility. You could also ask neighbors, or friends and relatives outside of your immediate area if they could be a temporary caregiver for your pet.

Stay put and stay safe – At the first sign of a warning or storm disaster, always bring your pets indoors. Make sure that all of your pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification in case you have to evacuate immediately.  Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in them being injured, lost or worse. Stay informed by monitoring a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information, and follow the directions of local officials when told to evacuate.

For more guidance on preparing your pets, Dr. Will from the Village Vets can show you what to do:

 

 

 

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The Waffle House Plan – Show Up

Apr 2nd, 2012 by

Waffle House employee pouring coffeeIf you are going to operate restaurants that never close and you want to be successful at it, planning is a big part of your job. When running a 24/7 restaurant, if you don’t plan well, then every day will be an emergency.

That’s been our philosophy at Waffle House restaurants since we opened our doors on Labor Day 1955 in Avondale Estates, Ga. We plan for staffing. We plan for how much food we need for each 24-hour period. We plan our routine maintenance. Planning is a big part of our culture.

And this culture of planning for everyday activities is well-suited for when an emergency presents itself. In the last year and a half, our company has responded to many emergencies – an ice storm in Atlanta, tornadoes in Alabama and north Georgia, and Hurricane Irene. Apart from the hurricane, when we had more advanced notice, the main part of our plan was to “show up,” determine what was needed to keep the restaurants open.

There is some logistics planning in staging and getting additional supplies and manpower into an affected area right after a storm, however it’s our “show up” that sets us apart from other companies. This means we are flexible and are ready to change depending on what managers see going on in restaurants right after an emergency.

When an ice storm hit Atlanta in January 2011, we never closed a single restaurant. Our associates showed up for their shifts. Our management, from restaurant managers all the way up to our CEO, was in the restaurants. There was no call to action; our associates and managers knew to show up after the storm. It’s a part of our culture that all our associates know. They showed up and kept the doors open when many other businesses didn’t.

The same thing occurs after a hurricane. Our leadership is on the ground right after the storm to make the decisions needed on where to send supplies and manpower. Within 24 hours of Hurricane Irene making land, our CEO, president, two executive vice presidents, a subsidiary president and our CFO were on-site managing the emergency from the front lines.

We had staged some supplies and sent additional manpower into the area. However it was the management on the ground making the decisions on what needed to go where – not someone back in our corporate office in Norcross. This allowed us to quickly respond to what the issues were at our restaurants.

After each emergency, we look at our planning to decide what works well and what needs to be tweaked. But the biggest part of our planning is to show up and decide what is needed to keep the restaurants open.

And that’s the big take-away for other businesses and individuals: You need to plan ahead. Then when the emergency occurs, be ready to be flexible and address the most important issues in front of you. It’s simply a part of our culture.

Dave Rickell is executive vice president of operations for Waffle House, Inc.

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March Has Definitely Come In Like a Lion

Mar 12th, 2012 by

The old saying holds true once again. March has gotten off to a roaring start, with severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash flooding rolling across Georgia the first few days of the month. Approximately 223 homes were damaged in nine counties, and the storms’ effects stretched across nearly the entire state. Although Georgia was spared the larger death tolls of some of the other states hit by this storm system, unfortunately, one Fulton County woman died in a storm drain.

Storms like this one do more to drive home the importance of preparedness than anything I could write or say. Those of you who took shelter in basements and bathrooms, monitored local media outlets and your NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information, and pulled flashlights out of your Ready kits were prepared. But if you found yourself scrambling around the house trying to find a working flashlight, or if you weren’t sure where to take shelter, then I encourage you to take steps so that you are ready the next time severe weather drives you to a safe part of the house. Knowing what to do and when to take action are the best tools you have to protect yourself and your family in the face of fierce storms.

In that vein, this week is National Flood Safety Awareness Week, which means it is a good time for you to find out what to do when faced with rising waters. Floods are one of the most common hazards in the U.S., but not all floods are alike. That makes it even more important for you to evaluate your personal risk and to educate yourself about how to act in the event of a flood. The most important tip to remember (from the National Weather Service): Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Of the nearly 100 fatalities from floods each year, most of them are caused by people driving on flooded roads. Remember, it takes only two feet of water to float a full-sized automobile.

Moreover, flooding causes more than $2 billion in property damage nationwide annually, so it’s important to know your area’s flood risk. If you’re not sure, call your local emergency management agency office or planning and zoning department. Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance does not typically cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program was created in 1968 to address this dilemma. It provides reasonable flood insurance in exchange for the careful management of flood-prone areas by local communities. The program, administered by FEMA, is available in hundreds of participating Georgia communities. To learn more, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

I hope that as we head toward the second half of March that the old saying will continue to hold true and we’ll find ourselves enjoying some very lamb-like weather. But if we don’t, just make sure that you’re aware of the tips to stay safe and ready for whatever comes your way.

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Leap Into Preparedness

Feb 24th, 2012 by

When you talk about preparing for emergencies, everyone thinks it’s a good idea. Most people agree that setting aside items such as non-perishable food and water, a weather radio and a first aid kit is a smart, valuable thing to do.

So why are most Georgia residents not fully prepared for a disaster? Why aren’t you prepared?

Perhaps it’s because preparing for something that might happen isn’t typically viewed as an immediate necessity. We are all busy, and busy people tend to prioritize the tasks which are most pressing in our lives. You might put off doing the laundry or the dishes, but unless you want to wear smelly clothes or eat off dirty plates, eventually there comes a point where you just have to do them.

Emergency preparedness doesn’t work that way, unfortunately. Disasters can strike with little or no warning. In the blink of an eye, that “someday” task of putting together a Ready kit and a family communications plan can become the most urgent to-do item you’ve ever had. But by then it may be too late.

That’s why this year, we’re asking you to make “someday” today.

You’re probably thinking of all the other things you already had planned for today. And for tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be great if there was an extra day for important things you keep putting off? Well, as a matter of fact, there is. Say hello to February 29.

Because it’s Leap Year, this February everyone gets an extra day at the end of the month. That’s an extra 24 hours that did not exist last year. We recommend you take advantage of this extra time and use it to get prepared for emergencies.

While it might not seem to be the most pressing thing on your to-do list, it could be the most important. Taking a little bit of time to create an emergency plan and pack a kit of supplies can be a life-saving decision if disaster strikes.

Don’t waste your extra day this Leap Year. Make it the “someday” you’re always talking about.

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Gov. Nathan Deal Encourages Families to Prepare During Severe Weather Awareness Week

Feb 7th, 2012 by

You may remember that last year began with a snow and ice storm that paralyzed North Georgia for several days. As a result, many of my inaugural activities were postponed. In fact, my first official act as Governor was to declare a State of Emergency due to this storm.

In April, Georgia was pummeled by 15 tornadoes, which killed 15 people and injured 143 people across the state. The most powerful twister to hit the state was an EF-4 storm that struck Catoosa County, killing eight and injuring at least 30.

Georgia also remained in the grip of a prolonged drought throughout 2011. This was a major factor in the wildfires that spread last summer, burning more than 320,000 acres in South Georgia over two months. Approximately 250 people were evacuated, and more than 1,300 firefighters responded from around the U.S. and Canada.

As Governor, I am committed to raising awareness so that individuals and families know what to do in order to be prepared for severe weather. That’s why I proclaimed Monday, Feb. 6 through Friday, Feb. 10  Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia.

During a disaster, it may take emergency workers longer than normal to reach you, particularly if roads are blocked by downed trees or flooding. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can become your own first responder, helping to ensure your family’s safety and well-being when a disaster strikes:

1.      Develop and rehearse a family disaster plan
2.      Assemble a disaster supplies kit to sustain your family for at least three days
3.      Stay informed of the different types of severe weather that may impact you
4.      Purchase and maintain a NOAA Weather Radio to receive warnings day or night

In September, GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health, launched a preparedness app to help families get ready on the go, and I am pleased to announce that we have reached an important milestone. More than 20,000 people have downloaded it. Clearly, this tool is making it easier for residents to get prepared.

Severe weather can strike at any moment. Get Ready now.

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I Got Involved, You Can Too

Dec 21st, 2011 by

Nearly a year and a half ago, I was approached by a group of individuals in my Lake Arrowhead neighborhood in Cherokee County who were interested in teaming together to form a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). With little hesitation, I signed up to be a part of the group. Lake Arrowhead is an isolated community that is hard to reach in certain weather conditions, so we knew we needed to be able to respond to an emergency while waiting for responders to get to us. Therefore, we wanted to train and prepare ourselves to respond to a disaster within our community.

I’ve always been aware of the importance of emergency planning and preparedness, but seeing the devastating impact of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina helped motivate me to get more involved. I considered the offer to join CERT an opportunity to make a difference in the community and help my friends and neighbors be better prepared for whatever may come our way.

One way our local CERT team made a difference was by organizing a preparedness fair in July 2011. The event received outstanding support from the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), local first responders, and participating vendors. Cherokee County’s Safe Kids Program brought child safety programs. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and our local volunteer fire department brought equipment. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office brought its SWAT Team and mobile command post. Even the Georgia National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force brought teams.

The fair provided a worthwhile experience to the 400 individuals who attended and the vendors, many of which sold out of preparedness supplies and equipment and agreed to participate again. Emergency responders and preparedness experts were excited to interface and share knowledge with the public. Most importantly, the people who attended expressed that they benefited tremendously from the available resources and activities.

The biggest benefit from my CERT involvement is the satisfaction I take in knowing that people in the community are thinking more about getting themselves prepared, taking action to be ready for a disaster, and spreading the word about the importance of getting ready. Events such as the Lake Arrowhead Preparedness Fair help attract more CERT volunteers to play a role in making sure the community is prepared. Our local CERT group grew from four members to nearly 50 active volunteers during the 16 months that I’ve been involved.

Getting involved helps individuals gain a better understanding of what can happen in a disaster and what happens to the availability of professional resources when the county is overwhelmed. That’s why it’s important to become familiar with the steps necessary to respond to potential emergencies and responders – it can be life-saving.

CERT helps you plan for yourself, your family and your community. It doesn’t take much to get involved and isn’t an activity for the “super prepared.” Anyone can join. After a few days of fun but comprehensive training and drills, the average person will know the basics and understand what they need to do in case of an emergency, and more importantly, how to help their neighbors and better work with the professional responders when they are able to get to their community.

CERT is one of the fastest growing types of volunteer organizations in the county. More people are signing up to become a part of emergency response teams in their community. I got involved and you can too. To learn more about CERT in your community, visit the Citizen Corps website.

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Happy Holidays from Ready Georgia

Dec 12th, 2011 by

‘Tis the season for gift giving, and Ready Georgia is getting into the spirit. One of our “Get Ready” readers will receive a $100 kit of emergency supplies courtesy of our sponsor, The Home Depot.

Home Depot Ready kit

To be entered to win, we want you to tell us how you’ll customize the kit when you win it. Notable Georgians from Atlanta Falcon Ovie Mughelli to Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathan Reckford have told us what’s in their kit. So what will you put in yours?

Here are a few ideas:

  • A copy of your favorite novel, to help pass the time
  • Your favorite nonperishable snack food – peanut butter, anyone?
  • Personalized water bottles for each member of the family
  • A first aid kit that includes bandages with your kids’ favorite cartoon characters
Comment below with your idea for putting your personal touches on your Ready kit, and you’ll automatically be entered to win. Good luck, and happy holidays from Ready Georgia!
Contest details:

• PRIZE:  One emergency supply kit from The Home Depot and Ready Georgia
• TO ENTER: Leave a comment below telling us how you’ll customize your Ready kit
• GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Wednesday, December 21 at Noon (Eastern)
• NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
• PRIZE SHIPS: State of Georgia only
• RULES: Open to Georgia residents only. One entry per e-mail address is permitted. The winner will be selected using random.org and notified via email.

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