Vinton Town Council issued a proclamation declaring September as National Preparedness Month at its meeting on September 5.
The purpose of this designation is to remind citizens of the importance of being prepared in case of any and every type of emergency. Council noted that this is especially relevant in light of Hurricane Harvey.
This year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” Citizens are urged to rely not only on public safety personnel in case of emergencies, but to prepare their own family plans before an emergency occurs.
Examples of Family Emergency Plans may be found online at www.Ready.Gov/make-a-plan. They include a four-step process:
- Step 1— Ask yourself and your family these questions:
- How will I receive emergency alerts?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Step 2— Consider specific needs in your household such as how friends and family can assist each other with communications, care of children and pets, dietary needs, and specific medical needs including equipment and prescription medications.
- Step 3— Fill out a Family Emergency Plan (which may be downloaded from the site).
- Step 4— Practice your plan with your family because the best laid out plans are useless if you do not practice how to use them.
Families should even make financial plans by gathering financial and insurance documents and store them in a safe place such as a bank safety deposit box. They should also consider maintaining a small amount of cash at home for emergencies or an accessible emergency savings account.
Town Manager Barry Thompson displayed the extensive Town of Vinton Emergency Operations Plan, which has been updated in recent weeks.
