Be Prepared For Disasters, Winter Storms, And Blackouts

DANBURY –– With all the recent weather-related problems, fires, and blackouts all across the country, disaster-response and preparedness experts in the Danbury-area community say it is always wise to be prepared.

“We have to take ownership in our ability to react and take care of ourselves,” said Andy McGuire of the Danbury Hospital Office of Emergency Management. Mr McGuire spoke along with Barry Richter of the Danbury Fire Marshal’s Office and Rocky Tomlinson of the Western Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross at a recent Medical Town Meeting sponsored by Danbury Hospital. The meeting was entitled, “Disaster Preparedness for Seniors.” The panel discussed fire safety, evacuation plans, and the importance of having a Family Disaster Kit and Plan.

“Disasters can strike quickly with little or no warning,” said Mr McGuire, referring to the California wildfires this fall. “You can save your own life. Knowing what to do is your best defense and protection.”

And while hurricanes rarely affect the Northeast, storms, blizzards, flooding, power outages, tornadoes, fires, and toxic spills do occur. While Connecticut escaped the wrath of September’s Hurricane Isabel, the hospital was well prepared. Power outages can put people at risk of not having oxygen and nebulizers, and other medical equipment. “Be prepared with a backup plan,” he said.

Mr McGuire urges families to have a Family Disaster Plan at the ready.

A plan should contain disaster supplies, a communications plan, home escape routes, transportation plans, home safe zones, emergency phone numbers, and home health care services. Emergency medical supplies should include a first-aid kit, prescriptions, doctors’ names, a spare pair of eyeglasses, extra hearing aid batteries, spare oxygen, and other items, as needed.

A disaster kit should contain one gallon of water per person, per day, nonperishable food, manual can opener, nonperishable pet food, a change of clothes, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, wet-weather gear, blanket or sleeping bag, extra set of keys, cash, credit card, spare change, personal hygiene supplies, phone list and contact information for the insurance agency. Mr Tomlinson and Mr Richter also urged residents to know where the nearest Red Cross shelters are. In Danbury, for example, the local schools and the War Memorial are designated shelters.

In case of a house fire, Mr Tomlinson and Mr Richter urge that residents have rehearsed two ways to get out of any room and be sure to have smoke alarms. Sleep with the doors closed to contain a potential fire, and a fire is suspected, always touch the door to make sure it is not hot and is safe to exit. Owning a fire extinguisher, and knowing how to use it, is also a good idea. But never try to put a large fire out yourself. Always call 911. Go to a neighbor’s house or safe place first, and then call.

In cases of fires, prevention is always the best defense. Experts recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing when cooking, turning handles inward on the stove, and knowing what to do if you catch fire. Stop, drop, and roll.

Be careful with cigarettes and space heaters, which are the biggest causes of fire.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit the American Red Cross website at wwwredcross.org. To schedule a Speakers’ Bureau program on this topic for a community group or organization, call the Danbury Hospital Marketing & Community Relations Department at 797-7247.