Supervisors Encourage Emergency Preparedness

The recent fires in California…Hurricane Katrina…9/11…We have to ask “what if?”  While Maricopa County isn’t prone to most of the disaster scenarios seen in our neighboring states, being prepared for the unexpected is just as important here.

The Board of Supervisors is taking this opportunity to send the message to county residents that the most basic level is where it can make the biggest difference. The County does a lot of planning and practicing year round to ensure we are ready to respond to a variety of disasters, but there is absolutely nothing that can take the place of personal readiness.

Being “ready” means being able to stay or go on a moment’s notice. Officials say this is easily done, but very few people actually take the time to do it.  A recent survey of county residents revealed that 40% have done nothing to prepare to shelter themselves in their homes for any length of time and 67% responded that they have done nothing to prepare for an evacuation. “This means that even a short-term shelter-in-place period can present a considerable risk to a good portion of the population,” said Dr. Bob England, Maricopa County Director of Public Health. 

The Board of Supervisors is encouraging residents to take three steps:

1. Make a Household Disaster Plan
2. Have an Emergency Supply Kit
3. Make a “Go” Bag

“Having a household disaster plan is an easy thing to do and it can make all the difference in the world during an emergency,” notes Warren Leek, director of Maricopa County Emergency Management. A good plan will cover what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. An out-of-state friend or relative that family members can call if separated during a disaster should be designated.  This contact can help communicate with others both in and out of the emergency area.  According to Leek, all members of the family should have a copy of the plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets, purses and backpacks.