Tips for Emergency Preparations

Our employees are dedicated to providing high quality, responsive, and reliable service to our cooperative members. During times of inclement weather, we are able to call upon the sixth cooperative principle – Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives – and recruit extra support from our friends at surrounding cooperatives as well as local municipal electric providers and contract crews. With our ongoing vegetation management program, we are taking a proactive approach to prevent situations that might lead to power outages during times of extreme weather.

Despite our preventative measures, team work, and dedication to providing reliable service, Mother Nature can at times be an unpredictable, formidable opponent. We feel it is important to remind our members to have an emergency plan, or “Plan B” for the occasions when nature is at its worst.

According to the American Red Cross, emergency preparedness can be addressed in three basic steps:

The following are items to include in an emergency kit, courtesy of the Northern Miami Valley Red Cross:

Have at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit, with additional supplies on hand.
Remember to check your kit and replace the stock every six months.
Your kit should include:

• Water. Have at least one gallon per person per day.
• Food. Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, including energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc.  Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
• Flashlight. Hand-crank options are available.  Include extra batteries, if applicable.
• First aid kit. Include a first aid reference guide.
• Medications.  Don't forget prescription and non-prescription items.
• Radio.  Include extra batteries or use a hand-crank radio.
• Tools.  Gather a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags and ties.
• Clothing.  Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.
• Personal items.  Remember copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc.; eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution, and comfort items like toys and books, if pertinent.
• Sanitary supplies.  You may need toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
• Money.  Have cash.  (ATMs and credit cards won't work if the power is out.)
• Contact information.  Carry a current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.
• Pet supplies.  For each pet, include food, water, a collar, a leash/cage/carrying case, litter box or plastic bags, tags, any medications and vaccination information.
• Map.  Consider marking an evacuation route on it from your local area.

Store your disaster supplies in sturdy yet easy-to-carry containers, in a place that is easily accessible.  Keep a smaller version of the kit in your vehicle.  If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having some items with you will help you be more comfortable until help arrives.

Emergency kits can be purchased from the National Red Cross website.