Safety plan vital, EMA director says

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

PHIFER

Having a plan in case of emergency or disaster is the first step to preparedness, according to Warren County Emergency Management Agency director Percy Phifer, who says every family needs to formulate a plan before an emergency happens.

“We try to plan for the most likely disasters and here it would things like tornados, straight-line winds, which can be just as damaging as tornados, and ice storms,” said Phifer while talking to the McMinnville Noon Exchange Tuesday in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina and Rita disasters. “But, not only should the EMA plan for emergencies, but it should also be something every family does.”

Phifer said the EMA is encouraging everyone to have plans not only for things like tornados but also for emergencies like house fires.

“There needs to be a family meeting place in case of a fire so everyone can be accounted for. Ours is our mailbox. There should also be a drawn out escape plan, showing family members how they should get out of the house and to safety,” Phifer said. “The same is true in case of a tornado so family members will know whether to go to an interior room, basement or other cover. This is something you need to know ahead of time.”

In addition to meeting places outside the home, Phifer said families should also designate an outside meeting place should a disaster happen which prevents a person from returning home, such as a tornado which destroys a neighborhood. Important records should be kept in a water and fire-proof container.

As for an emergency kit kept in the home, Phifer said a supply of water and canned foods with a manual can-opener should be kept handy in the home. Also extra clothes, a radio and flashlight with extra batteries and any necessary medicines should be set aside as part of the kit. Extra car keys, credit cards and some cash should also be set aside when possible.

Since disaster can strike when families are not at home, Phifer said it is important to have an emergency plan should a disaster occur while children are at school, the parents are at work or even in transport in a car. A small survival kit should also be carried in the trunk of each car while meeting places should be discussed with the family in the event a disaster prevents returning home.