Community Corner

Disaster Preparedness Important for Families

Michigan State Police Sgt. Mark Thompson discusses the importance of planning for a disaster, in light of the recent Tornado touchdown in Dexter.

I’m sure you have all heard about last weeks tornado touch down in Dexter, Michigan. I was part of the Michigan State Police mobilization team sent to the Dexter area to assist the Washtenaw County Sheriff Department with area security and traffic control.

Everybody expects various government agencies to be involved in a disaster and multiple government agencies were involved in the Dexter area. But the hundreds of family, friends local businesses and volunteers, who came to help those in need, was outstanding, a true inspiration and reflects positively on the citizens of Michigan.

Washtenaw County’s quick coordination of public and private resources, to get help to the community and the recovery started from the tornado damage is commendable.

The media in southeast Michigan should also be credited for supplying accurate and timely information on the day the tornado touched down. I am sure the providing of those weather warnings made a difference.

Events like the Dexter tornado demonstrate why law enforcement, fire, EMS, road commissions, Red Cross, Salvation Army among other agencies and groups periodically train and plan together. So when the “big one” happens we can respond as effectively as possible.

More importantly, it also demonstrates why individuals and families should also be prepared for events that may cause an interruption in their normal day to day routine. These interruptions could be an electrical outage, blizzard, flood, tornado or worse. And at the end of the day, you are responsible for yourself and your family.

That being said, everyone is different when considering comfort levels and interruptions to our daily lives. What some people may consider a minor interruption could be a significant life challenge for others. For instance a minor electrical outage, which happens often enough in Michigan that most people deal with it as a minor inconvenience, but imagine if you needed electricity to run medical appliances in order to live. In that case, the outage becomes a significant event in that person's life.

When a disaster occurs, some people may be able to setup and tent and cook woodchuck stew for dinner and bask in the glow of a nice campfire. Other people may need a little more support. Only an individual and a family know what they need to keep themselves going when an event occurs which prevents normal day to day family operations.

Like a boy scout, it is in everyone’s best interest to “be prepared.” And scout’s usually ask, be prepared for what? The answer is, “for any ole thing.” You know the saying, “failing to plan is a plan to fail.”

Everyone should have a kit at home just in case a minor event or disaster causes an interruption in our lives. The contents of your disaster kit may differ somewhat from your neighbors because the kit’s contents will address your needs.

A disaster kit should supply a families needs for three days, a longer time is better rather than shorter. Some common items in a disaster kit should be water, non perishable food (don’t forget a manual can opener), first-aid supplies, radio, batteries, items to eat with, pans to cook with, a gas or charcoal grill, paper, pencils, soap, blankets, personal hygiene items, etc.

I have two plastic storage tubs containing what my family may need. I check these tubs every spring and fall to replace items which may be expired or to add or delete items and this only takes about twenty minutes. Even though the kids tease me about what they call “the basement supply bunker”, I know I’m ready and my family knows we’re ready for “any ole thing” that comes along.

For more ideas about what to put in your disaster kit check the website
www.ready.gov

“I beg you take courage; the brave soul can mend even disaster” – Catherine
the Great

If you have a question, please send it to askatrooper12@gmail.com or mail it to the Michigan State Police – Brighton Post, 4803 S. Old US-23, Brighton, MI 48114.


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