Monday, Nov. 10, 2008

Emergencies don't wait for people to be prepared

FACTS

800 tornadoes are reported annually.

The average path of a twister is 660 feet wide and up to 50 miles long.

39 states are considered at risk of an earthquake.

46 percent of disaster deaths occur due to floods.

Due to contamination, clean water is harder to find than food after a flood.

Sept. 11, 2001, will always be a reminder of the damage terrorist attacks can cause.

TAKE ACTION

Develop a family communication plan by selecting a person outside your area for everyone to call in case of an emergency. Carry it in your wallet.

Ensure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card for calling the emergency contact. Cell phones often get jammed because of high call volume during disasters.

Designate a primary and secondary meeting location.

Create an emergency supply kit with a three-day supply of basic items such as: fresh water, food, first aid, towelettes, garbage bags, a flashlight with extra batteries, local maps, a whistle, dust masks, tools, a can opener, and cash.

Check and rotate supplies every six months.

Prepare a plan for your pets during an emergency.

YOU MATTER

Martha Juarez, a sixth-grade teacher at an elementary school in Palo Alto, is making a difference with her students and their families. When a small earthquake hit Napa Valley, Martha decided to act before a real emergency took place. Martha felt compelled to make sure that her students and their families know what to do. "My responsibility as a teacher is to make sure they are aware and to educate them. Of course, I want them to be safe as well," she said.

Every day for a week, Martha discussed a different type of natural disaster, including earthquakes, fire, and floods. She downloaded forms and guides from EveryMondayMatters.com to share with her students. "I think it is great that all of the families I touch will now have a well-thought-out plan," said Martha. "Frankly, my family is now better prepared."

Martha also created her own emergency supply kit to share with her students.

We obviously hope that Martha and her students will never need to use their emergency supply kits and family plans, but we are grateful that they are getting prepared, just in case. Thank you, Martha ... you matter!

Visit EveryMondayMatters.com to get involved, buy the book and share stories about making a difference in the world.