Are you prepared?

Disaster officials suggest that each household have a 72-hour kit on hand

The Daily Inter Lake

A little preparedness can go a long way during a disaster. That's a no-brainer, says Mark Peck, director of the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services.

Peck wonders, though, how many families are prepared - really prepared.

"We've become dependent on convenience," he said. "So as a society, we're more vulnerable [to disasters]. We're softer."

He suggests that citizens follow the state Disaster & Emergency Services instructions for a 72-hour disaster kit.

"Sit and think through, what are the most critical things to take with if you have to evacuate," he said. "What do you need to survive" if you're forced to stay in your home?

The state Web site, at www.mt.gov/dma/des, outlines family preparedness in five steps:

n DISCUSS the disasters most likely to happen and their impact on your family's safety. Hazards in our area include home fires, severe winter weather and storms, earthquakes, flooding, and hazardous materials threats.

n TRAIN all family members. Take first-aid classes. Learn to use a fire extinguisher and how to shut off utilities. Do not take the chance that the only person who knows first aid or how to turn off the natural gas will be at home when needed.

n ASSEMBLE your disaster supplies into a personal 72-hour emergency preparedness kit. This would include food, water, clothing and medications to last you at least 72 hours. You need enough supplies for each family member.

n IDENTIFY in- and out-of-state emergency names and numbers and provide copies to each family member. Post a copy near your phone and put copies in your 72-hour disaster supplies kit. When local phone service is out, family members can use their out-of-state contact to relay messages.

n MAINTAIN your readiness. Review your disaster preparedness plan with your family at least once a year. Identify what new training, equipment or supplies you may need. Conduct fire evacuations and earthquake "drop, cover and hold" drills with your family.

The state offers these additional suggestions:

n Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of your disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

n Keep items in air-tight plastic bags.

n Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.

n Rotate your stored food every six months.

n Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes (keeping changing seasons a consideration).

n Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

n If you store important records on computers, keep backup copies and/or keep hard copies on file.

n Keep the tanks on your vehicles full of gas for emergency evacuations.

There are several helpful Web sites that offer a variety of information about disaster preparedness, including www.fema.gov, www. ready.gov, www. disasterhelp.gov, www.citizencorps.gov and www.montanahelp.org