Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 | midnight
Help preparing
For more information on preparing an emergency kit or evacuation plan, visit on the Internet: ready.gov, redcross.org, fema.gov, or Clark County's Office of Emergency Management at www.accessclarkcounty.com.
The hurricane season in the South has stirred Metro Police's Homeland Security Division to remind residents to be ready for disasters in Southern Nevada whether they be caused by nature or are man made.
Residents should keep readily available supplies in their home and have an evacuation plan for their families.
Southern Nevada is capable of experiencing strong earthquakes, floods and wildfires. Pandemics, plane crashes and terrorism are also always possible, said Nicole Hart, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Metro.
"The bad thing may happen anytime, or it may never happen, but you have to be prepared," she said.
Metro and Clark County's Office of Emergency Management offer advice on being ready for almost anything at home, in the car or at work.
At home, prepare an emergency kit that includes a three- to five-day supply of water, which equals one gallon per person per day; food that won't spoil or requires cooking; a first-aid kit and a seven-day supply of prescription medicines; emergency tools such as flashlights, a cell phone and batteries; hygiene products and toilet paper and a portable generator, if possible.
"If you have to go to a shelter, don't count on all these things being there," said Leslie Harris, crime prevention specialist at Metro's South Central Command.
Most of the same items can be kept in a desk at work too. Also, know where the emergency exits and fire extinguishers are and keep a printed list of important numbers, such as a spouse's number and children's school numbers.
Prepare pets also, because they will be going to a different emergency shelter than people.
In the car, keep 12-foot jumper cables, roadside flares, a first-aid kit, blanket, extra fuses, flashlight and extra batteries, flat head and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers, tire pressure gauge, rags, paper towels, pocketknife, pen and paper, food, water and a heavy-duty nylon bag to carry it all in.
Jeff Pope can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].
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