Lots of people are angry about Hurricane Irene. Not that it occurred, but that it was over-hyped, in their opinions. Did they really want it to live up to the worst-case predictions?
We can’t manage potential major disasters without running the risk of over-preparing. If we under-prepare, we could face another situation like the one in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck.
We all need to be well-prepared against major disasters that threaten us, and put ourselves and our families’ safety and material possessions at great risk. Planning ahead helps us lessen or avoid some of those risks.
Nobody can fully predict what disasters like hurricanes will do. Many acts of nature like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fires or even tornados are destructive to homes, automobiles, businesses and people’s lives. Even the risk of hazardous material spills can affect a whole community.
How will you respond when a disaster strikes? Think about what you will need to do before such an emergency occurs. Power lines for electricity and regular phones could be down, so communications for help might not be available. Temporary shelter could be necessary, if your family or home is in danger. Heavy rains or storm surges, resulting in serious flooding and destruction, could require evacuation of people, for preservation of life and public safety, in the area affected.
Several steps can be taken to enhance our safety and protect lives. First, and most important, is to heed public warnings and advice. It is better to over-respond and be safe than to ignore precautions, and be sorry.
The next step is to prepare ahead of time to meet the impending natural disaster. You have to set up a pre-planned risk process that could identify your vulnerabilities, before something happens. Trees can be uprooted by heavy winds and excessive rain, blocking roads or damaging homes and commercial buildings. Flooding can inundate businesses or residential homes, making some areas inaccessible for car traffic. It happened a few years ago in several nearby towns and it could happen again, anywhere in our state.
As in the case of the recent hurricane, you need to determine whether you will leave or remain in your house. Either way, you need to know what supplies to take with you, or to have in stock, beforehand. Establish a check list of things to do, like assembling necessities in a safe area. If you are staying, these include food and water, first aid supplies, tools, flashlight, matches, duct tape, pens and paper. Take spare clothing, along with cash, important personal documents (including wills), a cell phone, portable radio, Social Security card and your driver’s license, if you must temporarily leave your home.
Heavy flooding and winds are a big concern, so determine what alternate routes are available to take you safely away from areas affected by hurricanes. Many exit roads could be blocked by mud slides, debris, fallen trees or severe flooding, especially in coastal areas or near rivers. In states of emergencies of all kinds, National Guard troops could be called out to protect property and citizen safety.
Long before an emergency happens, talk with knowledgeable personnel in your municipal government, fire and police departments, FEMA or American Red Cross representatives, who can provide advice on what to do if disaster occurs. Also, check with your insurance agent to learn how your policies deal with the specific emergencies that could affect you, your home or business.
Lastly, heed the advice given by local officials. They are generally better informed about the potential risks than the public at large. If the police issue a call to evacuate your area, follow their directions. Don’t assume that you know best. Too many people make the mistake of believing that they can manage well in a disaster setting, only to find out too late that they could not cope adequately, or did not realize how devastating conditions could become.
Recovery and restoration need to take place, after a disaster has run its course. Once the community is reasonably safe again, it pays to review your area’s local infrastructures, in order to determine what is lacking for protection of lives and possessions.
Prepare now to deal with future disasters like major hurricane threats. It could save you and your family’s lives.
— Bernard Featherman is a business columnist for the Journal Tribune and former president of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce.
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