Hundreds of wildfires burned over two million acres of Alaska wilderness this summer, creating emergency situations all over the state. Many people had to leave their homes, belongings, and relocate beloved pets. September is National Preparedness Month and encourages family and community disaster and emergency planning. Take time with your household to create an emergency response plan in the event of a crisis.
Be Prepared, Not Scared
Take precautions and plan for unexpected emergencies. Make an emergency exit plan, identifying a safe meeting place with everyone in the home. Practice at least twice yearly to ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of a fire. Also, run through evacuating in the car with your animals to familiarize them and lessen stress in an emergency situation.
Having basic items ready to go can improve your overall safety in an emergent event such as a serious storm, extended power-outage, or fire. Gather non-perishable food, bottled water, a first aid kit, batteries, flashlights, a wind-up or battery-operated radio, matches, and blankets into a waterproof container. Store this emergency kit in an easily accessible area near your vehicle. It’s important to keep valuable documents and some cash in your emergency response kit in case of serious displacement.
Further, ensure your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance includes coverage for flooding, earthquake damage, and other potentially disastrous events.
Be Ready, Prepare Now
Familiarize yourself with your local emergency response teams and potential hazards that are likely to affect your community. If you or a loved one has a disability, research and plan accessible transportation and evacuation support. A list of people with disabilities to be helped quickly in an emergency is often kept by some city’s emergency management office.
Avoid worst case scenarios by taking a class in CPR/AED and first aid, or emergency response, to increase your safety, survival, and lifesaving skills. Additionally, you can explore opportunities to volunteer in your community and local organizations.
The Merdes Law Office has been helping Alaskans for more than 30 years. And while we hope you never need us... We’re here if you do.
