The Times 

Prescott Library Hosts Disaster Prep Class

The American Red Cross offers many resources, including mobile apps

 

Dena Wood

Red Cross worker Casey Branson explains what to include in an emergency kit.

PRESCOTT – With fresh memories of the prior night's windstorm that left thousands of Spokane residents without power during the first cold snap of winter, attendees were all ears during a Red Cross disaster preparedness class held at the Prescott Library last week.

Casey Branson, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for the Kennewick American Red Cross branch, discussed the Red Cross organization, how to prepare for a disaster, and what resources are available to citizens, at the Wed., Nov. 18 class hosted by the library.

"After the wildfire season we had this summer, we thought it would be a good program for folks in this area. It's so important in an emergency to be prepared and have a plan to fall back on," said Prescott Library Branch Manager Amy Rosenberg.

The Red Cross

Branson said that the Red Cross is run 96% by volunteers. In addition to providing emergency disaster relief, the Red Cross processes and delivers 40% of the country's blood supply, provides services to the armed forces, and provides preparedness, health and safety training.

The Red Cross also serves internationally, providing vaccinations, reconnecting families, working for humanitarian law, and responding to overseas disasters.

Disaster Preparedness

Branson said the first step in being prepared for an emergency is being aware of the disasters that are common to your area. Flooding is the most common disaster in western Washington, while wildfires top the list on the eastern side of the state. Other disasters common to our area are dust, wind, and loss of heat and light.

The Red Cross teaches that there are three main steps in being prepared to face an emergency. Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Get a Kit

An emergency kit should include a 3-day supply of food, water and other items, in a backpack or bag that can be easily carried if evacuation is necessary. In addition to food and water, a kit should include medical and sanitary supplies, a battery-powered radio, a multi-purpose tool, first aid kit, emergency blanket, cash, a three-day supply of medications, contact information, and personal documents.

Branson suggests scanning and keeping copies of personal documents such as birth certificates and copies of prescriptions in a secure site online that can be accessed away from home, if necessary. Visit arcbrcr.org for a complete list of suggested supplies.

The Red Cross recommends keeping a two-week supply of food and water (one gallon per person, per day) at home in case stores are closed or you can't leave the area.

Make a Plan

Meet with household members and discuss what emergencies are most likely to happen and how to respond and learn how and where to turn off utilities. Choose an out-of-area contact for all family members to call or text in case of an emergency, and choose two meeting places – one outside the home and one outside the neighborhood – in case you are separated during an emergency.

Be Informed

There are three steps to being informed: know how to get information during an emergency, know what disasters are common to your area, and learn first aid and CPR.

Walla Walla County residents can sign up for emergency text or phone alerts at http://www.wwemd.info. The website also provides extensive local emergency preparedness information.

The Walla Walla County Emergency Management Facebook page provides regular emergency and weather updates. Tri-Cities 610 AM radio station KONA provides emergency updates and 1610 AM is a dedicated emergency station for our area.

Resources

In addition to the many resources available at http://www.redcross.org, the Red Cross now has a suite of free mobile apps. Branson said the First Aid app can be used, even without Internet access, to walk step-by-step through treating emergencies such as asthma attacks, choking, or burns.

Other apps include apps for specific disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, a shelter finder, and even a pet first aid app. Monster Guard is the first app designed especially for kids. It is a fun game, sponsored by Disney, which teaches children how to prepare for emergencies.

The apps can be found by searching Red Cross on the Google Play or iTunes app stores.

 

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