Posted by John Hamiltn on Aug 31, 2017
Television has been nothing but pictures of the disasters in the Houston area and nearby counties. People are shown in a boat in the driving rain with nothing to shield them and a child or puppy but a plastic sheet. Time after time they say they did not think the water would come up that high or that fast. If they have anything with them it is what they could stuff in a plastic trash bag. What should they have done to prepare themselves for evacuation during a disaster?

Stephanie Parker, Ellis County Emergency Management Coordinator visited the Rotary Club to explain the "72 Hour Bag". She maintains that you need to have everything you will need for three days in case of a sudden disaster. It may take that long for organized relief to help you.

Your bag will be personal because you may have special needs. Some sample things on her list included:

Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Remember the can opener.

1 gallon of water per person per day.

Medicines and a list of them.

Battery operated phone charger.

Clothes

Sanitary supplies such as wipes and zip lock bags.

Battery operated NOAA weather radio with SAME option

Contact information for someone outside your area so you can let the family know where you are and your condition.

You would also need a bag for your pet which includes a shot record from the vet. The collar tag is not accepted at kennels. Littly Poopsie will need food, water, a toy and other items to help him deal with stress.

Stephanie reminded us that many of the preparations we have made may not work in a disaster. If there is no gasoline that generator and your car will not work. If the electricity is off you can not recharge your cell phone. She advises using common sense and remembering the best interests of your family.

Much more information is available at www.ready.gov or by calling Ms. Parker at 972-825-5193 or sending her an e-mail at stephanie.parker@co.ellis.tx.us .

For more information about the Rotary Club of Waxahachie where we believe in Service Above Self and doing things as a club we cannot do alone, visit the club web site at www.waxahachierotary.org . You can find American flag subscription forms there.

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