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Links to other Web sites: • American Red Cross - be prepared • Ready America from U.S. Department of Homeland Security • CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - emergency preparedness and response • Humane Society disaster center for animals • Animal preparedness from the Federal Emergency Management Agency |
While infrequent, natural disasters are always a possibility. In the past, Clark County has seen major flooding, earthquakes, ice storms, summer fires, volcanic eruptions, and the occasional tornado or windstorm. Recently, the possibility of terrorist acts, including bioterrorism, has been added to the list of potential disasters.
Most of us don't like to think about a disaster in our community, much less take the time and expense to prepare our homes, families, and businesses. But consider this. In any emergency, first responders will be dealing with critical life and death situations and most disaster plans developed by communities usually take about three days or more to implement.
What that means is that in the event of a major emergency – an earthquake, for instance – people both at home and at work need to be able to go it alone for 72 hours. It is essential that we are able to sustain our families and ourselves for at least that long.
Each of us needs a personal emergency plan and items such as food, hygiene supplies, and medications that will meet our needs for 72 hours or more. You can find helpful information about assembling an emergency kit above.
