[September 25, 2012]    

Emergency response agencies spent a day in Scully Park having fun with families while getting an important message out.

The message: "Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere without notice."

September is National Preparedness Month.

On Saturday, between lots of fun and food, agency representatives provided packets of information that could save lives. Their recommendation is to be prepared to be self-reliant for three days without utilities, electricity, running water, access to a supermarket, pharmacy or services, and possibly even without response from police, fire or rescue.

Preparedness recommendations include: 

1. Be informed about emergencies that could happen in your community, and identify sources of information in your community that will be helpful before, during and after an emergency.

2. Make a plan for what to do in an emergency.

3. Build an emergency supply kit. A kit should include plenty of drinking water, nonperishable food that can be prepared without power, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, fresh batteries, manual can opener, matches and candles, medical supplies, prescriptions, pet food, and consider anything unique to your family's required daily needs, such as if you would have a baby on formula or baby food, or a senior with special needs such as oxygen.

(See a complete guide to building your customized kit.)

Family Preparedness Day at Scully Park was sponsored by the Logan County Department of Public Health, Logan County Emergency Management Agency, Lincoln Fire Department, Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District, Logan County Paramedic Association, Lincoln Police Department, American Red Cross, Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System. The agencies worked together to present preparedness information for families.

[LDN]

Pictures by Hannah Michalsen