News Flash

September is Preparedness Month in North Carolina and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents and businesses to be prepared for any disaster by reviewing their emergency plans and updating their emergency supply kits. 

“We all need to be prepared for any event, whether it’s a manmade emergency or a weather event, and the best way to do that is to begin with an emergency plan and putting together a supply kit that will help you and your loved ones survive for three to seven days without assistance,” said August Vernon, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County emergency management director. “If you have a family emergency plan and practice it, the chances of your family surviving a disaster increases exponentially, add an up-to-date emergency supply kit and your chances increase even more. Being flexible and able to respond quickly in an emergency is important and the best way to do that is to be prepared and practice your plan and have contingency so you can pivot if needed.” 

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management encourages residents, schools and business owners to make an emergency plan and practice it routinely with other household members, staff or employees. The plan should include details about where to meet, how to get in touch with one another, evacuation plans, what to do with pets and how to notify employees after an emergency. 

“It’s important to include a place to go in your plan should you need to evacuate, such as staying with family, friends or at a hotel. A shelter should be a plan of last resort,” Vernon said. “Be sure to have weather appropriate clothing in your emergency supply kit, and that everything is up-to-date, such as fresh batteries. Check to be sure any food is still good and include items needed for survival regardless of the emergency.” 

Basic items that should go in an emergency kit are:

• Water – one gallon per person per day for three to seven days
• Food—nonperishable and canned food supply for three to seven days
• Hand sanitizer
• Sanitizing wipes
• Battery-power or hand-crank radio and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with extra batteries.
• Cell phone with charger
• First aid kit and first aid book
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Manual can opener for food
• Wrench or pliers to turn off water
• Blanket or sleeping bag, one per person
• Prescription medications, glasses and hearing aids
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies
• Extra house and car keys
• Important documents, copy of driver’s license, insurance policies, bank information, etc.
• Fire extinguisher
• Cash and change
• Books, games or cards

More information on overall emergency preparedness can be found at www.ReadyForsyth.org or www.ReadyNC.org. Please take a moment to “like” and “share” ReadyForsyth on Facebook and Twitter to receive the most recently updated information. Check daily for updated information and tips about preparedness.