Hurricane Season Update: Being Prepared for an Emergency

With Hurricane Season Upon Us Here Are Some Disaster Preparedness Tips

MER has offices all across this country, and each region has different types of disasters it needs to be prepared for. Whether it is a wildfire, tornado, flood, blizzard, or hurricanes, having a plan and knowing what information and resources that are available to help you will make a difference.

MER is a unique company where responding to disasters are part of our business. We are prepared to respond to our clients, and we need to be ready to protect ourselves and our families. Two of the most helpful tools we can have ready to go is a Communications Plan and an Emergency Kit.

Depending on your location and family situation, your communication plan may differ. However, they will still have similar components.

MER communication plan to its employees. MER provides information through several different outlets

Employee Emergency Link on all Company websites https://www.moranenvironmental.com/EmployeeEmergencyLink/
Social Media

Your specific plan

A great tool that can help you be prepared is a Family Emergency Communication Plan. This link will help you create a plan and choose what is essential and relevant to your specific situation. With the type of business that we are in and the potential for our employees being out of time, this is a good tool to have in place to be certain that everyone in the family is on the same page.

Staying prepared and having an Emergency Kit can save lives

It may seem hyperbole to say that an emergency kit can be the difference between life and death. But when an actual disaster occurs, access to a kit can be a critical part of responding, minimizing problems, and even surviving. With proper supplies available in your home, your car, or even in your office, you can rest easy knowing that you're ready to face the worst.

What Is an Emergency Kit?
A good emergency kit includes key items that may prove helpful or even lifesaving in the event of an emergency. From sustenance when food sources are depleted to medical supplies to dress wounds, a well-stocked kit can keep you safe until help arrives.

Keeping supplies on hand in case of an accident may sound like common sense. But to many Americans, preparedness isn't even on the radar. In fact, a whopping 60% of U.S. adults have no disaster preparations in place. And more than half do not have a three-day supply of non-perishable water and food.

Building an Emergency Kit
So, if an emergency kit is so important, what goes into it?

In general, consider including in your emergency kit, six different categories of materials: life essentials, medical supplies, food, tools, and documents.

Essentials – Whether a windstorm takes out power to your home or a hurricane brings floodwaters, an emergency kit should always have the basics you need to survive. This includes clean water for at least three days, non-perishable food items that do not require heat to prepare, drinking water tablets, warm clothing, and emergency blankets.
Medical Supplies – Your emergency kit should be adequately stocked with basic medical supplies, including a first-aid kit, prescription medications, eyeglasses or contacts, bleach, and hygiene supplies (such as shampoo and deodorant).
Disinfectants, sanitizers, face coverings – the CDC has recommended that people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu. For everyone from ages two and above, have the appropriate amount of soap, hand sanitizer, and cloth face coverings.
Tools – Should you be left to fend for yourself, you'll want a kit prepped with as many tools as possible, such as a standard tool kit, flashlights, batteries, candles, matches or lighters, clock or watch, multifunctional knives, a battery-powered radio, trash bags, heavy gloves, a spare disposable cell phone, and duct tape.
Documents – You never know when you may have to prove your identity. In your emergency kit, include copies of birth certificates or passports, essential phone numbers, money, copies of insurance policies, and a map of your area.

Emergency Kit Storage
An emergency kit at home won't do you much good while you're at work, and your work kit probably can't help if you're stranded in your car. In order to keep yourself covered, make sure you have access to emergency supplies no matter where you are.

Home
To stay protected, it's important to ensure kits are always within reach, like in a first-floor closet. Don't hide essentials in the attic or down in the basement; these areas may not be in reach if disaster strikes. If possible, keep an abbreviated version of your kit on each level of your home to be sure amenities are always seconds away.
Car
There likely isn't room for a full emergency kit in your car. But keeping some of the basics on hand, either in the trunk or the backseat, can provide peace of mind. Focus on a small supply of food and water, a first aid kit, tools that can help with car repair, road flares, and insurance information. You also might want to check if your auto insurance provides emergency roadside assistance.
Office
Accidents can happen anywhere. Disaster might leave you stranded without resources in the office. Keep a small kit at your desk with water bottles, non-perishable snacks, a first aid kit, money, batteries, flashlight, gloves, and an emergency blanket. Consider any other items that may be specific to your place of business.

It is never too early to prepare for a disaster. Take advantage of the time you have with your family and make this part of your weekly discussions. The better the plan and if it is reinforced frequently, the better prepared you will be.

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by Michele on 6/15/2022 at 12:11:06 PM
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