Featured Stories

February 21, 2008

Emergency Preparedness 101

New Mexico is not immune to disastrous weather. People living around Hatch were flooded not too long ago, and tornadoes ripped through east-central New Mexico last summer. This winter, heavy snow falls in northern New Mexico resulted in closed roadways, loss of power and lack of supplies for many New Mexicans. These storms serve as a reminder to all of us to make sure our family and homes are adequately prepared to deal with disaster situations.

A recent survey conducted by the American Red Cross found that only 7 percent of Americans have taken appropriate action to prepare for a disaster. The Red Cross is advising everyone to prepare themselves through three simple steps:

1. Get a kit. Everyone should assemble or buy a disaster supply kit containing at least three days of provisions in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack. It's also important to check the kit's supplies every six months and replace expired items.
2. Make a plan. As part of your family communications plan, each person should know how to reach family members, including an out-of-area contact, and where to meet if they can't go home.
3. Be informed. Families should learn about what resources are available to them and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live, work and play. The Red Cross strongly suggests that everyone be educated in first aid and CPR, which is a vital component of disaster preparedness.

I encourage all New Mexicans to keep these suggestions in mind when preparing for an emergency, no matter what time of year. For more information on what you can do to prepare for disaster, visit www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady or www.ready.gov.