News Release

4/27/2011 3:20:48 PM
Jim Mickey
Environmental Planner
Planning Commission

The Licking County Planning Department and the Licking County Homeland Security Office / Emergency Management Agency / 911 Center, on behalf of the Licking County Commissioners Office, join forces with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V office in Chicago to encouraging residents and business owners to take steps now to prepare for severe spring weather, including floods, tornados, and severe storms.

As the threat of spring storms continues here in Licking County, everyone should review their family and also their community preparedness plans so they know how to react when the next severe weather event strikes. When putting together your family emergency plan, remember the unique needs of your family. Make sure you plan for the needs of infants and small children, older adults, people with disabilities, as well as your pets and livestock.

Individuals, families, and businesses can take steps now to prepare by:

• Preparing emergency supply kits that includes:
• a three-day supply of nonperishable food and bottled water
• battery-powered weather radio
• flashlight with extra batteries
• first aid kit
• prescription medications and glasses
• pet food and extra water for your pet
• copies of important documents, including driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
• Having a disaster plan so your family knows how to contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do in different situations. Also, be sure to have copies of plans developed by your school and workplace.
• Identifying evacuation routes and a site away from the disaster area where family members can meet.
• Identifying business operations that are critical to survival and recovery. Communicate your plan with your employees, and develop systems to keep in touch with them should a disaster occur.
• Heeding all local warnings—listen to news and directions from your local and state officials. If told to evacuate, do so. Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify the various hazards, and know the difference between a watch and a warning.

For more tips on how to be prepared for spring weather, look at the Natural Hazards Planning and also the Emergency Management sections under the Safety / Legal/ Judicial header and the Floodplain Management section under the Building / Development header of the Licking County web site at www.lcounty.com , and also visit www.ready.gov.