The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have made disaster preparedness a priority for many Americans. Faith communities are an important part of the local emergency response. The Tucson chapter of the Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will distribute information about St. Andrew’s role in the case of an emergency situation. Below are some tips for your individual and family preparedness plans:
Create an emergency communication plan
Choose an out-of-town contact whom your family will check on by phone or e-mail should a disaster occur. Your contact person should live far enough away that it is unlikely they would be affected by the same event. Each member of your household should have that contact person’s name, phone number (home, work, pager, and cell), and email address. Leave these contact numbers at your children’s schools and at your workplace. In an emergency, telephones may not be working or phone lines may be flooded with calls, but email can sometimes get through when calls do not.
Establish a meeting place
Having a predetermined meeting place away from your home will save time and minimize confusion should your home be affected or your area evacuated. You might choose to meet in St. Andrew’s parking lot.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit
You may need to evacuate your home. Having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable.
Check on your child’s school emergency plan
Will the students be kept at school until a parent or designated adult can pick them up, or will children be sent home on their own? Be sure that the school has updated information about how to reach parents and caregivers to arrange pickup. Ask what type of authorization the school requires to release a child to someone you designate.
For more information on putting together a disaster plan, please contact Parish Nursing through the church office at 297-7201. You may also find more information at the website www.redcross.org/disaster/beprepared.