ARE YOU PREPARED?

OK, we all know about the necessity of being prepared.  We heard, saw, and felt the devastation of  Katrina in 2005, and thought that we should make a plan. The recent earthquakes in Haiti , Chile and southern California renewed those thoughts.  As much as it is obvious for us to be ready for a disaster, it is also confusing to know  how and what to do.  Fortunately, we don’t have to do it alone.

The Seattle Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is offering help.  Here is the information about what the office does and how to take advantage of it:

If you want to know how to prepare yourself and your family for a possible disaster, taking a SNAP (Seattle Neighborhood Actively Prepared) class is a good first step.  Check the link below to learn about the SNAP program and the class schedule.

http://www.cityofseattle.net/emergency/programs/snap/

To highlight  the  Washington State Disaster Preparedness Month (April), OEM has initiated a program called “Take the Preparedness Challenge!”

From April 5 through May 2, OEM is challenging Seattle and King County residents to take three steps to get themselves better prepared for disasters … then teach three others to do the same!

“3 to Get Ready” is the theme.

Complete the three steps, teach three others, and then register on-line at  mynorthwest for a prize packet that includes a t-shirt, whistle and flashlight. It’s that easy.

The three steps are:

1. Store emergency drinking water
2. Create an out-of-area contact
3. Practice drop, cover,  and hold, your safest action during an earthquake

You can  get more information on the OEM website about related programs such as classes in Simple Search and Rescue, Disaster First Aid and Becoming an Amateur Radio Operator.

OEM is  sponsoring a display at the Central Library during the month of  April.  The display is  has handouts about earthquake preparedness and is in the display case on level 6.  You can get information about what to do in case of an earthquake and see a sample prize packet ( including a T-shirt)  for those who “Take the Preparedness Challenge!”

~Library Staff