Federal, State and local agencies have plans for times of disaster and emergencies. However, everyone needs to be prepared for themselves and their families. There are many agencies that have information on preparedness. Included in these is the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services with the "Ready in 3" Program. The program includes three steps: 1. Create a plan   2. Prepare a kit   3. Listen for information  Check out the information on Ready In 3 below. 

Emergencies can strike anytime. A tornado, a flood or even a terrorist attack can change lives. Missouri families, communities, businesses and schools need to take steps today to prepare for an emergency. Preparing today can save lives!

Step 1: Create a Plan

Create a plan for you, your family and at work. Your family might not be together when emergency happens. That's why it is important to have a plan in place. Sit down and talk to your family about how you will reach each other in different situations.

Make sure everyone in the family can get to a safe place and find each other in the event of an emergency. For instance, it is a great idea to designate two family meeting places, one in the neighborhood and one farther away. 

Consider contacting the same friend or family member by telephone or e-mail. Think about making an out-of-town family member or friend the contact. It might be easier to make a long-distance telephone call instead of a local call during an emergency. It could be easier for an out-of-town person to connect separated family members. 

You should plan for two situations – staying home or leaving. Deciding whether it is best to stay or go depends on the type of emergency. Officials may tell you what you need to do. In some cases, limited communication and information may require you to decide what is best for you and your family. 

Know where to go if you have to leave. Sometimes it may not be safe to stay in your home. Plan where your family can meet. Know where you will go and how you will get there if you have to leave your home. 

Step 2: Prepare a Kit

Prepare a kit for your home, car and at work.

For Your Home: During an emergency, you may not be able to get food or water for days or weeks, and your electricity may not be working. 

The following items should be part of your emergency kit and kept in a container that can be easily carried if you need to leave home: 

• Water - families should set aside one gallon of water per person per day, to last three days.
• Canned or dried food - families should set aside a three-day supply of food per person. The food should be nonperishable items that don't need to be cooked, such as tuna and crackers. Remember to include a manual can opener. If there's an infant in the house, include formula and baby food.
• Battery-powered radio Flashlight Extra batteries for the radio and flashlight
• List of prescription medications
• First-aid kit 

For Your Car: Keep a small, portable emergency supply kit in your car at all times. You should include a gallon of water, several cans of food, a manual can opener, blankets, sleeping bags, money, and first-aid supplies. 

At Work: Keep your own supply of fresh water and canned food, a flashlight, and battery-powered radio at your desk or in your locker. Everyone should consider keeping a change of clothes, and a pair of strong, practical shoes or boots at work. 

For Your Pets: Make sure your pets have identification tags and up-to-date vaccinations. If you must leave home, bring your pet with you, if possible. You can plan ahead by creating a supply kit for your pet that includes extra food, water and medications. A carrier and leash will also be important. For cats, remember to include extra litter. 

Step 3: Listen for Information 

Listen for information about what to do and where to go during an actual emergency. 

It is important to stay calm in an emergency. Get as much information about the situation as possible.  Remember, during an emergency, electricity may be out and televisions, cell phones, and internet may be unusable.  Make sure to have a battery-powered radio with extra batteries so you can listen for updates and instructions.

City, county, and state officials have developed emergency plans. In the event of an actual emergency, it's important to follow their instructions and advice. They will provide you with the latest information.

Presentations are available to your organization, call (573) 547-6564 or email Reagan.Mackay@lpha.mo.gov

More information on Ready In 3 can be found at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Ready In 3 website.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

What Is Cert? 

CERT is an intensive 20-hour training designed to prepare a community for a major disaster. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. 

PREPAREDNESS IS THE KEY TO SURVIVING THE AFTERMATH OF A DISASTER.

Why Is It Needed? 

Emergency services personnel are trained and equipped to handle crisis situations.  The services they perform are invaluable. Unfortunately, following a major disaster, you may be on your own for a period of time because of the size or area affected; lost communications, or impassable roads etc. People do rely on each other for help when immediate life-saving and life sustaining help is needed.  CERT trains individuals, families, neighbors and the organizational
co-worker/employees to safety react during an emergency situation. Sustaining life, simple procedures that save lives, and guiding persons from danger to safety, are the key components to Community Emergency Response Training.

Spontaneous deployment is always discouraged unless you are a part of an organized official volunteer organization. Spontaneous volunteers are extensively addressed during CERT Training.

What Does A CERT Course Include?

Disaster Preparedness
Disaster Fire Suppression - teaches safe use of fire extinguishers, sizing up the situation, etc.
Disaster Medical Operations - practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding, and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques, plus much more.
Light Search & Rescue - Learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques and rescuer safety.
Disaster Psychology & Team Organization
Terrorism and CERT
Disaster Simulation

Is There A Charge For The Course?

Presently there is no fee for the course. 

To register (or for more information) call the Perry County Health Department at (573) 547-6564 or Reagan.Mackay@lpha.mo.gov