Tips and tricks for being prepared for emergencies

WASILLA — Being prepared for an emergency is a serious topic that many would agree is a matter of life and death.

Whether it’s avalanches, earthquakes, tsunamis, or wildfires- there are countless ways Alaskan residents can find themselves in emergency situations. If they’re caught unprepared, the results can be disastrous, even fatal.

“The thing about preparedness is it's not something you can put off,” Alaska Safe Riders executive assistant Debra McGhan said.

There are many ways Alaskan residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from emergency situations, but there are two prominent places to start with: having a plan and keeping an emergency preparedness kit that’s readily available when the time calls for it.

McGhan said that households with multiple members should establish a plan for what to do in different situations, where to meet, who to contact, and other crucial information that needs to be ingrained in everyone’s minds. She said there are other important factors to consider such as keeping an alternative heat source in case of power outages and having a list of family and friends who can accommodate room and board during transitional periods. She noted that it’s important to check emergency supplies throughout the year and have regular conversations about the household’s emergency preparedness plan.

“It doesn't take a lot of time. Just make it a part of your family routine," McGhan said.

An official U.S. Government website, ready.gov is designed to help American citizens prepare for emergencies with a wide variety of information and resources through the Ready Campaign.

When it comes to assembling emergency preparedness kits, the Ready Campaign recommends sealing supplies in airtight bags and storing them in one or two containers that are easy to carry such as plastic bins or duffel bags.

Ready.gov laid out a list of recommended items for basic emergency preparedness kits: water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a whistle, dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, a wrench or pair of pliers, manual can opener, local paper maps, and a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.

There are other items to consider including in kits based on a household’s specific needs: soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, prescription medications, non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives, prescription eyeglasses, contacts and contact lens solution, infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, pet food and extra water for your pet, cash or traveler's checks, important family documents stored in waterproof and portable containers, sleeping bags, warm blankets, a complete change of clothing, a fire extinguisher, matches in a waterproof container, feminine supplies and personal hygiene items, paper cups, paper plates, paper towels, plastic utensils, paper and pencils, books, games, and puzzles.

National Preparedness Month takes place every September. This annual observance is designed to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for natural disasters and other types of emergencies that can strike at any moment.

According to information from the Ready Campaign, the theme for this year’s National Preparedness Month is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3,” which focuses on preparing older adults for disasters who are more vulnerable to emergency situations.

For more information, visit ready.gov.

The 15th Annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo takes place Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Menard Sports Center.

This free event is possible thanks to the partnership between groups and organizations such as the Mat Su Borough Emergency Services, Alaska Safe Riders, AARP Alaska, and the American Red Cross Alaska Chapter.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com