Disaster can strike at any moment

Thursday, September 13, 2007
Kurt Moore/Special to the Daily Mail Flooding at Possum Creek forced the closing of U.S. 71 at Lamar at about 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 8. Traffic detoured west on U.S. 60, then south on Highway 43 and East on 171. The Missouri Department of Transportation reported that the road reopened at 4:30 p.m.

'Tis the season for floods and fall storms, and soon winter storms will be the concern of the season. September is National Preparedness Month. Despite much information urging people across the nation to be prepared at any time for a serious disaster, the American Red Cross reports that a national survey revealed that only 7 percent of Americans have taken the recommended actions to prepare for disasters.

Most disasters -- like the inundation of floods that closed U.S. 71 near Lamar on Saturday, Sept. 8 -- strike quickly. Some are of short duration, others bring with them long-term difficulties. There's little time to prepare when disaster is imminent, safety officials note.

The American Red Cross and Harris Interactive conducted the online survey of more than 2,500 respondents from April 10-16, 2007. Results released in June also demonstrated that:

* 90 percent of Americans who have a disaster kit feel prepared. Yet, only 28 percent actually have a kit.

* 60 percent of American households own a pet, yet only 37 percent have a plan for their pets during a disaster.

* 64 percent of Americans have no evacuation plan, even though 27 percent have had to leave home for at least one night because of a disaster or other emergency.

As part of the "Be Red Cross Ready" program, the American Red Cross recommends:

* Families assemble or buy a disaster supplies kit containing at least three days of provisions in an easy-to-carry container, like a backpack. It's also important to check that stock every six months and replace expired items.

* As part of your family communications plan, each person should know how to reach family members, including an out-of-area contact, and where to meet if they can't go home.

* Families should learn about what resources are available to them and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live, work and play, and take first aid and CPR courses -- a vital component of disaster preparedness.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: