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The clipping this text was read from
The clipping this text was read from

Resolve to be Ready in the New Year

RICHMOND, VA — The new year is a great opportunity for Virginians to assess how prepared they are for emergencies and disasters and to “Resolve to be Ready” in 2007. A New Year’s resolution to get an emergency supply kit, create a communication plan and stay informed could benefit their loved ones and their businesses when disaster strikes.

“This is the time of year when we all look at our lives and see what we can do better, and emergency preparedness should be included in that process,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for VDEM. “This is one resolution worth keeping.”

To prepare families and business for unexpected emergencies, every Virginian should:

Get an emergency supply kit that includes, among other things, essential items to last at least three days such as a battery-powered radio and extra batteries, food and water, flashlights, a first aid kit, blankets and medications.

Make a communication plan, which involves discussing the hazards and threats for your area and what your family would do during an actual emergency. As you create your plan, decide on a meeting place if your family cannot return home, designate an out-of-town friend or relative as a point-of-contact and plan for the specific needs of your household, such as an evacuation shelter for pets or transportation for medical equipment.

Listen for the most local, up-to-date information from emergency officials before, during and after a disaster. Local media will convey instructions from local, state and federal government partners, such as details about evacuation orders, how to safely stay where you are and when the emergency has passed.

For more low-cost and simple preparedness steps, visit the VDEM Web site at www.vaemergency.com. “Resolve to be Ready” is a public education effort from the national Ready Campaign, a program run by the Department of Homeland Security. The Web site, www.ready.gov, provides families and businesses with a variety of tools and check lists to help them get started.

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