By Stephanie Thiede, PHN

Is your family prepared? There are many emergency situations that can occur in our community that may require us to survive without heat, electricity and running water. Between August, 2000 and August, 2015, there were 183 severe weather events in Langlade County that totaled 4.3 million dollars in damage, 1 death and 2 casualties. Spring and summer bring potentially severe weather to our area, including thunderstorms, floods and tornados. A flood in Antigo in 2004 damaged 99 homes and dozens of people had to be evacuated. A tornado in White Lake in 2007 destroyed the Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort and nine homes. Is your family prepared if another disaster like these were to occur? The Langlade County Health Department wants to make sure that you have the knowledge and supplies to stay safe when disaster strikes.

The first priority in emergency preparedness is to create a plan. Assign roles to each family member, examples are: someone to be in charge of the emergency kit, someone to ensure pets are safe, someone to unplug electronics, someone to help disabled/elderly neighbors, etc. Draw a floor plan with meeting places and escape routes. Post a list of emergency phone numbers, including police/fire, poison control, doctor, utilities, road conditions, weather, etc. Create an emergency kit that would supply your family with the necessities to survive for three days in one place. Ideas of what to include in a kit are as follows:

• Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days
• Food: Enough non-perishable food to last each family member at least 3 days
• For families that have pets: Include extra pet food, water and supplies
• For families that have infants: Include infant formula, diapers and supplies
• Battery powered radio
• Flashlight
• Spare batteries
• Toiletry items
• Extra clothing and blankets
• Garbage and ziplock bags
• Paper cups and plates, plastic utensils
• Whistle
• Matches
• Fire extinguisher
• IDs, copies of birth and marriage certificates, insurance documents, bank account numbers, and other important papers
• Inventory of household items
• Map
• Medications
• First aid kit

Make sure to store your kit in a large sealable container in a cool, dry place. Also be sure to rotate the supplies once or twice a year, and check the expiration dates. Disaster can strike at anytime and anywhere. Having a plan in place saves lives. For more information on emergency kits or suggestions on how to prepare for certain emergencies, contact the Langlade County Health Department at 715-627-6250.