Pledge to Protect Yourself this New Year
With unlimited possible New Year’s resolutions, it can be difficult to choose one that’s sensible and valuable. A resolution Home Care Services of Boone County Hospital would like to suggest is to resolve to prepare yourself and loved ones for a large scale public health emergency.
The Protect Iowa Health Public Education Initiative is designed to teach Iowans how to create an emergency communications plan with family members. The campaign is sponsored by local public health agencies, hospitals, emergency medical services and the Iowa Department of Public Health.
“Most Iowans aren’t ready for a widespread emergency. This New Year is a great time to sit down with your family and discuss how you can prepare for an emergency,” said Vicki McCambridge, Home Care Services Director. “Start by making a resolution to assemble an emergency kit. Then, continue to discuss a plan of action for your family members throughout the year.”
McCambridge recommends setting a goal to purchase one or two items for the emergency preparedness kit every month. Some of the key components include: a flashlight, non-perishable food, a battery-operated radio, a first-aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, and a waterproof container to store important documents such as birth certificate and insurance policies.
“The kit will be invaluable in the event of a major disaster, as well as a smaller emergency, such as a blizzard that knocks out power,” says McCambridge. “Spending a few minutes preparing now can be a life saver later.”
or more information about the Protect Iowa Health campaign, and checklists for developing an emergency supply kit or communications plan, log onto www.protectiowahealth.org. |