Guest Columnist
Q & A with Mary Jagim, R.N.
Pandemic & Emergency Preparedness Consultant
Practical tips to help you prepare
When preparing for a disaster, almost everyone faces one challenge or another. "I think my biggest challenge is keeping the three-day supply of ready-to-eat food on hand," says Mary Jagim, R.N., consultant for pandemic and emergency preparedness at MeritCare. Then with a laugh: "I have three teenage boys, and just when I think I'm getting ahead, I'm back where I started." What challenges do you face? Mary's answers to common questions may help.
Q: I have no idea where to start. What do you recommend?
A: There are two ways you can start. One is by using the lists in the Family Preparedness Guide, then gradually working your way through them, checking items off as you go. The other way is to begin with a question: "If we couldn't get out of the house for a week, if we didn't have water or power, would we have the supplies needed to sustain us?" Keep in mind, too, that in some cases, home would not be the safest place for you to be. If you're asked to go elsewhere, the question becomes, "If I had to leave home at a moment's notice, what should I take?" (See "Important Family Documents" at right.)
Q: My biggest problem is I don't have the space to store emergency preparedness supplies. Any ideas?
A: Space is often an issue. What works well is clearing away a space – maybe in a corner of the basement or a shelf in a closet – then dedicating it to emergency preparedness. Nothing but emergency preparedness supplies can be placed in that area. A note about storing water: You'll want to make sure bottles of water are stored in a cool, dark place.
Q: Should children be involved in the family-preparedness process?
A: Absolutely. Your kids learn by watching you. If they see that you are taking small, practical steps toward emergency preparedness, they'll feel a sense of comfort in knowing you're taking care of things, but they'll also notice your calm approach. If they're old enough, they can help, too. It's also important to make sure your family members have access to the "Family Emergency Information" pullout section of the Family Preparedness Guide. Either they should know where you keep this information or they should have their own copies.
Q: Emergency preparedness seems like it could really take a lot of time. Does it?
A: It doesn't have to. Many people like a step-by-step approach – a little here, a little there. But others might like to take a Saturday afternoon or an evening and get everything done at one time.
Q: How do you know when you're done?
A: That's a good question – use the checklists in the Family Preparedness Guide. When you've checked everything off, I would say you're done – and congratulations! You've taken important steps toward helping you and your family in the event of an emergency. Remember, too, to check and update your supply kits and family plan on a yearly basis.
Visit meritcare.com for more information on preparedness.
Learn more about gathering important family documents.
Return to Front Page of Valley Health Journal.
Do you have comments or suggestions for Valley Health Journal? Email us.