EDITORIAL: Preparation can help avoid a family calamity

Sept. 19--September is Disaster Preparedness Month. Although residents of Cambria and Somerset counties don't have to deal directly with hurricanes or, rarely, tornadoes, we do have ice storms, blizzards and heavy snowfalls move through the area with some frequency.

Seldom, if ever, do we evacuate in the face of an impending Nor'easter.

No, we usually just buckle down and ride out the storm.

A look at the calendar shows that winter is bearing down on us. We're nearing the end of September and we have, in the past, experienced snow and ice storms in October and early November.

That's why it might be a good idea to prepare a disaster kit, if you and your family haven't done so already.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, individuals or families should have stored enough basic necessities to survive for at least three days if a crisis occurs.

FEMA also recommends putting together a smaller, portable kit to keep in a vehicle.

The agency listss the following basic items for an emergency supply kit:

--Food and water (extra supplies if you have a pet).

--Can opener.

--Medications and extra eyeglasses.

--Infant formula and diapers (if necessary).

--Pet food.

--Flashlight and extra batteries.

--Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

--First aid kit.

--Important documents -- such as Social Security cards, insurance policies, bank account records and identification -- to be kept in a waterproof container.

--Cash.

--Fire extinguisher.

--Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties.

--Feminine hygiene supplies.

--Plastic utensils, paper plates, plastic cups and paper towels.

--Activities for children, such as books, crayons and coloring books, and games.

--Blankets and towels.

--Emergency phone numbers.

Consider putting together a second kit for older neighbors, grandparents or other family members.

Perhaps your church, civic group or other organization would want to help put together emergency supplies for less fortunate or the elderly in the community.

As ready.gov noted on its website: disasters don't plan ahead, but we can.

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