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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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August 26, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Just Two Or Three Things
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
There have been many times
when this column has presented information on planning for emergencies.
Some people have heeded these messages and others have not. Because we
have technology that lets us better tract storms, watches and warnings
are issued more frequently. The good part of this is that you may have
more time to prepare. The bad side to this is that people get complacent
and tend to ignore warnings, as often the event does not come to pass.
However, isn't it better to err on the side of caution? If you can at
least take two or three simple actions, you may make your life safer,
should a hurricane or other emergency occur. In fact, it doesn't take a
hurricane for you to be in the dark! A few weeks ago, as I soaked
leisurely in the tub after everyone had gone to bed, the lights suddenly
went out! There I was, in the tub in the pitch black. Fortunately, I had
recently purchased flashlights and very carefully made my way over to
the closest one.
With hurricane season upon us, followed by winter storms, there are at
least a few things that you should do to prepare. Number 1: You
need flashlights and batteries; the more, the better. Keep them handy,
especially in the bedroom. Put one next to everyone's bed. This simple
action will help you navigate your environment more safely and help you
to find supplies that you might need. Flashlights are much safer than
candles!
Number 2: Every home should have a battery-operated radio. Should
an event be widespread or should you need information about evacuations
or special instructions, your radio may be your only source of
information. Because both radios and flashlights require batteries, be
sure you keep a supply in the house.
Even if you don't fret about potential hazards, taking these two actions
are pretty simple and can relieve a lot of anxiety, especially if you
have children in the home. However, should an event occur, you may need
more than a flashlight and a radio. Keeping non-perishable foods in the
home and at least a three day water supply is strongly advised.
For those on wells and septic, remember that toilets don't flush when
the power goes out! Filling bathtubs and other large pots should a
hurricane approach will be very helpful (been there, done that!)
The weather has been pretty kind to us in Connecticut over the years.
However, major weather events can and have occurred in our state. In
1936 and 1955, there was massive flooding, not just along the shoreline,
but within major cities. Hurricanes caused major damage in 1938, 1944
and 1985. Most of these events occurred in September. This past year has
seen wild weather in the middle part of our country. Connecticut has
been spared for quite a long while.
QVHD has a packet of information on Emergency Preparedness available at
no charge to District residents. Call QVHD, 248-4528 or request via
email: info@qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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