Interview with Red Cross

Disasters, or near disasters, seem to be in the news almost every day. In Kansas, we have had our share of storms that have produced tornadoes, flash flooding, and crippling ice storms. Less than a year ago, a tornado devastated the town of Greensburg, nearly wiping it off the map. Only a few days later, hours of torrential rainfall, swamped parts of Topeka, causing major flooding along Shunga Creek. And if that wasn't enough, an ice storm in December left some Kansans in the dark for over a week. So, how do we prepare ourselves for the next natural disaster?

Dana Wethington, Chief Executive Officer of the Kansas Capital Area Red Cross, recommends having several items on
hand in case of a disaster. "The items you will want to include to prepare for an ice storm(or other disaster) are much the same. Extra food, medications, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio. You
will want to include extra clothing and blankets" but Wethington says "some of us may be able to get by without a generator".

Preparing for flash flooding involves a completely different set of
challenges. Because you may have to leave your home with little notice. It is extremely important to keep up to date on the latest weather information and have a plan before the flooding begins.

Information from Department of Homeland Security

Neighborhoods and Apartments

Evacuating

Create an evacuation plan:

If time allows:

Staying Put

Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there may be situations when it's simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside.
There are other circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as "sealing the room," is a matter of survival. Click here to view Shelter-In-Place diagram From Ready.Gov Use available information to assess the situation. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may want to take this kind of action.
The process used to seal the room is considered a temporary protective measure to create a barrier between you and potentially contaminated air outside. It is a type of sheltering in place that requires preplanning.

To "Shelter in Place and Seal the Room"

Recommended Items To Have In The Home

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
-Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days,
-for drinking and sanitation
-Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
-Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
-Flashlight and extra batteries
-First aid kit
-Whistle to signal for help
-Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
-Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
-Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
-Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
-Local maps

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit

Most of this material is available on: Ready.Gov

Click Here To Learn More About The Kansas Capital Area Red Cross...

Click Here To Learn More About The National Red Cross Organization...

Click Here To Read the NWS Analysis of the Greensburg Tornado...