Boone County launches community preparedness campaign
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Boone County has launched a community preparedness campaign, "Boone County Ready," in an effort to help better prepare residents in the event of severe weather.
The program was launched in partnership with the Office of Emergency Management and Joint Communications in Boone County, with the mission, "to enhance community preparedness, foster collaboration and build resilience by engaging citizens in actively preparing for emergencies and disasters."
The campaign launched a website with comprehensive information on how residents can prepare for severe weather as well as opportunities to get involved in the community through volunteering.
According to the campaign's website, an informed citizen should be aware of:
- The types of disasters and emergencies that may likely occur in their area
- How local authorities will send notifications and how to receive important information
- The difference between weather alerts and what actions to take in each
- CPR, First Aid, and how to use an AED
- What actions to take to protect themselves during disaster
Boone County Ready also suggests residents make kits for their homes, workplaces and cars in case of emergency weather.
For homes, emergency kits should include:
- Non-perishable food (minimum of 3-day supply)
- 1 gallon of water per person and pet per day (recommended minimum of 3-day supply)
- Manual can opener
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Matches and/or lighters
- First Aid kit
- Any required prescription or over-the-counter medicines
- Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
- Books and games
- Phone charger and/or power bank
For cars, emergency kits should include:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Tool kit and/or multipurpose utility tool
- Jumper cables
- Compass
- Reflective triangles
- First aid kit
- Non-perishable foods
- Bottled water
- Phone charger
- Spare tire, wheel wrench, tripod jack
- Rain poncho
- Seasonal: Cold weather items such as snow brush, shovel, warm clothing, blankets, coat and windshield washer fluid
The campaign also recommends making a "go bag," in case severe weather forces evacuations.
The website also has multiple links to volunteer programs available in Boone County, including the United Way, American Red Cross and the City of Columbia Volunteer Program.
