{"id":1345,"date":"2024-09-06T08:16:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-06T12:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/?p=1345"},"modified":"2025-11-17T11:47:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T16:47:21","slug":"preparation-for-emergencies-can-mitigate-damage-and-ease-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/preparation-for-emergencies-can-mitigate-damage-and-ease-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparation for emergencies can mitigate damage and ease recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Trees-on-house_clay-banks-TzyuinFFoJU-unsplash-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"An overhead view of a large pine tree which has fallen upon a house. There is debris surrounding the scene.\" class=\"wp-image-1336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Trees-on-house_clay-banks-TzyuinFFoJU-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Trees-on-house_clay-banks-TzyuinFFoJU-unsplash-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Trees-on-house_clay-banks-TzyuinFFoJU-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Trees-on-house_clay-banks-TzyuinFFoJU-unsplash-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Trees-on-house_clay-banks-TzyuinFFoJU-unsplash.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Risk assessment is an important component of emergency preparedness. Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Heather N. Kolich, ANR Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>September is National Preparedness Month, and the theme this year is \u201cStart a Conversation.\u201d I recommend starting that conversation with a question: \u201cWhat could go wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Risk assessment is an important component of emergency preparedness. Only after we identify or become aware of risks can we take steps to remove or mitigate risk factors. \u201cWhat could go wrong\u201d can be applied to most situations, plans, and activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"152\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/ready-gov_build-a-kit-300x152.jpg\" alt=\"A gathering of objects which would be valuable to place in an emergency preparedness kit including first aid kit, lantern, cellphone, pet supplies, medications, etc\" class=\"wp-image-1339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/ready-gov_build-a-kit-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/ready-gov_build-a-kit-768x389.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/ready-gov_build-a-kit.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Prepare go-kits with essential supplies for emergencies that may require evacuation. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, comedian Ron White tells a story about a storm. He points out a critical truth when he relates, \u201cIt\u2019s not <em>that<\/em> the wind is blowing. It\u2019s <em>what<\/em> the wind is blowing.\u201d If we apply this insight to a risk assessment around our homes, we might see several things we can do to prevent damage and loss from storm winds. We might determine that a large branch overhanging the roof presents an unacceptable risk that can be mitigated by pruning. We might realize that the patio furniture could be blown away \u2013 or blown through a window \u2013 and decide to clear a space in the garage to store it and other potential windborne projectiles when a severe storm is expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We know that storms are part of our weather cycles and that some of these will disrupt the delivery of electricity and even water to our homes. We can enhance safety and comfort during bad weather by weatherizing our homes during good weather. This can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Insulating walls and attics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sealing air leaks around windows and doors with caulk or weather-stripping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Installing storm doors and windows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/ready-gov_prepare-your-home_english-300x158.jpg\" alt=\"A drawing of a house and different areas have call-outs with ideas of how to prepare; keep a car fueled; plywood for windows; keep trees and shrubs trimmed.\" class=\"wp-image-1340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/ready-gov_prepare-your-home_english-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/ready-gov_prepare-your-home_english-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/ready-gov_prepare-your-home_english-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/ready-gov_prepare-your-home_english.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Use good weather to prepare your home for safety and comfort during disruptive bad weather.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends stocking at least a three-day supply of nutritious foods, water, and prescription medications for each family member. We can gradually build up a store of shelf-stable, ready-to-eat foods by adding a couple of extra canned goods \u2013 like non-condensed soups, pasta meals, tuna, and vegetables \u2013 to the grocery cart during each shopping trip. Don\u2019t forget to purchase extra food for pets, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, to get through disruptive storms or other emergencies, you may also need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Water for hygiene; plan for one gallon per person day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alternate source of fuel for heating and cooking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flashlights with extra batteries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NOAA weather radio<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First aid kit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entertainment such as board games, books, cards, and other activities to fend off cabin fever.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Prepare for road emergencies and evacuation situations with a survival kit that includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Warm clothes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sturdy walking shoes with warm socks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heavy work gloves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blanket or sleeping bag<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hand-crank flashlight and radio<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bottled water and ready-to-eat foods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toiletry items<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reflective vest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whistle and other items for signaling help<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Emergency-Evacuation-Traffic-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"A line of heavy traffic on a city road. To the right is a blue, round Emergency Management Evacuation Route sign\" class=\"wp-image-1338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Emergency-Evacuation-Traffic-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Emergency-Evacuation-Traffic-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Emergency-Evacuation-Traffic-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/files\/2024\/09\/Emergency-Evacuation-Traffic.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If evacuation is a possibility, plan ahead where to go and keep the fuel tanks full. Photo courtesy of CDC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If evacuation is a possibility, prepare go-kits with essential supplies, plan ahead where to go, and make sure everyone in the household knows where to meet up. It\u2019s a good idea to keep vehicles fueled above the half-full mark, as gasoline may not be available during power outages. In addition, put together copies of important documents to bring with you, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Insurance policies and documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health cards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>List of medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Birth certificates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>List of important phone numbers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about emergency preparedness, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ready.gov\/\">Ready.gov<\/a> and download the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/publications\/detail.html?number=B1428&amp;title=home-emergency-preparedness-handbook\">UGA Extension Home Emergency Preparedness Handbook<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>September is National Preparedness Month, and the theme this year is \u201cStart a Conversation.\u201d I recommend starting that conversation with a question: \u201cWhat could go wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Risk assessment is an important component of emergency preparedness. Only after we identify or become aware of risks can we take steps to remove or mitigate risk factors. \u201cWhat could go wrong\u201d can be applied to most situations, plans, and activities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":192,"featured_media":1337,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[339],"class_list":["post-1345","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-anr","tag-disaster-preparedness"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1345","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/192"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1345"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1345\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2253,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1345\/revisions\/2253"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1345"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1345"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1345"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}