Submitted by Town of Bedford
The Town of Bedford has many resources to help residents deal with emergencies of various types. In most cases, however, YOU, the resident, are the first line of defense against “unplanned events.”
One of the best things you can do is EXPECT the UNEXPECTED and prepare for situations that may arise. Planning ahead and having some essential supplies on hand can help you to “weather the storm,” whatever form it may take.
It’s always a good idea to “be ready,” but even more so in these days of climate change and “unusual” weather, as exemplified by the recent severe rain and wind storms.
As summarized by a Public Safety official, “We want residents to be prepared for any type of emergency and be proactive in developing a plan that will keep their families and themselves safe … You don’t want to wait until disaster strikes to make a plan or gather supplies, so it is important to take time now to plan” – always a good idea to “hope for the best and plan for the worst”
Winter is Upon Us
Winter brings its own set of challenges and deserves some special preparation, particularly winter storms (not just snow – rain and ice pose their own hazards) leading to extended power outages, loss of heat, and hazardous (if not downright impossible) travel resulting from icy, snowy, or blocked roads. Here are a few basic items, extracted from a longer list, which become particularly important in the winter:
• Face masks and hand sanitizers to be safe while interacting with others during this time of increased winter respiratory illnesses. There’s lots of good information on the Bedford Health Department website here.
• Warm clothes – think layers, and remember hats and mittens – you lose a lot of heat through uncovered arms, legs, and head
• Batteries for radios and other electronic devices, or maybe a hand-cranked radio
• A battery bank and/or car charger for your cell phone(s) so you can stay in contact with the “outside world” for at least a few days
• Blankets, sleeping bags, comforters, hand and toe warmers to stay warm if you have no heat
• Flashlights – Check to make sure they work! LED flashlights are preferred, as the batteries will last longer
• Food and water for several days, which does not require refrigeration (don’t depend on that snowbank outside the back door…)
The picture above shows what a “winter kit” might contain and includes just a few of the most important items among many which will help you be ready for whatever winter may bring. Discuss this with your family, friends, and/or caregivers and come up with the version which best meets your needs. One comprehensive list of recommendations may be found here – https://www.bedfordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2211/72-Hour-Emergency-Kit-PDF. More information and recommendations from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) may be found here – https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_emergency-supply-kit-checklist.pdf.
This article is brought to you by Bedford CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), a volunteer group that supports the Town of Bedford and its emergency response organizations in preventing and mitigating emergencies. Navigate to this site for more information about CERT in Bedford – https://www.bedfordma.gov/185/The-Community-Emergency-Response-Team.
Watch for future articles to help you to be ready for any emergency that might come your way.
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