It’s that time of year again. Spring is in the air - quite literally with pollen on everything! Most folks are busy cleaning out their basements and garages as spring cleaning has begun. What better time to get rid of unused belongings, freshen up our living spaces and get ready for some warmer weather?
But this time of year, also brings about some unforeseen challenges that can be downright dangerous if you’re unprepared.
Anyone that has lived in Georgia for a while knows that this time of year brings frequent and powerful thunderstorms that can pop out of nowhere and grow intense quickly.
Are you prepared in what to do in case of not only severe weather, but other disasters that may come your way? This month’s Safety Zone concentrates on potential dangers in and around your home and provides tips to get you back on track in preparing a safety plan for you and your family.
For over 26 years, I’ve been serving my community in public safety. During that time, my co-workers and I have had the misfortune to be on some pretty bad calls from weather disasters, fallen trees, ice storms, fires and, a few years ago, a hurricane that came through Gwinnett. We have all been affected by these events one time or another. I’ve seen things from both sides - not only as a public servant, but as a victim of a disaster when my own home burned to the ground in 2011.
We all wear seatbelts when driving in our vehicles. Most of us lock our doors for safety. That’s easy. So, safety is on our minds, but another real danger is when disaster strikes and we must respond in an instant to the situation with no plan.
Do you have a disaster plan? If so, when was the last time it was updated? If you’re like me, I need to have lists and check off what I have and what I must complete.
Let’s talk about severe weather.
The month of April can be volatile to say the least. I get anxious just thinking about Level 4 or 5 storms coming through in the middle of the night. Do you have weather alerts installed on your phone? How about fresh batteries or charges for a flashlight or weather radio? These things are kind of standard for a power outage. But maybe a particular power outage is different. Maybe there is a tree blocking the entrance and exit to your subdivision. No one can leave or drive in. The tree has taken out three power poles and there are live power lines on the ground.
Let’s say this event lasts for two days with no one to help get the tree up or power restored. Let’s add in persons with disabilities who require oxygen and other medical care. Do you have food and water to last for a couple of days? This could be a real disaster for those involved. Well, this event actually happened, and it not only involved this subdivision, but multiple subdivisions with trees on top of houses and cars in a single event.
I have learned that folks can’t be reliant on 911in case of a large catastrophic event due to priorities of calls. Be prepared to hunker down until the situation is lessoned. Have tools available if you need them. Have fresh gas ready for a chainsaw or generator if needed. Have tarps, nails, and ladders ready if emergency repairs are needed. Have a plan with a neighbor and share supplies.
Teamwork goes a long way. Check on neighbors who may be elderly or disabled. If you get anything from this article, never, never, never touch or try to remove powerlines on the ground. Assume nothing. Keep others away until the lines can be assessed. Help will be on the way soon.
Have an evacuation plan also. Update contact lists with friends or family if you must leave the area for some reason and have a plan ready for pets, gas for your vehicles and supplies. Have important documents accessible and ready to go. You never know which way a disaster can go and what direction it might lead.
Let’s move on to fire safety. Do you have a full fire extinguisher ready? If so, is it expired? How about smoke detectors and caron monoxide detectors? Have those units been inspected and tested to make sure they are working? When was the last time fresh batteries were replaced? If using a burn barrel, do you have a water source available? Do you leave it unattended?
I can’t tell you how many times I have gone to a house fire or shed fire where a homeowner was trying to put the fire out with a bucket of water or garden hose and saying, “I just walked away for a second!” Pay attention and follow the rules for burning if allowed. Also, pay attention to thick mulch, dead plants in pots next to your house and oily rags left in bulk on the floor of a shed or garage. This is a perfect recipe for a spontaneous combustion where no flame is needed to start a fire. All you need is material, heat, and oxygen. Trust me on this one!
How about traveling in your car or truck. Do you have a window punch to get out of your vehicle if your vehicle is suddenly submerged? How about cutting the seatbelt? Look at getting a combo knife kit and know how to use it when seconds count. Have flairs (Yes, they still make them.) available if need be. Have water, an emergency blanket, and a fully charged phone when traveling. Let someone know where you are going, your route and the time you are expected to arrive.
What about your house?
Have you inspected in and around your house for potential dangers? Make sure windows are operational in case of emergency and need to get out quickly. Plan an exercise with your family and how to crawl out blindfolded. A real fire will produce smoke so thick you will not be able to breathe or see standing up. Have a first aid kit available and ready to use.
What about tourniquets? Would you know how to apply one on yourself or someone else? Most people don’t know you can die in just minutes by bleeding to death. Tourniquets save lives and should always be ready in a car or at your house.
These are just a few things to consider when putting together a safety plan for you and your family. They are worth it and planning for disaster is always worth it, even if you never have to use it. Lots of people train for years for knowledge that they may need only one time in their life. Don’t be left unprepared. I’m happy to say that Stop the Bleed will be taught at the Citizen’s Police Academy this week. Because you just never know…
Stay safe Lilburn!