Be prepared for any disaster
Recent news reports have encouraged people in the United States and abroad to prepare for emergencies and keep survival kits ready. We won’t speculate about the political implications of those reports. But the practical message is clear: Emergencies and disasters can strike with little or no warning, and being prepared can make a difference.
Whether the threat is a fire, flood, tornado or human-caused disaster, every household should be ready for extended outages and other disruptions.
Northeastern Wyoming is no stranger to natural hazards, including severe weather, wildfires and drought. These threats can overlap. Lightning can spark a wildfire, and a severe winter storm can cause widespread power outages.
According to Weston County Emergency Management’s website at westongov.com, the most likely human-caused threats include power failures, urban fires, hazardous materials spills and incidents involving mass casualties or fatalities. These emergencies can occur together or result from a natural disaster.
The website offers a wealth of preparedness information. Recommended steps include gathering reliable information, developing an emergency plan, stocking an emergency supply kit and learning basic survival skills. Residents should also know how emergency warnings are issued, become familiar with local evacuation routes and review emergency plans at their workplaces, children’s schools and child care facilities.
Planning should also account for older adults, people with disabilities and anyone who may need additional assistance during an emergency.
The county website lists shelters in Newcastle, Osage and Upton and explains how to sign up for dispatch or emergency management alerts. Residents with special medical needs, such as those who require oxygen, can also find information about adding their names to a list for emergency planning.
Information about National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios and local channels carrying all-hazards alerts is available as well. For more information, contact county emergency management coordinator Gilbert Nelson at 307-746-4315 or gnelson@westongov.com.
Additional preparedness guidance and checklists are available at ready.gov and redcross.org.
We encourage residents to review these resources and take steps now to prepare. When an emergency strikes, having a plan and essential supplies ready can help protect you, your family and your neighbors.