Prepare for Disasters with a FEMA and Red Cross Family Response Plan and Food Storage
David M. Bresnahan
September 23, 2006
SALT LAKE CITY -- Disasters can be small or large, and they can happen at any time with little warning, but their impact on lives can be minimized if families plan in advance, according to both FEMA and the Red Cross.
"The biggest mistake we make is to think that the government will take care of everything in a disaster," explained Jeff Augason, preparedness expert. "FEMA and the Red Cross both advise all of us to have at least three days supply of food for each member of our family in case of disaster. The recent hurricanes and floods showed why just three days supply is not nearly enough."
Government agencies and the Red Cross have reaffirmed that it will be at least three days after a major disaster strikes before evacuations can begin. That means some people will be trapped in their homes and other places for longer than three days before help arrives.
According to information at both the Red Cross and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) web sites, families should have a minimum of three days supply of food and water, as well as clothing and other supplies in the event of a disaster. The reason given for this is that it will take at least that long for government agencies to begin evacuations to shelters.
"We have all seen the horrific news stories during the hurricanes and other disasters. People were stranded without food for days, and even when they were taken to shelters there was a major lack of supplies for them. The best way to be prepared is to have our own emergency supply," said Augason.
Augason provides suggestions and advice to individuals, families, and groups through his web site at http://www.FoodStorageIdeas.com.
He regularly teaches people to follow the advice given by the Red Cross to plan in advance, and then if a disaster strikes the impact can be reduced.
"Get together with your family, young and old. Involve your extended family members as well. Follow the steps suggested by the American Red Cross. Store some food, water, and clothing. Have some warm bedding in case you need to leave your home, and have something to carry your supplies with you," he advised.
The Red Cross advises families to have a family meeting and talk about the types of disasters that could take place and establish a family plan for response, and a food storage plan that can be adapted to each family’s needs. This includes a plan for places to go to after a disaster where everyone in the family can meet. In case phones are out in the area of the disaster, each family member should also have a contact phone number for someone outside the area so they can report their location and condition.
The Red Cross also recommends that families meet again every six months to review their plan and to actually practice what to do in various disasters. This includes loading emergency food and supplies into a vehicle and driving over possible evacuation routes, including alternate routes in case the main roads are impassable or gridlocked.
"The key to being ready is to assume that you must rely on your own resources, rather than waiting for a government agency to come to your rescue. Make a plan as if everything depends on you, because in most situations that is exactly what will happen," said Augason.
Augason's company, Blue Chip Group, Inc., provides all types of storage foods, with packaging and containers to protect it so it will be ready when needed. The company offers a web site filled with information and help on food storage ideas at http://www.FoodStorageIdeas.com.
About Blue Chip Group, Inc.
Founded in 1972 by Phil Augason, Blue Chip Group, Inc. is a family-owned business that provides high quality storage foods in bulk quantities to save money, and help customers prepare for troubled times. The company has grown into a thriving enterprise with 15 employees and a growing customer base throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Saudi Arabia, Africa, and more.
Press Contact:
Jeff Augason
801-263-6667 x24
"The biggest mistake we make is to think that the government will take care of everything in a disaster," explained Jeff Augason, preparedness expert. "FEMA and the Red Cross both advise all of us to have at least three days supply of food for each member of our family in case of disaster. The recent hurricanes and floods showed why just three days supply is not nearly enough."
Government agencies and the Red Cross have reaffirmed that it will be at least three days after a major disaster strikes before evacuations can begin. That means some people will be trapped in their homes and other places for longer than three days before help arrives.
According to information at both the Red Cross and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) web sites, families should have a minimum of three days supply of food and water, as well as clothing and other supplies in the event of a disaster. The reason given for this is that it will take at least that long for government agencies to begin evacuations to shelters.
"We have all seen the horrific news stories during the hurricanes and other disasters. People were stranded without food for days, and even when they were taken to shelters there was a major lack of supplies for them. The best way to be prepared is to have our own emergency supply," said Augason.
Augason provides suggestions and advice to individuals, families, and groups through his web site at http://www.FoodStorageIdeas.com.
He regularly teaches people to follow the advice given by the Red Cross to plan in advance, and then if a disaster strikes the impact can be reduced.
"Get together with your family, young and old. Involve your extended family members as well. Follow the steps suggested by the American Red Cross. Store some food, water, and clothing. Have some warm bedding in case you need to leave your home, and have something to carry your supplies with you," he advised.
The Red Cross advises families to have a family meeting and talk about the types of disasters that could take place and establish a family plan for response, and a food storage plan that can be adapted to each family’s needs. This includes a plan for places to go to after a disaster where everyone in the family can meet. In case phones are out in the area of the disaster, each family member should also have a contact phone number for someone outside the area so they can report their location and condition.
The Red Cross also recommends that families meet again every six months to review their plan and to actually practice what to do in various disasters. This includes loading emergency food and supplies into a vehicle and driving over possible evacuation routes, including alternate routes in case the main roads are impassable or gridlocked.
"The key to being ready is to assume that you must rely on your own resources, rather than waiting for a government agency to come to your rescue. Make a plan as if everything depends on you, because in most situations that is exactly what will happen," said Augason.
Augason's company, Blue Chip Group, Inc., provides all types of storage foods, with packaging and containers to protect it so it will be ready when needed. The company offers a web site filled with information and help on food storage ideas at http://www.FoodStorageIdeas.com.
About Blue Chip Group, Inc.
Founded in 1972 by Phil Augason, Blue Chip Group, Inc. is a family-owned business that provides high quality storage foods in bulk quantities to save money, and help customers prepare for troubled times. The company has grown into a thriving enterprise with 15 employees and a growing customer base throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Saudi Arabia, Africa, and more.
Press Contact:
Jeff Augason
801-263-6667 x24
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