Develop a disaster plan for your family.

During the last year the world has had many natural disasters. Our hearts go out to those who have lost so much. While we in Montana are not at risk from a hurricane, there are natural disasters we sometimes underestimate right here at home. It is not that long ago that we felt the earthquake that fortunately did not cause great damage in our area, although the possibility of a large earthquake is still quite real. Some days in the Gallatin Valley the views of the mountains were barely discernable through the smoke from the forest fires. During the winter months, we get big snowstorms. In looking at the Montana Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) website http://montanahelp.org/, some of the natural disasters they recommend being prepared for include: avalanche, cold and winter weather, earthquake, flood, fire, landslides, radiological accidents, and tornadoes. A few years ago there was a train derailment of a poisonous gas in northwest Montana that required evacuation of the area.

The biggest thing about disasters is we don't have much or any warning. Even when we have a plan, it may not match up with how the event occurs. Fortunately, Gallatin County/City of Bozeman has Jason Shrauger, Deputy Gallatin County Emergency Manager addressing these issues. He has a joint appointment between the city and county, and works as a fire fighter at the North Rouse station. Jason views these emergencies from two perspectives: the emergency manager of the county and as a firefighter. In his on-the-job experience the biggest problem he sees is people not being prepared to support themselves and their family independently for 72 hours. He recommends having a 72-hour kit that is updated every 6 months, not just at home, but also at work, and in the car. The kit at home may be larger with heavy sleeping bags and a gas grill, while the one at work or in the car may be smaller until you can get home (if you can get home). One of Jason's worst-case scenarios for our county is an earthquake that could disrupt utilities and power for a considerable length of time. People need to be able to stay in their homes safely for at least 72 hours. In general your kits should include water, easily prepared food, a first aid kit, prescription medications, and important papers in a waterproof container. The fact sheets on the city website (www.bozeman.net/des) provide more specifics.

Another way to be prepared is to develop a plan with your family of what you would do under differing circumstances (parents at work, children at school, etc.) and review it every six months. Arrange for an agreed upon out of area contact in case local communication is down.

Firefighter Shrauger feels a big problem in New Orleans was that people were unable to get information from emergency planning personnel on what they should do. If there were an emergency in Gallatin County, his department would announce information for the public at the website listed above (no help if power is out); on 1600 AM and 1700 AM radio stations, and a frequently updated recording would play at 582-3175. He can also activate the NOAA weather radio system (the radios that will sound an alarm to wake people if there is an approaching weather emergency). For those who have a cell phone, they can go to http://emergencye.com/ to register their phone. Once registered, if there were an emergency, they would receive a text message from the department of emergency management in Gallatin County. You would also hear announcements on the radio and television by the emergency alert system (you know those tones you hear monthly to be sure the system is working properly). Find out who the emergency planning personnel are in your county, and what they suggest.

Currently there are local citizens taking the Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) training offered through the Federal Emergency Institute. Glenn Puffer at Montana State University has been very helpful to Jason in getting these programs going so our community has the resources it needs to respond to whatever comes our way. The course is 20 hours over three days and trains people in the skills they need to be effective in an emergency such as basic firefighting, first aid, extrication training (how to escape confined structures safely), etc. He highly recommends this program as well as the American Red Cross (ARC) Disaster Action Teams (DAT). People can volunteer with ARC to respond locally, nationally, and internationally. The local DAT team responds whenever there is a house fire and people need clothing and shelter until their insurance or other help kicks in.

The Gallatin County Public Health Department has also been coordinating with Jason's work so adequate medical personnel can respond in emergencies. Jason feels we are fortunate to have "one of the most proactive health officers in the state" in Stephanie Nelson.

No one knows what emergencies we may face, but having a plan can be the best bet for emerging from the other side in good shape. The Disaster and Emergency Services of Montana handout summarizes it best:

1. Discuss the disasters most likely to happen in your area and their impact on your family's safety (home fires, severe winter weather and storms, earthquakes, floods, and hazardous materials threats).

2. Train all family members in first aid, how to use fire extinguishers, how to turn off the natural gas at home if needed.

3. Assemble a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit (enough food, water, clothing, and medications for each family member).

4 Identify in and out of state emergency names and numbers and provide copies to each family member. Post a copy near your phone and put copies in your 72-hour disaster supplies kit.

5. Maintain your readiness. Review your disaster plan with your family at least once a year. Identify what new training, equipment, or supplies you may need (rotate that food and water every 6 months). Conduct fire evacuation and earthquake drills with your family.

No one wants to experience anything like what happened in New Orleans or other natural disasters. We can make the difference by being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. Check your city or county website for more information pertaining to your area. Stay safe!

Rachel Rockafellow, MSN, RN, CWOCN