Emergency Preparedness: Power in Community
When disaster and major weather events occur you may be the main source of assistance for your neighbors and community. Many communities offer Emergency Preparedness Courses and Training for their citizens. In Dinwiddie County our Public Safety Department offers C.E.R.T. Training and those who successfully complete training are volunteers for a wide variety of events where there is a potential for need of their services. These volunteers aid with community events monitoring with police and fire, assist with parking and during weather related events they go out into the community to communicate damage and assess injury and needs.
In your own neighborhood you too can participate in being the link that helps Emergency Personnel to better understand where they are most needed without attending classes and formal training. First you can check on your neighbors, especially your senior members of the neighborhood. Are they safe, have water and basic necessities? Then move on to your other neighbors and those with small children. Once you have determined all are well or that some need assistance you can contact authorities and in the meantime be that person who is on site until help arrives.
A great idea in more populated areas and subdivisions is to make sure that if you have a Homeowner’s Association or Neighborhood Watch program that you become aware of these programs. If such programs exist, become a member and learn how disasters and weather situations are handled and communicate this with other non-members. If no program exists in your area, gather your neighbors together and develop a plan for checking on each other and notifying authorities as to what is needed.
You can also protect yourself, your loved ones and your neighbors by being Utility Safety aware. Search your electric and gas providers websites for emergency information like how to turn off your power or gas supply. Know when you should consider shutting off your utilities and how to be aware of gas leaks. Share this information with your neighbors and let them know that you care! Does a neighbor have a generator? Do they know how to turn it off? Many of our customers have no idea where their key or spare key to their generator is.
Know where to find your generator key, how to open the lid, check operation and how and when to turn the breaker off to your generator and why. It is also important to know how to properly turn your generator on in a manner that is best to prevent unneeded strain on it! By making sure your generator main breaker is off and turning your generator on, letting it warm up and then turning on the main breaker inside your generator, you afford your generator time to warm up and then transfer the power to your home.
You have the Power within you to make a difference! Even a small thing like checking on neighbors could be lifesaving to someone! Be the one who cares! Make a difference!