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Plan for that emergency! Believe it or not, even with snow still on the ground as of the time of this writing, it is time to start thinking about planning for the spring storm season. Saco has plenty of experience with spring storms, with the last major spring storm occurring in April, 2007. This weather event involved all of the things we least like to see: high winds, a strong tidal surge, and severe erosion. When this combines with a heavy spring snow melt to the west of us, causing in-town flooding as well, you know Saco's public safety agencies will be very busy. How does an average citizen plan ahead for events like this without "breaking the bank" and having all kinds of equipment on hand that may never be needed? The key, as with many things, is pre-planning and common sense. It isn't necessary to have three months worth of food, enough batteries to power the space shuttle, and 500 gallons of drinking water stored in your basement. The Maine Emergency Management Agency has an excellent website for you to check out: Http://www.Maine.gov/mema/ It is positively loaded with up-to-date info and planning materials for you to review. Let's simplify the process for those folks who want the 'Reader's Digest' version. As with everything planning is key. What type of emergency may be in the offing? Be realistic about what danger your family may face. You probably don't need to plan for a flood if you live on high ground that's never been under water; on the other hand, failing to plan for a flooded basement when you live adjacent to a river that goes over its banks periodically makes little sense as well. MEMA tells us that three days supply of food is generally okay but I personally feel much better with a week or so. Are your water needs supplied by well? If so, without electricity you won't have water for sanitary needs-filling that tub ahead of time seems like a great idea, doesn't it? Aside from that, it is generally agreed that one gallon of drinking water per person, per day is sufficient for drinking and cooking needs. This is still the snow season in Maine, and late winter/early spring snow storms can be among the most troublesome. Significant accumulation can also be mixed with ice or rain, producing weight loads that our power lines weren't designed to handle. Do you have a means of providing emergency power to your home? If you do not have a generator, do you at least have an alternate source of heat, such as a kerosene heater available to use? During the December ice storm, my neighborhood was without power for three days or so. Although several of them had installed pellet stoves, they were unable to heat their homes due to a lack of electricity to power the fans the stoves needed to operate properly. As they say, "The devil is in the details!" Do you have elderly relatives or neighbors living alone? Don't forget that your emergency is their emergency also. Use the time as an excuse to get together with others in similar circumstances. You'd be surprised at how much fun you can have at a 'storm party'! Make sure you have flashlights, lanterns, a battery-powered radio, and your first aid kit on hand. If the roads are bad, be respectful of the difficulty that public safety crews are operating under. They'd like to be home with their families too, but are committed to keeping their communities safe. Unless you have a compelling need to get out to replenish food, fuel, or medical supplies, stay off the roads. This will reduce the number of accidents and other calls for service that tie up resources. When it becomes necessary to leave your home for other shelter, relatives are often your first best bet. Your comfort level is highest with family, and family members are always willing to pitch in and weather (pun intended!) these events together. When family is not an option, the City of Saco provides for shelter at the Parks and Recreation facility on Franklin Street. With the assistance of staff and the American Red Cross, we will make sure that you are safe, warm and fed. A positive by-product of moving the Parks and Rec facility to Franklin Street several years ago is that the additional space enabled the City to bring many of its resources to one location. This reduces confusion and improves efficiency, and it has evolved into a first class operation. Remember...Be Smart, Be Safe, and Be Prepared. Go online to check out some of the planning kits available for your use. The City of Saco Office of Emergency Management has a great website that can connect you with many other links to guide you through a process that will keep you and your loved ones safe. Further questions can be directed to Mr. Steven P. Boucouvalas, Emergency Management Director, at 284-2535. Thanks, and as always, stay safe! Chief Brad Paul Saco Police Department |
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