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Action vs. Apathy
One New Year's resolution you can make is to drop apathy from your life and become an active participant. And one step you can take in that direction is to be prepared for an emergency. Disaster can be different in various areas of the world and for different people, but it will happen one way or another to everyone at some time. A disaster preparedness doesn't have to be a big effort, but thought should be made at the various least for having supplies on hand in the event you can't get out of the house for several days. Consider vitamins and medications, food and water, first aid supplies, and various emergency supplies.
"We have found the cure for many evils, but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all - the apathy of human beings."
Apathy - have we become so comfortable and safe in our small corner of the universe that we are indifferent to the disasters that we have read and heard about in other parts of the world? We in Ouray County are not immune to disasters -- be they fires, earthquakes, avalanches, flu epidemics or even the dreaded bird flu.
History indicates we'll have a pandemic event (an outbreak of an infectious disease spread worldwide) in the near future. 2008 is a New Year for new beginnings -- a time for change from apathy to action. We need to take those first steps toward preparing ourselves, our families, and our homes in the event of a disaster of any type.
Ouray County has developed an emergency plan addressing disasters, how to prepare for them and what the various groups will do when one comes. What has your community done to get ready for a life-altering event?
Public information sessions are being scheduled for this spring in order to reach all citizens of Ouray County. The Ouray County Public Health Department has published monthly articles in our local newspapers addressing disasters and preparedness. In review of these articles, we can start now by taking action toward preparedness.
- Check you emergency equipment -- flashlights, battery chargers for phones and radios, candles, matches, etc.
- Check your first aid supplies and prescription medication -- are they up to date and do you have enough?
- Develop an emergency food and water larder.
- Keep your immunity strong through exercise and a healthy diet.
- Make sure your address is clearly marked at the street and on the house, and current in the 911 database.
- Store extra water for non-consumption purposes.
- Tend to your pets' needs with extra supplies -- food, medications, litter.
Lastly, we want to emphasize having a "Vial of Life" on hand. They are free of charge for Ouray County residents. You can order them online or get them from stores that carry medical supplies. In Ouray County, call the Neighbor to Neighbor Program, 970-325-4586, or the County Public Health Department, 970--325-4670.
A Vial of Life kit is essential to you in providing emergency Medial personnel with vital information (your medical condition, medications, allerlgies, etc.) when you incur an emergency or injury in your home. If you are unable to speak or answer the many questions asked by the Medical personnel, this kit provides the answers to those questions and assists them in how to treat your injury.
Our New Year's Resolution is to shed apathy and become active. Our challenge to you is to do your part in taking that first step toward preparing for a disaster.
