Governor Urges Emergency Preparedness With Katrina Anniversary

Planning ahead can save lives and prevent tragedy the Governor said.

Searching for the names of loved ones in the wake of Hurricane Katrina Photo courtesy: American Red Cross

(SALEM) - With the one-year anniversary of the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Tuesday, Governor Ted Kulongoski urged families to develop basic disaster preparedness plans to minimize danger and injury.

"Hurricane Katrina brought devastation to the Gulf Coast, and the breaching of the levees brought unimaginable hardship and disaster to the proud people of New Orleans," said the Governor.

"Protecting the public safety of Oregon communities is my highest priority, and by working with Oregon Emergency Management, we’re strengthening our disaster preparedness and learning lessons from last year’s tragic events."

The Governor also said that families can significantly improve their safety by developing basic disaster plans and preparing for unnatural events.

"Citizens of Oregon want do the right thing and help those less fortunate," said the Governor, "and by taking time to prepare a basic family disaster plan, Oregonians can greatly reduce their risk of danger and injury."

Oregon is especially vulnerable to tsunamis and earthquakes, said Ken Murphy, Director of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.

Said Director Murphy, "The most effective action families can take to protect themselves is to plan ahead, and prepare a basic emergency plan before a disaster strikes."

OREGON OFFICE OF EMERGENCY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS STEPS:

1. DISCUSS the disasters most likely to happen in Oregon and their impact on your family's safety. Hazards in our area include home fires, severe winter weather and storms, earthquake, flooding, and hazardous materials threats.

2. TRAIN all family members. Take first aid classes. Learn to use a fire extinguisher and how to shut off utilities. Do not take the chance that the only person who knows first aid or how to turn off the natural gas will be at home when needed.

3. ASSEMBLE your disaster supplies into a personal 72-hour emergency preparedness kit. This would include food, water, clothing and medications to last you at least 72 hours. You need a kit 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 kit. When local phone service is out, family members can use their out-of-state contact to relay messages.

5. MAINTAIN your readiness. Review your disaster preparedness plan with your family at least once a year. Identify what new training, equipment or supplies you may need. Conduct fire evacuation and earthquake "duck, cover and hold" drills with your family.

Emergency preparedness resources can be found on the Governor’s website at governor.oregon.gov/Gov/emergencyprep06.shtml