Reader encourages emergency preparedness

Have the Right Stuff in a Disaster?

How likely could a disaster impact your community or neighborhood? Think you're prepared? I hope you can come and find out at this Saturday's Emergency Preparedness Fair at the Quincy Community Center from 4 to 8 pm. There will be 50 booths, sharing fun tips, samples and knowledge.

Some people have 72 hour kits, first aid kits, extra food or water... but what about alternative heat and cooking sources, extra medications, or pet supplies? These and many other things people don't think of until it's too late. What else do you or your family need? We tend to feel pretty safe here from major disasters here in Central Washington, but we're definitely not immune to toxic spills contaminating our water supply (like West Virginia recently); Ice storms that shut down entire cities (like Spokane), leaving residents freezing for weeks; Volcano ash, shutting down interstate highways, preventing trucks from restocking store shelves. We know these (and more) are very possible and can happen at any time. I personally don't like it when people try to instill panic to motivate or sell something. This is definitely not my intent. It's just a fact, that being prepared is the best defense against panic.

As Jeff Ketchel (administrator for Grant County Health Department) says, "The biggest threat to counties may be a natural disaster in the Seattle area that would send thousands of refugees to Central Washington, putting a strain on services here"...and "It's always good to be prepared for the unexpected." Jeff and the Grant County Health Department, among many other county and communities agencies and businesses will be here to enlighten you.

Make a date night of it. It's free. Join us for a very entertaining evening.

Scott Lybbert

Quincy, Washington