A new way to stay safe
Staff writer
Emergency preparedness month is upon us, and county emergency managers are working to get the word out.
Deputy director Dan Schaefer spent his lunch hour Friday telling 30 Hillsboro seniors about a cell phone app, “What3Words,” that locates a person within 10 feet of where they are — anywhere in the world, or any room of a building — so help can be sent to them.
The app can be downloaded, Schaefer said, and come in handy any time people need help especially if they don’t know precisely where they are.
Schafer told the seniors all emergency departments in the county use the What3Words program.
Schaefer earlier made the same presentation at Peabody Senior Center and will make it again later this month at Marion Senior Center.
He and emergency manager Marcy Hostetler are encouraging people to know what risks they face living where they live, know what they need to do to stay safe, and stay alert to conditions such as severe weather.
“The most common question is, ‘how do I receive information,’” Hostetler said.
People ask about alerts, how to be prepared, and where to get information.
“Right now there are a lot of sites where you don’t get good information,” Hostetler said. “The notification thing is huge.”
National Weather Service is one. You want apps you rely on. Download four or five weather apps and look at them and decide which ones you like. Make sure you have reliable sources to get information.
Families should make emergency plans in case of a disaster. This includes assigning roles, staying connected, knowing evacuation routes, selecting a meeting place, considering a generator, stocking up on food for a disaster kit, and collecting important documents.
People should put together a three-day emergency kit including food, water, medication for each person in the family, important documents, and cell phone chargers, along with additional water and food for pets.
Not only should owners help pets be ready for disasters. Livestock owners should prepare for disasters as well.
A livestock disaster in Marion County affects not only a producer but also the commodities market, Hostetler said.
A livestock emergency kit would include feed, water, supplements, and supplies such as medications, rope or lariat, halters and leads, cleaning supplies, knives, and papers such as veterinary records and proof of ownership.
Livestock owners should decide whether they are able to evacuate based on the type of disaster and the safety and stability of the shelter.
“I have to remind them to take care of themselves,” Hostetler said.