HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell encouraged Pennsylvania residents to be better prepared for a disaster by creating emergency kits for their homes and cars, as well as creating a family emergency plan.
“It’s been five years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf States, and as we look back at the devastation of that storm, we all have the opportunity to take steps now to ensure the safety of our loved ones before we have an emergency here in Pennsylvania,” said Rendell.
The Ready PA Web site — www.ReadyPA.org — offers comprehensive information on steps people can take to prepare for emergencies, what to do when disaster strikes, and tips for recovering after the event. ReadyPA encourages all Pennsylvanians to “Be Informed, Be Prepared and Be Involved.”
Rendell said history has shown that emergency responders cannot reach everyone immediately after a disaster, so families should have enough food, water, medication and other necessities, including pet supplies, to survive without outside assistance for at least three days. Families should also prepare a plan to communicate and reunite if they are separated during an emergency.
Residents also are encouraged to help their neighbors and communities prepare for and recover from an emergency by taking formal training through their local Citizens Corps council or Red Cross chapter.
Downloadable materials, including home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, are available at www.ReadyPA.org and also through 1- 888-9-READYPA. Citizens can find information about getting involved in local emergency response efforts and other volunteer opportunities through the Web site or the toll-free line.