Being prepared

We talk a lot about being prepared in Utah at the Utah Association of Special Districts, whether we’re preparing our snow removal districts for record snowfalls – we can hope – or for a state population predicted to double by 2060.

But the recent flash floods made us think about more immediate needs, the sort met by what you pack ahead to make the best out of bad situations. Here are a few things to consider:

Keep your vehicle in peak condition

Before heading into secluded areas, fill the gas tank. Make sure you have repair essentials in your trunk, including jumper cables, a shovel, cat litter, and an air compressor. Finally, make sure your wiper blades are in good condition, your tires are properly inflated and your engine’s fluids are all topped off. Throw in a pad of paper and a pen, in case you need to write down emergency service numbers. Give yourself the advantage if anything should happen.

In case of an emergency …

Pack a box of emergency essentials, such as a first-aid kit, bottled water, granola or energy bars and a warm blanket. You should have a flashlight and extra batteries in your glove box and a spare cellphone charger, too. And since we do live in Utah where it does snow now and again, toss in some gloves and hats for good measure.

Stay connected

If flash flood warnings are out, keep an ear on the radio and avoid those areas. And the same goes for snow closures, wildfires and other emergency situations. And if you are heading into a remote area, tell family members where you’ll be and when they can expect you to check in with them. That way, if something should happen, rescuers will have an early heads-up.

Our local and special service districts are on alert as well, whether it’s our road crews, our fire and police districts, and our 911 dispatch. We exist to serve our respective communities and we’re prepared for whatever comes our way.