The importance of being prepared

If we’ve learned anything from this challenging start to 2020, it is the importance of being prepared. Here at the Utah Association of Special Districts, that’s our way of doing business. We are constantly in preparation for upcoming legislative sessions, helping our member districts meet legislative requirements and keeping watch over pending legislation that will affect our members’ operations.

On still another level, we’re prepared in the services our member districts offer. From firefighters and mosquito control to our water districts, we’re prepared to step forward when needed, often before situations arise, and make a difference. In Utah, we know that it’s vitally important to be prepared at home as well. Does your family have:

An earthquake preparedness plan. Download the 36-page PDF Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country: Your Handbook to Earthquakes in Utah and learn how to be prepared while living in earthquake country.

Enough food for at least three days, preferably longer. Select foods that have a long shelf life and require no refrigeration, little or no preparation or cooking and preferably, use little or no water. Make sure you have a manual can opener. Learn more about having enough food on hand to get you through an emergency.

Enough water for at least two weeks. Store a minimum two week supply of water (14 gallons for each person) for you and your family in clean, airtight containers. Look for the “HDPE” and “2” label on containers for safe, long term storage.

An emergency kit with other items you’ll need. Here are some great items to have on hand for any type of emergency:

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps