Arlington, the city known for its big-league dreams and ballpark grandeur, is urging its community to tackle a different sort of challenge: emergency preparedness. The City of Arlington's Office of Emergency Management has spelled out straightforward advice on how to compile a fundamental emergency supply kit for residents to hunker down for the crucial first 72 hours after a disaster strikes.
"Everyone needs a kit. During a widespread emergency, help may take several days to arrive. Families should be prepared to survive for up to three days before help arrives," said Shawna Lemley, Emergency Management Planner for The City of Arlington’s Office of Emergency Management, in a public announcement. The timing is crucial as Arlington is in the throes of severe storm season, making the need for preparation more urgent, according to the City of Arlington, Texas.
The essentials of the emergency supply kit are practical and cater to basic needs: water (at least a gallon per person, per day), non-perishable food, extra cell phone batteries or chargers, and first aid necessities. Additional items include a hand crank or battery-powered radio, tools for turning off utilities, and items for personal sanitation such as moist towels and plastic bags.
Residents should also contemplate unique family needs, adding supplies such as prescription medications and items for infants, seniors, or pets. Moreover, Arlingtonians are encouraged to store important documents in a watertight container, keep cash or traveler's checks at hand, and ensure warm clothing and blankets are part of the repertoire. Lemley emphasized the importance of discussing the family's plan and ensuring everyone is informed about where the kits are and what they contain.
To guarantee kits remain viable and up-to-date, the city recommends revisiting the contents during daylight savings times, which happen twice per year. In a practical turn, suggestions for maintenance include keeping food in a cool, dry place, storing boxed food in sealed containers, and replacing expired items as necessary.
Lastly, Arlington residents are counseled to establish kits not only for the home but also for the workplace and the car — adapting contents according to each location and updating especially the car kits with seasonal changes in mind. It's a preparation triad to keep citizens ready no matter where disaster finds them.
