The Pierce County Emergency Preparedness Team is helping residents stay safe and be proactive through common sense tips and suggestions
Are Pierce County residents prepared for another hurricane?
Hurricane Helene’s rampage through Pierce County last September was a stark reminder of the need to be prepared for the next storm.
Sheriff Ramsey Bennett and members of the Pierce County Emergency Preparedness Team have compiled tips on how local residents can plan for and be prepared for the next storm.
The emergency preparedness team was organized by the Pierce County Family Connection and the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. The team’s purpose is to assist local emergency management with its most vulnerable populations.
Hurricane season began June 1 and will continue through November 30.
Forecasters are predicting another above normal season.
The group emphasizes that being prepared for a hurricane or storm is crucial for ensuring safety and protecting property.
It involves taking proactive steps including creating an emergency plan, assembling a disaster supply kit and securing your home. These steps can significantly reduce the risks and impacts associated with severe weather events.
Residents who shelter in place should have all clothing, first aid items, medical devices and medications already on hand. (If evacuating, have at least two weeks' worth).
Additionally, a 72-hour emergency kit is helpful and should be ready well in advance. These can be used in case of evacuations or other emergencies. The group is planning a future distribution of 200 adult kits and 200 children's basic kits for you to customize. They are accepting donations for the following items to help fill them: The kit will include:
• flashlight with batteries (400 needed)
• work gloves (100 donated by the Chamber, 300 additional needed)
• rain poncho (400 needed)
• space blanket (200 donated by the Chamber, 200 additional needed)
• wet wipes (400 needed)
• masks (400 donated by Memorial Satilla Health)
• hand sanitizer (400 donated by Memorial Satilla Health)
• multi-tool (200 needed)
• mini first aid kit (400 needed)
• communication paper (includes all contact information). This will be available to print.
It is also recommended to have a printed map of the area in case of an internet/cell outage.
Pierce County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christi Pitts also encourages all residents to check on their neighbors, especially senior citizens. “Check on your neighbor or any elderly to be sure they are aware of upcoming storms and that they are not in need of items,” said Pitts.
The group has nicknamed itself 'Pierce Is Prepared'. A web page, pierceisprepared.com, and a Facebook page will be available with an abundance of information and printable lists for the county to use in the near future. The goal is to have both operational by June 22. The website and Facebook page is meant to complement what emergency management is already sharing across their networks.
These are all tools to assist our local emergency responders as they face whatever the aftermath of a storm brings. A prepared county is a county that can recover faster and stronger than before.
