February Message from the Work-Life Director
February Greetings from the Director
When Technology Fails Us
The devastation that befell Kentucky during the January 2009 ice storm reminds me of how ill-equipped we often are when our technology fails. At the wake of the storm, approximately 700,000 households lost power. As I write this message a week later, there are still 208,300 households without electricity. For many, both electricity and water supplies stopped.
How do we manage while we wait for help? As Matthew Stein points out in his 500 page survival manual, When Technology Fails, assistance does not always come right away. Whether we live in the city or the country, what can we do to survive in the interim? Being pro-active by creating a plan can ease both psychological and physical distress during the crisis.
According to Stein, your survival kit should include:
- A hand crank or battery-operated radio.
- Flashlights with spare batteries, candles and matches.
- Methods for renewable energy for heat and power.
- One week’s supply of food for your household, stocking up on dried and non-perishable food.
- A week’s supply of water, water treatment chemicals, and water-purifying filters.
- Wool blankets.
- Extra outdoor gear.
- Out-of-state contact(s) for coordination and communication.
- Important papers stored in one place for easy accessibility.
For a more comprehensive list and information, go to Stein’s web site or check out his book from our Work Life lending library.
Other resources include:
- The American Red Cross
- Lexington Fayette Urban County Government Emergency Management, which offers a Citizen Emergency Response Training (CERT) program that prepares you to assist others in your community as a first respondent.
- Kentucky Division of Emergency Management
- UK Emergency Management
- Work-Life Pet Care September Message on Emergency Preparedness for Pets.
Wishing you a safe new year,
Robynn
