State Health Department Announces new “Ready in 3” Emergency Preparedness Program

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) officially launched its new

“Ready in 3” education campaign today to inform Missouri residents on what they can do at home, school and work to prepare for all types of emergencies.

“Emergencies can strike anytime,” said Richard Dunn, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “A tornado, fire, flood, earthquake or even a terrorist attack can change lives. That is why we are urging families, communities, businesses, and schools to take steps today to prepare for all types of emergencies.”

Emergencies can affect anyone. In 2003, 60,000 residents in 76 Missouri counties were impacted by the May tornadoes. This winter, ice storms caused power outages. Yet a recent statewide study found that one in four families isn’t convinced it is necessary to prepare for an emergency, and almost 40 percent are unsure how to prepare.

“This program is part of the Department of Health and Seniors Services’ ongoing effort to ensure that Missouri is prepared to respond to emergencies,” Dunn said. “During the past two years, the department has worked with its federal and local partners to improve the state’s ability to respond to a public health emergency or terrorist attack. Local, state and federal agencies have plans to protect the public, but families must take an active role and be responsible for their own safety. The ‘Ready in 3’ program gives families the information they need to be prepared.”

The “Ready in 3” program provides three simple steps that families can take to prepare themselves for an emergency situation:

1. Create a plan for you, your family, and your business. Your family might not be together when an emergency happens. That’s why it is important to have a plan in place. Talk about how you will reach each other in different situations.

2. Prepare a kit for home, car and work. If an emergency happens, you might not be able to get food or water for days or weeks, and your electricity may not be working. The following items should be part of your emergency kit and kept in a container that can be easily carried.

q Water and canned or dried food (at least three days’ worth)

q Battery-powered radio

q Flashlight

q Extra batteries for the radio and flashlight

q Prescription medicine

q First-aid kit

3. Listen for information about what to do and where to go during an actual emergency. City, county, and state officials have developed emergency plans. During an emergency, it is important to follow their instructions and advice.

The “Ready in 3” Family Safety Guide explains these steps in more detail and provides an emergency kit checklist. The booklet is free and available in English and Spanish. Residents can order a copy of the booklet by calling the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 573-751-6062 or order it on-line at www.dhss.mo.gov.

DHSS is working with local public health agencies, area agencies on aging, schools, community groups and retailers to raise awareness across the state and ensure that we are all better prepared for an emergency. Local public health agencies and community groups are being asked to become ambassadors for the program and reach out to their local residents.

Over 600 public and parochial schools throughout the state are providing copies of the Family Safety Guide to their students. Teachers will be using the booklet as a teaching tool, and many schools are planning special events during March. Over 300 retailers are participating in the “Ready in 3” campaign this week by setting up displays. Missourians can get their free “Ready in 3” booklet and learn more about preparing for an emergency by visiting these stores throughout the state.

Preparing for an emergency should be a top priority for every family. During the month of March, which is “preparedness month,” the department urges residents to take an hour out of their busy schedules to make a family plan and prepare their emergency kit. Each year during March the department will remind Missourians to review and update their plans and be sure they have fresh food, water and medical supplies in their emergency kits.

“The most important thing to remember in an emergency is to stay calm,” Dunn said, “but by being ‘Ready in 3’ you’ve made the decision to take an active role in your safety and the safety of the ones you love.”

For more information on emergency preparedness, go to the Department of Health and Senior Services’ website at www.dhss.mo.gov or the Office of Homeland Security’s website at www.ready.Missouri.gov.

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