Three steps prepare for emergencies

Spending hours studying and preparing for classes is common for Weber State University students, but spending time preparing for emergency situations is unusual. "You can't rely on other people to make your plans and your decisions for your emergency preparedness," said Heather Porter, the health and safety director for the Northern Utah Chapter of the American Red Cross. "You are responsible for that." Porter said one of the programs the American Red Cross is really pushing is "Be Red Cross Ready." This program includes three steps to be prepared: build a kit, make a plan, and get informed. "Whatever situation you are in, you want to take those three steps," said Porter. Porter said to make sure you have all the basic necessities when building a kit. It should include things like food, water, a radio, a flashlight with batteries, a first aid kit, plastic sheeting and duct tape, light sticks, extra clothing and shoes, cash and coins, and medication. "For students, especially those that may be living in apartments, you might want to have it in a backpack where it's ready and accessible," Porter said. "It can be very simple." Porter also suggested having kits in the places where a lot of time is spent "You should have a kit for your house, a kit for your car, and a kit for work," Porter said. She also said each kit should be tailored for those specific locations. Lt. Mike Davies with the WSU Police Department also recommended having kits at home, at work and in the car. Specifically for cars, Davies said to put the basics like food and water, but also tools in case of a breakdown. He also suggested blankets, salt and a shovel for the winter months. "We spent all day long pushing people out because they were stuck and didn't have any way to get themselves out," Davies said about some of the big snow storms from last winter. Jerry Merritt, a WSU manufacturing engineering senior, said he keeps a prepackaged emergency kit in his car. He said the kit includes things like a flashlight, road cones and jumper cables. Merritt said he put a kit in his car because of some experiences he has had. "You end up stranded a few times, and then you realize that you might need something," he said. Davies also suggested keeping the gas tank as full as possible so that, in an emergency, the car can keep running and the heat can remain on. The next step from the American Red Cross is to make a plan. Porter said you need to have a plan you practice regularly. "Plan for each disaster," Porter said. "You want to think of the disasters that can happen in our area." She advised to prepare and have a plan for incidents like earthquakes, winter storms, floods and house fires. The last thing the American Red Cross suggests is to be informed. "You want to make sure you are informed of the emergency plans of not just your family, but of the community," Porter said. She said all communities have an emergency plan. She also said it's important to be informed of these plans, and share the information with others. Porter said all of these things can be simple, and don't have to take up a lot of time or space, but it's better to be prepared.