Courtesy Photo | Since April 1, DeCA’s severe weather preparedness promotional package is offering...... read more read more
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FORT LEE, Va. – The dead walk among us. That’s the premise of the zombie movies and television programs that are all the rage today. It’s also central to the “Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse” campaign created by the Centers for Disease Control to help expand awareness of being prepared for any disaster – natural, manmade or simply ghoulish!
As bad weather, and not so much zombie hordes, tends to be the source of the most recurrent and probable emergencies, the Defense Commissary Agency is keen on informing its patrons to prepare their survival kits by taking advantage of their benefit.
“If you observed the destruction wrought by that massive tornado in northern Illinois back in April, you understand the importance of being prepared for sudden power outages, disruption of water or the possibility of an evacuation,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA’s director of sales. “An emergency can happen anytime, anywhere, and together with our industry partners, we are offering savings on many of the items our patrons need to be prepared.”
Since April 1, DeCA’s severe weather preparedness promotional package is offering various items at reduced prices until Oct. 31. This package includes the following items: beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy-duty shipping and duct), first-aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Specific promotional items may vary from store to store.
This preparedness emphasis parallels the peak activity for both tornadoes and hurricanes in the United States. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, covering the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Tornado season runs from April to July.
On April 9, Colorado State University climatologists predicted a below-average season of three hurricanes and seven named storms. One of the three hurricanes is expected to be a major hurricane, according to the CSU website, http://tropical.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2015/apr2015/apr2015.pdf. The 2015 forecast continues a trend of diminished hurricane activity from the 2014 hurricane season of two major hurricanes out six and eight named storms.
Emergency preparedness officials suggest having a disaster supply kit that includes the following items:
• Water – at least one gallon daily, per person (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
• Nonperishable foods – canned meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cereal, crackers, cookies, energy bars, granola, peanut butter, and foods for infants and the elderly (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
• Paper goods – writing paper, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper
• Cooking items – pots, pans, baking sheets, cooking utensils, charcoal, a grill and a manual can opener
• First-aid kit – including bandages, medicines and prescription medications
• Cleaning materials – bleach, sanitizing spray, and hand and laundry soap
• Specialty foods – diet and low-calorie foods and drinks
• Toiletries – personal hygiene items and moisture wipes
• Pet care items – food, water, muzzle, leash, carrier, medications, medical records, and identification and immunization tags
• Lighting accessories – flashlight, batteries, candles and matches
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Duct tape, scissors
• Multipurpose tool
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Maps of the area
• Blankets or sleeping bags
For more information about preparing for emergencies, visit the following websites: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php; the Centers for Disease Control, http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/supplies.asp; the Red Cross, http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
For more on Zombie Apocalypse 101, go to the following website:
http://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2011/05/preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2015 15:16 |
| Story ID: | 164108 |
| Location: | FORT LEE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Commissary patrons can save on their emergency supplies, by Kevin Robinson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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