Resolve to Be Ready in 2008

Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best

What’s New in Emergency Management?

As always, Emergency Management has been busy preparing Teton County for disasters and to provide better services for its residents.  In that effort, Emergency Management’s website ( www.tetonwyo.org/em ) has just undergone a total reconstruction.  It now provides more information on potential disasters, how to prepare for those disasters, information on warning systems, and other topics of interest.

 

On the training front Emergency Management, in partnership with Jackson Hole Fire/EMS, recently graduated an Incident Command Intermediate and Advanced class.  Students came from all organizations and departments ranging from law enforcement to building and planning.  With these skills, local government is now better prepared to respond to a disaster on behalf of the citizens of Teton County and the Town of Jackson.

 

Emergency Management is also working with the 84th Civil Support Team to help them complete one of their training requirements.  The mission of Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams (WMD-CST) is to support local and state authorities at domestic WMD/NBC incident sites by identifying agents and substances, assessing current and projected consequences, advising on response measures, and assisting with requests for additional military support.  Through this partnership we are learning how to work with them in the event of a WMD situation, and they are fulfilling one of their training qualifications.

 

The EM office has also been conducting public education presentations for various civic groups in the valley.  If you have a group that would like to have an informative presentation on Emergency Management, email or give us a call at (307) 733-9572 to set up an appointment.

Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2008

NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radios are a great way to stay informed in the event of a disaster or inclement weather.  Do you have yours yet?  Check this link for more information.

“Resolve to Be Ready” is a program designed to get people thinking about how they can better prepare themselves and their families for a disaster.  It is as easy as filling out a one-page family disaster plan and putting together a preparedness kit.  You can learn more about this program at www.ready.gov

Resolve to Be Ready in ‘08

Teton County Emergency Management has put together 4 previously released preparedness videos about emergency preparedness, winter driving, avalanche awareness, and wildfire protection onto one DVD.  Also included are PDF files on emergency preparedness that you can access with your PC.  You can get your free copy of “Be Prepared Teton County!” at the following locations:

· Teton County Sheriff’s Office

· Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Administrative Office

· Jackson Police Department

· Teton County Administration Building

Check this link for more details, or contact Emergency Management for more information.

Get Your Free “Be Prepared Teton County!” DVD          

A 72 Hour Kit consists of items that you and your family would need to survive for 72 hours following a disaster.  The reason that we say 72 hours is because that is how long it could take for help to arrive depending on the conditions of roadways and how extensive damage is to the rest of the county.  Ideally the kit should be portable and contain everything that you need, from food & water to dust masks.  The American Red Cross has an extensive page on how to put together a 72 hour kit for your family.  If you don’t have the time or resources to build your own kit, many retailers are selling pre-made kits, including the Red Cross.  Just type “72 hour kit” or “preparedness kit” into your favorite internet search engine to find a retailer.  Also be sure to check our site on building a complete kit gradually over 24 weeks.  It gives you lists and items to pick up during your regular shopping trips to make a complete 72 hour kit for your family.

What is a “72 Hour Kit”?

Questions or comments? Email us at em@tetonwyo.org or call 733-9572