HARRISVILLE -- If you're like many Utahns, you've probably started a personal food and water storage program, but are you really prepared if a disaster strikes? It could take days for emergency personnel to arrive with helpful supplies in the event of a disaster. That's why it's important to prepare yourself as much as possible for such an event, said Deloris Stinson, owner and manager of Survival Solutions in Layton.
Stinson, speaking at an emergency preparedness fair Saturday in Harrisville, said while many people think to store food, water and even a first aid kit, they don't consider other things, such as a portable toilet, cash, important documents and clothing.
"If the water system is out, so is the sewer system," she said. "And if you flush your toilet, it's going to go straight to your neighbor's home."
Stinson also said it's wise to keep some cash on hand -- and not just big bills.
"You really need to keep all sizes of bills. If you need a loaf of bread and you only have a $20 and all of the power is out, how much is that loaf of bread going to cost you?" she said.
"You also need to have cash in case you have to go to a motel or get gasoline."
The public was invited to the fair hosted by the Harrisville 5th Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Experts from various businesses and community entities were on hand for lectures and to hand out information. They included Questar, Rocky Mountain Power, Macey's grocery store, Smith and Edwards, Daily Bread, The American Red Cross of Northern Utah, Community Emergency Response Team and area police and fire departments.
"We wanted to bring more awareness to the public about emergency preparedness and let them know we are trying to get this area ready," said Dave Eckersley, assistant ward emergency preparedness coordinator.
"This has been one of the worst years for disasters to strike, and we want everyone to be as ready as possible."
The ward has a program in place that involves the neighborhoods within its boundaries, Eckersley said.
"We have a block captain and an assistant who are in charge of between seven and 10 homes," he said.
"In the event of a disaster, they will get people to a safe location, look for downed power lines and shut off the gas supply, as well as administer first aid."
Pets should also be included in emergency plans, experts say. Food, water, medicine, medical records, first aid kit, crate or other carrier and a picture of your pet should be close at hand.
North View Fire Engineer Brendon Hunt and Capt. Justin Messerly say it's also important to prepare for a disaster that strikes just your home.
"A lot of homes now have sprinkler systems built in, and that's a good idea because a fire will double in size every minute," Messerly said. "A sprinkler system will kick in after about one minute and cause limited damage."
Hunt said developing a fire escape plan is important for every family.
"Do it now. During a fire is not the time to be coming up with a plan," he said. "Know where to meet, know how to escape, and don't go back inside for any reason."
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