Being prepared for anything

John Hehnke knows what to do in case of disaster.

Sidney's Emergency Manager and Public Services Director is prepared for flooding—rain sometimes falls—tornadic storms and even chemical spills. When a problem arises, he takes charge of the situation.

“We use an emergency plan almost every day for something,” Hehnke said.

Major issues are covered by the Local Emergency Operation Plan, a guide approved by the state every five years and implemented at the county and city level. Representatives from government, healthcare, first responders and other key areas meet to determine everything from response to communication, according to LEOP recommendations.

The meetings are essential for trading critical information. City officials might not realize, for example, that in the wake of a tornado it is important to know the condition of roads before dispatching certain vehicles. Debris—with its ability to cut tires—might end up slowing aid.

While the city and county consider the community as a whole, individual preparedness is relatively straightfoward.

At your place of work, know the emergency evacuation plan and where to go. Take a first aid class so you will know how to react to injuries. Keep portable radios and extra batteries and be aware of your company’s emergency action plan.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that an emergency action plan is the best way for companies to protect their employees.

At home having a backpack with items that each person in the family may need stored next to the door or in the trunk of a car will save time, and maybe lives. Secure bottled water in case the drinking water becomes contaminated. Take a class first aid and have a first aid kit for injuries.

A flashlight is always handy, both to light a path and as a signal. Consider keeping necessary medication in the kit, as well as an extra set of car keys.