Emergency Preparedness Stimulus Checks

First, a hearty hello to my fellow Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) National Public Affairs (PA) Integrated Process Team (IPT) (Boy, that's a long title for a group!) members who might be curious enough about my blog to actually look it up. It was great meeting with you in Baltimore last month.

Now, getting down to business, I was recently talking to an acquaintance who asked me about some emergency preparedness steps. He mentioned an idea that he and his wife came up with, that I really liked, and want to pass along to everyone.

Most, if not all of us have received or will receive a check from the Federal Government. They're meant to increase our spending power and give a boost to the economy. My friend's idea was to use that "extra" money to buy food and water storage. What better way to increase our level of preparedness while at the same time stimulating the economy.

If you haven't already spent your check on something else, take the opportunity to add to your food and water storage now. Go to your local grocer and buy your favorite canned goods (soup, fruit and vegetables) by the case; purchase bags of flour, oats, rice, beans, and sugar; and get several empty 5-gallon or 33-gallon water containers and fill them up.

After Hurricane Katrina, FEMA recommended everyone have a seven day supply of food and water in their homes. In my opinion, that's still not very much. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recommends that its members have a three month's supply of food and water.

Whether you're shooting for a week's supply or a three month's supply, just start now putting away some food and water for the unexpected emergencies, large or small. It may be the "Big One"; it may be rising fuel prices triggering a trucking shortage; it may just be that you or your spouse lost your job and can't find work for a few months. No matter what the emergency, you'll be glad you had your food and water supply on hand.

Entering unfamiliar waters of technology

I'm Wade Mathews, the Public Information Officer for Tooele County Emergency Management. This is my first time doing anything like this. I don't have my own website (of course, my department does); I don't have my own My Space page; and I've never uploaded anything to YouTube.

I've been aware of the existence of blogs for many years. However, it was only recently that I learned that blogs could be a tool for disseminating emergency public information. That will be the main purpose of this blog.

I hope to keep the public informed about things pertaining to Tooele County Emergency Management and "Preparedness Matters" in times of calm and in times of disaster. One of my job assignments is to gather, verify, and disseminate potentially life-saving information during emergencies. I also try to educate the public about the importance of creating a Family Disaster Plan and storing essential emergency supplies before disasters occur.

I don't know how often I will make entries in this blog, but I will see how it goes for a while.