News

Planning Ahead Helps Beat Disasters at Their Game

CPU encourages customers to refine and practice plans this September

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency marks National Preparedness Month in September, Clarksdale Public Utilities urges customers to be ready for all scenarios should disaster strike.

“Preparedness begins long before a disaster strikes and starts with communication among those closest to you,” said Curtis D. Boschert, CPU general manager. “Just like we coordinate and plan year-round as your local utility, we encourage customers to talk to family members, friends and neighbors about who is responsible for each part of their plans.”

In fact, a top priority of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is building a new “Culture of Preparedness,” in which they want everyone to have a home evacuation plan and know the answers to the following questions: Where would you go? What would you do? Who would you contact to let everyone know you and your family are safe?

They also suggest that everyone should have a fully stocked disaster-supply kit that includes several days’ worth of basic supplies including water, food and medications for people and pets. Not sure where to begin? Here are some helpful tips:

• Know your risks. Tornadoes in spring, ice storms in winter. Those are the most common threats to the Mississippi Delta, but it is good to know what other types of disasters can strike. Do some research on floods, earthquakes and fire hazards, for example. That way, you will know what to do before, during and after each type of event.
• Know when to stay and when to go. If you live in a safe area and structure, sheltering in place may be the most practical option. However, do not take chances by staying in an unsafe location or waiting to evacuate until it is too late. Follow the directions of local officials, stay up to date via local news reports and communicate with those around you.
• Take care of necessities. Assemble a disaster-supply kit and additional emergency supplies. Charge your devices and have extra cash on hand in case the power goes out. Enact your pet plan since not all public shelters or evacuation centers allow pets. And be sure to fill your gas tank and check the oil, fluids and tires.
• Organize important papers. Locate documents you may need in an emergency and put them in an easy-to-access waterproof or fireproof container. These include but are not limited to copies of photo IDs and/or passports, birth or adoption certificates, marriage or divorce certificates, death certificates and Social Security cards.
• Practice in advance. Should you need to evacuate, authorities recommend practicing twice a year. Just as you would in real-time, gather and/or notify everyone, grab your pets and emergency kit, then drive your planned evacuation route. Make note of alternate roads in case your main route becomes impassable. Be sure to have locations and maps saved on your devices and printed out on paper as a backup.

“Getting ready works best when everyone pitches in and helps one another,” said Boschert. “While we cannot stop Mother Nature, we can take steps to lessen her impact on our lives and better protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community.”

Launched in 2004, National Preparedness Month is FEMA’s national annual preparedness outreach that is managed and sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign. The Ready Campaign, in conjunction with the Ad Council, aims to educate and empower Americans during NPM and throughout the year to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. National Preparedness Month culminates on September 30 with National Preparedness Day.

Clarksdale Public Utilities is a municipally owned utility serving approximately 6,800 homes and businesses in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Its mission is to safely provide sustainable electric, water and wastewater services in a reliable and courteous manner by well-trained team members, committed to top quality, efficient operations, competitive rates and the vitality of the community.