Following recent flooding in central Texas and southern New Mexico, officials across the country are reminding people that emergency preparedness is a year-round practice. It’s important to know how to respond in an emergency, and what steps you can take to increase your emergency preparedness.
Wireless emergency alerts (WEA) are managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They’re similar to Amber Alerts in that they are sent to phones in a geographic area to warn of imminent danger. You are not required to opt in to WEA alerts. These alerts provide critical real-time updates. Authorities advise residents to keep their phones charged so alerts can be delivered without issue when needed.
Currently, Taos County’s WEA alerts are managed by Taos County Emergency Management and would be sent to people in a geographic area should they need to take life-saving action.
Questa also has an opt-in notification system where they utilize text messages to cell phones with important or emergency information. The Village of Questa says so far, only 500, or so people have opted into the alerts. They encourage residents to opt in to stay updated with vital information. To opt in, text VOQ Alerts to the number 91896.
Emergency preparedness experts also recommend assembling a “go bag” with enough supplies for at least 72 hours. Suggested items include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents such as birth certificates and insurance papers, medications, cell phone charger and/or power bank, and any other essential items in case you’re unable to return to your home.
FEMA also encourages families to create a household evacuation plan. This includes establishing both a primary and secondary meeting location in case phone service is disrupted and family members become separated. (Designating a secondary location is only in case the first location is in the danger zone and unreachable.) The household plan should also detail evacuation routes out of your home and an emergency contact list for every member of the family to have with them in their “go bag” should cell phones be inaccessible. Lastly, designate one contact for your family to reach out to once they’re safe so everyone can get reunited.
If sheltering in place (sheltering in your home and locking your doors) becomes necessary, residents should already have on hand at least a week’s supply of non-perishable food and water. It’s also wise to have a first-aid kit, flashlight, battery-powered radio (preferably with NOAA weather alerts), and a whistle to signal for help if needed.
FEMA regularly stresses the importance of taking a personal approach to preparedness. Proactive planning can save lives in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and emergency situations. If you’d like to learn more about preparing yourself and your family, visit www.ready.gov.
