Check Your Emergency Supplies When Changing Your Clocks

As we prepare for the arrival of spring, the Tennessee Department of Health wants to make sure all Tennessee residents are prepared for a possible public health emergency. With this in mind, TDOH is taking part in a new campaign by the American Public Health Association to encourage Americans to make sure their emergency preparedness kits are stocked when they change their clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
“It is important to plan for emergencies before they happen in order to help keep our families safe,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “When we spring forward this year, we want to make sure that every Tennessee family has a preparedness kit to fall back on in the event of an emergency.”

The “Get Ready:  Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks” campaign aims to build on the message of preparedness with which citizens may already be familiar from using Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to check the batteries in household smoke detectors.
The Tennessee Department of Health plays an important role in emergency preparedness. TDOH is the designated lead agency for public health preparedness in the state, and would be responsible for receiving, managing and dispensing potentially life-saving drugs, vaccines, antidotes, medical supplies and other equipment to communities impacted by any public health emergency.

TDOH encourages families to check their emergency kits to be sure they include at least a three-day supply of bottled water, non-perishable food and essential medications set aside for each family member. Families should also review their personal emergency plans for both staying home in an emergency and for evacuation. These plans should include information about where to go in the event of an emergency, and who to contact to make sure all family members are safe.

For more information on family disaster plans and emergency kits, visit the “Get Ready:  Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks” Web site at http://www.getreadyforflu.org/clocksstocks/, or go to the American Red Cross Web site at http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_239_,00.html.