Photo courtesy of the City of New Albany
On a cold February day, more than 30 safety professionals arrived at the offices of the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security to participate in a safety drill. The scenario: a semi-truck carrying hazardous material wrecks on the U.S. Rt. 62 bridge over State Rt. 161.
This very plausible accident could impact nearly every facet of the community. Such an accident would be less than a mile from the school campus. Would kids be able to leave campus at the end of the day and, if so, how would school busing be impacted? Would 13,000 workers be able to safely leave the New Albany International Business Park that day? If so, what routes would be open? How would the almost 50,000 motorists along State Rt. 161 be impacted?
As a participant in this training, it was abundantly clear to me that local, county and state officials would work hand-in-hand to properly address the incident. Sure, it would take time to fully assess the situation and respond appropriately to keep everyone safe and informed; but between multiple Franklin County agencies, the New Albany Police Department, the Plain Township Fire Department and our New Albany-Plain Local Schools personnel, it would happen. Trainings like this keep us on our toes when it comes to many facets of incident or disaster response.
After the training, though, I began wondering how many households have plans in place to address certain disaster scenarios. Tornado season is just around the corner, but as I write this, I haven’t talked to my kids in nearly a year about what to do in a tornado.
While local, state and federal agencies have plans in place to protect the public during an emergency, individual families are responsible for their own well-being, particularly during the first three days of an event. “Ready in 3” programs can help households prepare for a disaster through three steps: creating a plan; preparing a kit for your home, automobile and workplace; and listening for information in the event of a warning or disaster.
For more information, search for “Ready in 3” at www.myfcph.org or click the “Citizen Preparedness” tab at fcemhs.com.
Tornado season is upon us, and Franklin County has experienced nearly 30 tornadoes since the 1950s. Most tornadoes occur between April and July. If one touched down in New Albany today, would you be ready? Here are some helpful tips:
- Develop and routinely practice with your family where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado. In your home, go to a basement, inner hallway or other inner room with no windows. If stuck outside, get into a ditch or gully, lie flat and cover your head with your arms.
- Purchase a battery back-up weather radio.
- Know the difference between a tornado watch and a warning. A watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado. A warning means that a tornado has been sighted in the area.
- Keep apprised of the weather by listening to local TV and radio newscasts.
- Avoid being around windows.
Scott McAfee is a contributing writer and public information officer for the city of New Albany. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
