M. Jerry VeHaun, Director of Emergency Services for Buncombe County.

By Thomas Jankowski

This question does not arise until the reaction is needed. We go on with our daily lives dealing with and thinking about only what we face on a regular basis. Then the crisis emerges and we find our selves at a loss about what to do, in what order, and who is going to be there to help.

 Preparation comes first. Not when the incident happens, but well before. Good advance planning lets us deal with what we expect, and we should follow exactly the same procedure for the unexpected. This will give us some order even in the most dramatic crisis.

But, like other things that we do not need on a regular basis, we tend to put off planning. This causes mild to major panic when the need arrives, along with all the regrets that “I should have…” and “Why didn’t I?”

Let us first look at the imminent dangers that we face. Weather-related incidents are at the top of the list: winter snow and ice, severe summer thunderstorms, floods, tornadoes, high winds, and rock and earth slides. We know that there is nothing that we can do to prevent these things; that’s why they’re called “natural disasters.” The second set of dangers includes man-made ones like exposure to hazardous materials, accidents, and terrorist acts.

Asheville and Buncombe County are well equipped and well trained to handle any emergency. They work together when emergencies arise, and both governments have specific plans for dealing with the full range of emergencies, including fires, rescue, hazardous material spills, and natural disasters.

They constantly evaluate their plans to assure that the best possible actions are taken, equipment in place, and the best trained personnel are at hand, and they work closely with such organizations as the Red Cross to inform the public as to the best plan of action for dealing with the situation at hand.

M. Jerry VeHaun, Director of Emergency Services of Buncombe County, advises that the first thing to do for either kind of danger is to be prepared.

•    Put together a plan with our family members.
•    Involve them in assembling needed items.
•    Assign individual jobs that each one will be responsible for during the emergency.
•    Inform all members as to whom to contact outside the house, such as other family or friends.
•    Agree on predetermined assembly or meeting points.
•    Plan an evacuation route.
•    Do not forget that your pets are family members, too, so have a plan that includes their needs.
•    Put together an emergency kit – before you need it! See the sidebar for a list of the items that should be in your family emergency kit.

When an emergency happens, you’ll need to keep yourself informed. Make sure there is a way authorities will be able to contact you, such as by radio or cell phone. Remember: Battery operated televisions will not work due to the digital television switch. Always have a clear understanding of all types of alerts. Ideally one member of the family should be trained in first aid. You should share information with neighbors and other family members.

Additional information on emergency preparedness can be found on the City of Asheville website (www.ashevillenc.gov), the Red Cross (www.redcrosswnc.org), and on a number of other informative sites on related subjects that you can easily find using an online search engine.

Debra Collington of the Asheville Red Cross suggests that besides the family preparedness, you can become an active part in these emergencies by becoming a disaster volunteer. Classes for this training are held quarterly. Volunteers play a critical role with the Red Cross as part of its emergency team effort. The Red Cross also offers classes in First Aid, CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillators). Information for these classes can be found on their website, or by contacting the local office. They also have a medical equipment loan department for those who have the need, but are unable to provide this equipment for themselves.

The Red Cross works hand in hand with the Buncombe County Emergency Management Team in opening and running shelters on an as needed basis providing shelter, food, health and mental health for those affected by any emergency.

The bottom line is that we as citizens are a vital team member in any emergency. Efficiency in evacuations, temporary shelters, and basic life-sustaining needs can be implemented faster and more efficiently if we all do our job. So be prepared to do your part should the need arise.

If an emergency or natural disaster occurs, stay tuned to radio and television for instructions through the Emergency Broadcast System. Information about evacuation routes, shelters and pertinent action to be taken are given to the community through this avenue. Be ready, be safe, and stay alive.

Common sense and proper planning go a long way in your family’s safety and survival. You will feel confident about yourself when you know you’re ready.