Source from American Chronicle

Disaster Preparedness Begins At Home
Senator Bob Dutton

November 4, 2005
As a member of the California Legislature we are always looked upon to protect the health, safety and welfare of every resident – whether it’s from sexual predators who pose a constant threat to natural disasters that seem to test the will and determination of Americans throughout this great country.

Hurricane Katrina, which battered New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, has not only reached all the way to every community in California as residents across the state have been asked to open their pocketbook and in some cases their homes, but has brought into question this state’s ability to deal with a similar disaster should the state’s levy system ever fail.

Many people don’t realize that recent studies have revealed that California’s levy system, which provides most of the fresh drinking water throughout the state, is as vulnerable as the system that gave way in New Orleans and caused billions in damage.

As a result hearings have been held to update members of the legislature and other state leaders on what can and must be done to fix this state’s fragile levies. During those hearings, however, one thing became abundantly clear to me – whether it’s a levy failure, an earthquake, tsunami, or wildfire, the next natural disaster is on its way – the only question is WHEN?

Because the “when” is unknown, it’s imperative residents prepare themselves for a disaster that could cut them off from services for several days or weeks weeks.

There is an excellent website that can walk residents through a simple checklist to make sure we’re all prepared for a disaster should it occur. In fact if we’re all smart we would stop using the word “if” when talking about a natural disaster and replace it with “when.” That simple mindset change would make a huge difference motivating all of us to prepare ourselves.

If you find yourself answering “no” to one or more of the following questions, then you may need to visit www.ready.gov and prepare yourself at home.

Do you:
Have at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your home (that would be one gallon of water per day, per person)?

Have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food?

Have a manual can opener?

Have a first aid kit that includes sterile gloves, sterile dressings, cleansing agent, antibiotic ointment, eyewash and a thermometer?

Have a flashlight and extra batteries?

Have a whistle (to signal for help), plastic sheeting and duct tape, garbage bags and plastic ties?

If you answered no to any of these questions then you probably need to visit www.ready.gov and do your part in preparing for a natural or man-made disaster.

If we’ve learned anything from the recent catastrophe Hurricane Katrina, it is that we’re all dependent on everyone else and we all have to play a role in being prepared.

As a member of the California Legislature I can assure you that we are better prepared than they were in Louisiana and will do all I can to make sure the state does its part in protecting the health, safety and welfare of all residents.

I would also urge all of you to do your part because the fact of the matter is, disaster preparedness really does begin at home!

Sen. Bob Dutton was elected to represent the 31st Senate District in November 2004. He was sworn into office on Dec. 6, 2004 after serving two years in the California State Assembly representing the 63rd District. Senator Dutton received nearly 60 percent of the vote in the sprawling 31st Senate District that includes portions of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.