Be Prepared: Experts Offer Advice For Emergencies

BREWSTER – Emergency preparedness is something communities on Cape Cod need to consider to ensure their safety in the event of an emergency, according to Chip Reilly, an emergency preparedness specialist, and Shelly McComb, a coastal resilience specialist, who spoke recently at the Brewster Ladies’ Library.

Emergency Preparedness is crucial since Cape Cod and the Islands can experience numerous disasters throughout the year, including hurricanes, blizzards, nor'easters, floods, droughts, wildfires, power outages and health emergencies.

With hurricane season here, Reilly has been traveling the Cape in order to reach as many residents as possible to help them be as prepared as possible. He explained that it is difficult for first responders to be there for everyone during an emergency. He shared the term “YOYO72,” meaning “you are on your own for 72 hours.” People should be prepared to sustain themselves for the first 72 hours of an emergency with the necessary food, water, and medicine.

There are three keys to being prepared, Reilly said. “Build a kit, have a plan, and be informed.” He describes building a kit as “what you need to survive.” Everyone’s go-kit will be different, he noted. In addition to food, water, and medicine, other items to consider include flashlights, batteries, friends and family contact information, and directions to potential places of safety and hospitals. Having a kit you can easily grab in the event of a disaster is extremely important, he emphasized.

Reilly highlighted the importance of having enough medication and remembering to pack it in the event of an evacuation. He gave an example of people in shelters requiring first responders to go door-to-door picking up medication that was forgotten by evacuees. Talking to your medical provider in advance can alleviate stress when it comes to disasters.

“Learn how to ask for help. You are not a burden,” he said.

Knowing where to go in the event of an evacuation is critical. Having a route drawn up to a trusted friend or family member's house can be helpful if the power is out and cell phones are down. We rely so heavily on technology in today’s world that printing out a map and drawing a route of roads and highways to have available can be a difference maker.

Shelters are another place that can be a refuge in the event of a disaster. Reilly was very candid in telling the audience how uncomfortable shelters can be. Residents sleep on cots and provide most of their own necessities. He does not recommend them if there is another option, but they can be lifesaving for people who struggle finding other places to go.

The final key to preparedness is staying informed. Paying attention to updates from the news media or alerts from government officials can help you stay safe. Knowing what roads are open or closed is important in the event you need to evacuate your residence.

A great example of a valuable resource is Brewster's “Smart911” that can be found on the town website, which provides telephone, email and text updates during emergencies. Having a battery-powered weather radio is highly recommended in the event that power goes out. Reilly also cautioned about scammers trying to take advantage of people during and after disaster events.

McComb spoke about the coastal hazards local residents should be prepared for. Floods have become more prominent, she said.

“In the last 40 years, we have seen six inches of sea water rise.” McComb gave examples of what people can do to make their homes ready in case of rising waters. Elevating utilities, freeboarding your home and placing belongings in plastic bins can help minimize water damage in the home. During hurricanes, winds can become extremely dangerous. Securing windows with either plywood or shutters can help to minimize damage. McComb also talked about having comprehensive insurance coverage in the event damage does occur in a storm.

The final message of the speakers was “you are never alone,” assuring audience members that there are many resources available to help plan and provide assistance during emergencies.