Being prepared means having a plan whether the emergency is severe weather like snowstorms, tornadoes and flooding, public health like the COVID-19 pandemic and boil water advisories, or public safety like hazardous material spills and active shooter situations.
Grand Rapids Emergency Management Administrator Benjamin Rance says an important first step is registering for local emergency alert notifications.
“They really provide the three A's. It's alert, awareness and action. They alert you that something is going on that's a little out of the ordinary. They provide you with awareness on what's happening, what the location is, what the duration might be, and then they provide you with an action. Do you shelter in place? Do you evacuate to another location?”
This Friday, Rance’s team will blend entertainment with education at the Office of Emergency Management Arena Takeover Night during the Griffins’ home hockey game.
They plan demonstrations, activities, and giveaways including ten backpacks stocked with emergency items, and the first 300 families receive starter bags with supplies and planning lists.
“Those simple things can really go a long way to ensuring that everybody knows what to do in an emergency and is as prepared as possible when they go out and about in the city."
Rance's "Three Tips" for Preparedness:
- Make a Plan: Create a household strategy that includes evacuation routes, meeting locations, copies of important documents, and a list of emergency contacts.
- Build a Kit: Assemble 2–3 days of food and water per person. Include a multi-tool, first aid supplies, hygiene items, medications, flashlights, and portable power banks.
- Grow Your Community: Engage with local safety programs like CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) to learn basic first aid, and coordinate with neighbors.
The Griffins’ game is this Friday, January 2nd at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
Information about how to register for emergency notifications is on the Grand Rapids Office of Emergency Management website
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