ALTUS, Okla_Tornadoes, wildfires, ice storms and even earthquakes, we see them all in this part of the country. But how prepared are you for one? September is National Preparedness Month, so the Altus Emergency Management Department is hosting an open training session tomorrow night for anyone who's looking for information they need to be ready for anything mother nature deals out.
Altus Emergency Management and the Red Cross believe citizens there are not prepared enough. They say the recent wildfires and some house fires have shown that residents are not and with the winter season coming up and the weather a bit out of what most consider the norm they say it's best to be ready for anything to happen.
Whether it's a house fire, tornado or ice storm Altus Emergency Manager Lloyd Colston said Jackson County residents need to stay prepared.
"The idea that you're prepared, you're more likely to get through a disaster as an inconvenience rather than a life altering event."
The recent extreme drought is an example, with residents being asked to conserve water he suggest they have a backup in place in case it is no more.
"Having a 72 hour supply because if the water went out right now you would have to have a plan for what you are going to do."
Colston said it would take about three days before aid is available to residents. Altus Red Cross officials say people should always have an emergency kit available and ready when needed.
Red Cross officials say items like a flashlight batteries, money, water and even a cell phone whether it's activated or not are just a few things that could sustain someone displaced by a natural or man made disaster.
"You see everyday all the natural disasters around us happening and they're constantly saying get a kit be prepared. People just think well I have the items here in the house but you need to have them in a kit and have them together."
Colston said emergency officials will talk about sheltering in place, having a kit and letting loved one's who live out of state, know your plan in case a disaster strikes.
The emergency preparedness meeting will be held tomorrow night at the Southwest Technology Center at 711 Tamarack in Altus. It starts at 6 and lasts until 9.
For more information call 580 481 2260.
