Mills County Health Department encourages every resident of Mills County to do what they can to prepare for emergencies before they occur.

Public health emergencies can come in many natural forms such as floods, tornadoes, or even man-made threats such as bioterrorism. These public health emergencies may occur without any warning or very little warning which is why the Mills County Health Department encourages every resident of Mills County to do what they can to prepare for these emergencies before they occur.

The first thing to do is develop a communications plan. Many times family members may not be at the same location when an emergency occurs. Children may be at school and adults may be at work or other locations. It is important to designate a place to meet as well as a backup location. Also, a person should be designated as an emergency contact. This person should not live in the same neighborhood.

Next, make an emergency supply kit. There may not be time to search for supplies during or after an emergency and stores may not be open to buy the supplies you need. The kit should include the following supplies according to the Iowa Department of Public Health:

	Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
	Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
	First Aid kit
	Any prescription medications that your family may need
	Battery powered radio
	Flashlight
	Extra Batteries
	Can opener
	Bedding for each person
	Whistle to signal for help
	Personal items like moist towelettes, toilet paper, and garbage bags
	Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
	Waterproof container for important papers

Protect Iowa Health
Pick up your free Iowa Guide to Keeping You Safe right now at the Mills County Health Department, courtesy of the Iowa Department of Public Health and the state wide emergency preparedness campaign, Protect Iowa Health.

The guide offers potentially lifesaving information including instructions for making a family emergency communication plan, as well as a checklist for developing an emergency supply kit.

The guide is available in both English and Spanish and can be picked up at the Mills County Health Department, located at 212 Independence, Glenwood, Iowa.  The guide is also available by calling the toll-free number (866) 339-7906 or by logging on to http://www.protectiowahealth.org.

Are You Ready?
The Federal Emergency Management Commission has published a book on preparing for disasters. FEMA has the book online in PDF and Word formats. The link is http://www.fema.gov/areyouready.