Ludikhuize: Two Weeks Ready

It is National Preparedness Month, an annual observance held every September, sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign to educate and empower Americans to prepare for emergencies and natural or man-made disasters.

Sheridan County Emergency Management Coordinator Jesse Ludikhuize and Commissioner Lonnie Wright appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss emergency planning. 

According to Ludikhuize, in cases of large-scale emergencies, FEMA provides emergency relief to larger population centers first. 

J. Ludikhuize

To ensure the safety and security of Sheridan County residents during large-scale incidents, Ludikhuize recommends that people should be prepared to survive for up to two weeks without any relief.

During critical incidents, Emergency Management and other government agencies focus on reestablishing and/or strengthening vital public services. Services such as water, power, communications, first responder services, hospitals and public transportation take time and resources to reestablish. Ludikhuize said families should keep a two week supply of food, water and other vital supplies in a clean dry location and ensure that these supplies are being rotated per expiration date. 

J. Ludikhuize

Ludikhuize encourages families to create emergency plans, assemble supplies and prepare children, older adults, pets and livestock. Residents should also understand the county’s evacuation system: green means prepare, yellow means be ready to leave and red means evacuate immediately. 

To find a thorough checklist and prepare your home and family, click here. Find many more checklists and techniques to be ready and mitigate risks to your family, home and property by exploring the Sheridan County Emergency Management website, found here.   

Planning ahead can help families respond safely when a crisis occurs.