Weathering the storms

Emergency management officials will tell you that you need at least three days of emergency supplies if you have to evacuate and two weeks of supplies if you have to shelter in place.

Here are some supply recommendations from the American Red Cross:

— One gallon of water per person (three days’ worth in an evacuation kit, two weeks’ worth for your home)

— Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items (again, a three-day supply in an evacuation kit and a two-week supply at home).

— Flashlight and battery or hand-cranked radio

— Extra batteries

— First aid kit, including at least a seven-day supply of medications and medical items

— Sanitation and personal hygiene items

— Copies of personal documents, including medication lists, proof of address, deeds, birth certificates and insurance policies.

— Cell phone with chargers

— Extra cash

— Emergency blankets

These are just the basics. Individuals and families should consider other items that may be needed depending on the situation.

As we all consider the planning needed to be prepared for potential disasters, we should also pause to give thanks and prayers for those men and women who are available to assist us in emergencies.

Many of those people — from emergency crews, firefighters, police and other first responders, as well as utility crews — are still working to repair damage and assist those directly affected by last week’s storms.

It is amazing to think of these people running to the storms of life, instead of sheltering from them, performing often life-saving rescues and providing basic support and cleanup assistance to those who saw high waters damage homes and businesses while high winds wreaked havoc on structures and utilities.

With much of spring and summer ahead of us, we must be mindful that last week’s storms aren’t likely to be the only ones Mountain State residents will deal with this year.

So be prepared to fend for yourself if needed, but be grateful that, thanks to our dedicated first responders, help will usually be on the way.