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The Emergency Management Staff has recently developed a City Response to Terrorism Alert Information Guide to assist City Departments and staff in making decisions regarding response activities for the different National Alert Levels. This information was shared citywide with all staff. The City of Blaine has partnered with the Minnesota Department of Emergency Management and the Anoka County Division of Emergency Management in efforts to plan for emergencies, train staff and seek grant funding for equipment to assist in emergency preparedness.
The responsibility for emergency preparedness does not only rest on the shoulders of government. You, as citizens, play a large role in our city’s ability to prepare and recover from acts of terrorism or for that matter, any disaster. We need you to stay alert and aware in your neighborhoods. We need you to be our extra eyes and ears. We need you to report the things you see and hear that seem suspicious. We also need you to take steps to enhance your family’s safety. All of our citizens should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared in case we do have to react to a threat. While there is no way to predict what will happen or what your personal circumstances will be at the time, we can all do simple things to prepare ourselves and our families. Many of us already have “plans” in place on what family members would do in case of a fire, tornado, and so forth, and those same plans would apply when reacting to a threat. Discuss possibilities, so all family members are familiar with what they should do and can react calmly and rationally. You should have items on hand to sustain you for at least three days, such as fresh water, food, clothing and personal items. As residents of Minnesota, most of us have sufficient food and supplies on hand to cover our family needs in case of storms anyway. One gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation is sufficient. Food supplies should contain non-perishable food items (including a manual can opener and eating utensils) such as canned meats, fruits, vegetables, fruit bars, dry cereal, crackers, canned juices, non-perishable pasteurized milk, and food for infants. Consider putting together two kits, one with everything you need to stay where you are and a smaller lighter version you can take with you if you would have to leave. Some other items you may want to include are: a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, personal hygiene items, prescription medications, and other special things your family may need. Don’t forget the family pet(s) and their needs. Potential terrorist attacks could send tiny microscopic “junk” into the air that can only hurt you if they get into your body. Create a plan for a barrier between yourself and any contamination if it should occur, such as a room with no windows. Plan to use two to three layers of cotton-tee shirt, handkerchiefs or towels to cover any exposed facial area. Another resource is filter masks readily available in hardware stores which fit your face snugly and that of family members. It has been recommended that duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting can be used to seal windows and doors if you need to create a barrier, but don’t use these means unless there is notification of an actual threat. As we live in a cold climate and the possibility exists that we may have no power, think of having one complete change of warm clothing and shoes for each family member. A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person may come in handy. Other tools including a first aid book, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, utility knife, paper towels, fire extinguisher, pliers, matches, storage containers, and shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water. Don’t forget sanitary items such as plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, garbage bags and ties, toilet paper and towelettes. All the items mentioned so far are readily available in our homes right now and are used on a daily basis. As a citizen of Minnesota we are all prepared for winter “blizzards”, summer “tornadoes”, spring “floods”, and many other acts of Nature. We plan for these possibilities calmly and continue on our daily business. Potential “man-made threats” can be met on the same way. Make a family plan, discuss it with family members, obtain the materials to carry your plan out, and continue on with your normal activities. If you are seek additional information the following website might be helpful: Department of Homeland Security American Red Cross Or you may contact: Kerry Fenner, Emergency Management Director |
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