Happy New Year everyone, may 2012 bring each of you peace, health and happiness. With the holidays and 2011 now behind us and winter just settling in I can't forget the memories of that storm laden year. I don't ever remember a time never mind a year that brought us a Class 2 hurricane blizzard, snow storms what seemed to be a weekly occurrence, a Micro burst wind storm, a Hurricane, Earthquake tremor, and a tropical storm that flooded roads, damaged bridges and flooded basements across Jackson's 100 miles. So in summary if last year taught us anything it taught us that we are vulnerable to any weather event 365 days a year

During every one of these storms I had the opportunity to witness and work alongside our Police Department, Fire Companies, Department of Public Works crews, First Aiders and extraordinary citizens helping neighbors as we battled the elements of mother nature. Each and every time our first responders and Public Works crews answered the call professionally and as efficiently as possible. Regardless of the nature of the storms that affected Jackson last year each of us encountered at one time or another the following issues; power outages, running low on food, no heat or air conditioning, no water, lack of communication and little or no way of being able to commute. For some these hardships lasted for a day or two but unfortunately for many at least a week in some instances.

With all this being said and the hope that we do not repeat last years storm related conditions I have provided for your convenience a Basic Emergency supply kit list that hopefully will help ease some of the effects in your home caused by inclement conditions until everything is back to normal. You can start with a family emergency plan that is simple so in the case that any emergency event occurs you "all" know what to do, going over one when everyone is home is a good first step. My wish is that none of us ever have to implement any of this but you can never be too prepared for any crisis. I hope that the information provided to you helps you create a list that fits you and your family's needs should you ever have to use it. Please note that the basic list accompanied in this letter is FEMA recommended. Naturally you can always expand this kit to fit your needs (2nd list).

Basic Supply Kit:

Water, 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation.
Food, at least a 3 day supply per person of non perishable food.
Battery powered or hand crank radio for weather (NOAA alerts) and emergency notifications, extra batteries a plus.
Flashlights, extra batteries a must.
First Aid kit.
Whistle to signal help should you need it.
Moist Towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to cover windows or make shift repairs to weatherproof broken windows or doors.
Small tool kit to turn off utilities.
Manual can opener.
Cell phone with chargers, solar power chargers.

You may want to consider these options after your basic kit is assembled; Make sure your RX prescriptions are filled, personal hygiene products and spare glasses/contacts are accessible.
Family/Emergency contact numbers and information is accessible, (First responders).
Extra infant formula and diapers on hand.
Pet food and extra water for your pet.
Cash or travelers checks.
Enough blankets or sleeping bags for each person, (colder months).
Complete change of clothes per person, jackets etc.
Fire extinguisher.
Matches in waterproof container, lighter, battery powered lamps, extra batteries.
Paper plates, cups, towels, plastic utensils and mess kits.
Freeze dried or dehydrated meals, (meals ready to eat).
Household Chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper, When diluted 9 parts of water to 1 part of bleach can be used as a disinfectant, or in an emergency you can treat water using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Note: do not use scented, color safe or bleach with added cleaners.
A 12 volt car inverter (400 watts or higher) that you can run small household items on, extension cords. Full tank of gas in car.
A gasoline or propane powered generator, size will determine the load capacity but any size will do during an emergency power outage.

In ending I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and if you have any questions about anything on what you read here you can call our office and I will be happy to answer your questions and supply you with any emergency numbers that you may need. Have a safe and enjoyable winter and may God Bless you all.

Sincerely,

Michael Reina
Mayor