Assistance is available to those affected by storms

Emergency preparedness important throughout the year State Emergency Management officials today reminded citizens who experienced personal loss as a result of recent storms and who need assistance that the United Way 2-1-1 service stands ready to assist them. United Way 2-1-1 service is a clearinghouse of nonprofit organizations and government agencies that is available by telephoning 2-1-1 or by visiting www.211.UnitedWaySEM.org. Based on the type of assistance and services needed, 2-1-1 operators can help citizens acquire available resources such as food and water, clothes, medication, construction materials and appliances. Staffed by trained specialists, 2-1-1 is a free community referral service available 24 hours a day with multilingual capabilities. As affected communities and individuals continue their recovery efforts, officials are reminding citizens across the state that an emergency can strike at any time so it is important to prepare now for the unexpected. In addition to severe weather, Michigan is susceptible to a variety of dangers such as wildfires, power outages, hazardous material spills and manmade disasters. ''To remain safe during all types of emergencies, it is important for citizens to develop, practice and update their emergency plans routinely,'' said Capt. W. Thomas Sands, commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. ''Simple steps you can take to prepare yourself and your family include developing an emergency supply kit, learning the meaning of warning notifications or designating a place to meet family members if you get separated.'' ''Filing an insurance claim is easier after an emergency if you create a visual inventory of your belongings that includes photographs or a video of each room,'' said Commissioner Ken Ross of the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR). ''Having a visual inventory readily available can help reduce anxiety after an emergency occurs.'' Additional emergency preparedness tips include: * Create an emergency supply kit with enough food, water, clothing, medication, first-aid supplies and other essential items to last each family member for 72-hours. * Store copies of important family documents, such as insurance policies and contact information, in a safe location away from your home that is easily accessible in case of disaster. You may want to store documentation in a waterproof, fireproof box or in a safe, remote location such as a bank safe deposit box. * Meet with all family members to discuss the dangers of possible emergency events, identify where everyone should meet if you evacuate or get separated, and ensure all members know their address and phone number. * Learn about your community's warning signal and emergency notifications; what it sounds like and what you should do when you hear it. * Take an inventory of your valuables and belongings and consider leaving a copy with relatives, friends or your insurance provider. This documentation will provide your insurance company with proof of your belongings and help to process claims more quickly in the event of a disaster. * Store copies of all your insurance policies and inventories in a waterproof/fireproof box or in a safe, remote location such as a bank safe deposit box. * Create a pet emergency kit that includes food, water, medication, a pet carrier, sanitation supplies and a picture of you and your pet in case you are separated. * Follow basic food safety guidelines in the event you lose power, including keeping cold food cold and hot food hot. Remember when in doubt, throw it out. Additional food safety guidelines at Additional food safety guidelines at www.michigan. gov/foodsafety. To learn additional ways to prepare before an emergency, visit the Michigan Prepares website at www.michigan. gov/prepare. Copyright © 2010 State of Michigan Published: Thu, Jun 24, 2010

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