Brandon Twp.- Strong storms rolling through southeast Michigan just over a week ago knocked out power to nearly 400,000 homes and businesses.
Power outages caused by storms are not uncommon in the township. A new class at the library aims to help residents be prepared for emergencies caused by not only natural disasters, but unnatural disasters as well.
John Pasike will present the ‘Family Disaster, Safety and Planning Class? at 7 p.m., Sept. 17, at the library, 304 South St.
The Community Emergency Response Team member will speak about how to shelter in place, including your home or business, during an emergency which may include a tornado or other storm, as well as man-made disasters including chemical spills or terrorist attacks.
‘The class is thought-provoking and good awareness,? said Pasike, who has received training and information from Oakland County, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Homeland Security on how to shelter in place. ‘If you got stuck some place for three or four days, what would you do? This class is to make people think about that.?
Bottled water, non-perishable food items, candles, flashlights and batteries may seem like common sense supplies, but how much?
Plan on at least a gallon of water per day per person, Pasike advises. Non-perishable food items, he notes, may also be a problem for commercial buildings, where vending machines won’t work without electricity.
Consideration of family members with medical conditions also needs to be taken into account.
‘What is the guy going to do that’s on heart meds?? asks Pasike. ‘If you are living with a person with special needs, that is diabetic or needs a respirator or oxygen? do you have the stuff you need to shelter in place for three days or more??
Persons with asthma, he continued, may have trouble enduring 90 degree heat with no power for air conditioning. Can you shelter in the basement? Do you have a battery-operated fan? Without heat in winter, what will be the plan? Is there a fireplace or wood stove? Do you have a generator or at least extra blankets?
The class helps residents address these issues and is appropriate for all ages.
Register online at
www.brandonlibrary.org or call 248-627-1461.