Many people were caught unprepared by last March’s record-breaking storm that dumped 30 inches of snow on the area. A December 2007 ice storm interrupted power for a week or more in some parts of the county. Already Kansas has had snow and road-closings, well in advance of another winter.
The Cannonball Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Pratt County Emergency Management Office are encouraging people to plan ahead for cold weather and possible storms. As a refresher course, they are hosting a Winter Weather Awareness briefing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Pratt Community Center, 619 North Main. The objective is to get as much information out as possible, and answer questions, Emergency Manager Tim Branscom said. The meeting should last an hour to an hour and a half.
People from several organizations and agencies will give 10-minute presentations on dealing with power outages, driving safety, preparing emergency kits for vehicles, stocking up on needed supplies and medicines and making emergency plans. Pet safety will also be addressed.
Participating agencies and organizations include the American Red Cross, City of Pratt electric and public works departments, Pratt County fire, emergency medical services and health departments, the Kansas Highway Patrol, Dr. Dorman Veterinary Clinic and the Kingman-Pratt Area Animal Response Team.
If people plan ahead and learn how to be safe in an emergency, they may not need to be out driving in deep snow, Branscom said, and he won’t hear frightening reports of people using propane burners inside their homes.
Public education is part of his job as emergency manager, Branscom said. He plans a similar preparedness meeting in the spring to teach people about being safe during the storms of that season.
The meeting is free. More information is available by calling the Red Cross at 672-3651 or the Emergency Management office at 672-4132.
Pratt, Kan. —
