GETTING READY FOR THE MELT DOWN

February is almost over…to me that means spring is just around the corner.  I was thinking about that last night.  It’s time to start planning for what needs to be done outside to get ready for the big melt.  Yes, all that snow has to go somewhere, and I’ll need to take care that it doesn’t end up in my basement!

Fortunately, I plan this year to be very careful!  Last year we ran a pipe out from the sump pump to the back of my property.  That should do a good job of taking care of the excess water as it melts…so long as the weather stays fairly warm.  If it thaws and then freezes again my pipe freezes and the water can’t be pumped out.  You know what happens then: indoor swimming pool!

This year I have a back-up plan; I have a second pump ready to go if needed, and if I do need it, I can pump the water out of the basement before it floods.  I’m hoping by being prepared, I can prevent a problem and all the damage it causes before it ever happens.  Now that’s advanced planning!

CONGRATULATIONS: ALLEGAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZED FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANNING

The National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) has recognized seven Michigan local health departments for their “ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies.”  The seven departments include Allegan County Health Department (others are Barry-Eaton, Calhoun Co., Ionia Co., Kalamazoo Co., Kent Co., and Van Buren-Cass District Health Department).

These Health Departments have demonstrated their preparedness capabilities by meeting nationally-recognized standards focusing on all-hazard planning, workforce development, and exercises that illustrate readiness.

It’s gratifying to know that a local Health Department serving a basically rural community can step forward to show such a high level of preparedness.  It’s a challenge to neighboring counties who have not gotten as far in their planning to continue striving toward this common goal.

Congratulations Allegan County Health Department!  You are totally awesome!

DISASTERS

I’m home from work today…as most everyone in my small town is because of all the snow we had last night and this morning. And, it’s still coming down. Visibility is down to nothing and I would not want to try to drive to work with the blowing and drifting that’s going on. I learned that the hard way last year when I tried to drive in during a white out. Instead of staying on the road, I drifted off into a field and buried my car. Even with 4-wheel drive, I was stuck sitting in the car for 4 hours waiting for a tow truck to come haul me out. No fun.

So, what constitutes a disaster? For some of us, it’s nothing short of some horrific event that brings us to a standstill. For others, it’s more simple than that: losing power, having your pipes freeze, running out of food when the roads are bad.

Whatever constitutes a disaster for you, think about how you’ll get by and make some preparations so you won’t be wanting when and if it happens. For me, it’s being stuck in the house on a day when I’m supposed to work. I hate getting behind and I want those customers I have planned on to know I won’t be there if the weather is really bad. So, I carry a calendar with me listing all the appointments I have and the phone numbers where I can call to cancel if necessary. It’s a small thing, but it saves me a lot of worry in the long run.

I remember a time when I was younger when a horrible snow storm stuck and my housemate and I did not have extra food in the house. When we ran out, we rustled up a toboggan and walked a mile in freezing weather to the store to buy what we needed. Then we had to drag it back. It was horrible, and I never want to be stuck in that kind of a situation again.

Now I keep extra food and beverages on hand. If I’m stuck in the house for a couple of days, I like to make hearty soup and have fresh bread on hand for comfort. I keep the fixings tucked away for snowy days just like this! It may be a disaster for some people, but for me, it’s just a good day to sleep in, make some good soup and watch the storm blow over!