HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGES CITIZENS TO PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department joins the
Federal Emergency Management Agency in recognizing September as National Preparedness
Month. We encourage people to prepare for emergencies now and throughout the year. The
2019 theme is “Prepared, Not Scared.”
Be prepared for power outages. Stock up on batteries, sign up for local alerts and warning
systems, and have non-perishable food and water on hand. Have a power outage plan for
medical devices powered by electricity. Only use generators outdoors and away from
windows.
“Immediate help may not be available during disasters,” Emergency Response Director Lynn
Mooney said. “It’s important to prepare now so you’re not caught off guard later.”
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed if the power goes out. “Cold holding food in a
refrigerator should be 41oF. If food in a refrigerator is out of the 41oF range for more than
four hours, throw it away,” Environmental Health Program Director Candy Overstreet said.
“If there is an extended power outage and the temperature outside is 41oF or less, outside
storage could be an option.”
Be prepared to relocate. Have an emergency kit stocked with enough supplies to last for at
least 72 hours. Recommended items include:
Water (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days)
Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio
Flashlight and batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Three days’ worth of prescriptions
Cash
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and
bank account records in a waterproof container
Download the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s ReadyTN app on your mobile
device. The app provides information for Tennesseans about road conditions, weather
updates, open shelters, contacts for county emergency agencies and more. Find more
information about TEMA’s ReadyTN app at https://www.tn.gov/tema/ready-tn.html.
Make sure all vaccinations are up to date. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommends everyone 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine. Adults need a tetanus
and diphtheria (Td) booster shot every 10 years. Find more information about recommended
vaccinations at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/.
Call the health department at 731-423-3020 to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated.
