Tipp of the Week: Be prepared for a disaster

Hello Tipp City! Marc the Cop here,

It has been a week since Hurricane Helene hit coastal Florida, followed by Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Susan and I were concerned because we own a Spring Hill, Florida property. The storm destroyed some of our favorite restaurants in Hernando County.

Before the storm hit, I got a call from my good friend Dan Wessling, a retired police detective from the Miami Township Police Department and the former president of the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Dan and I have stood on the Cordon Line together in Washington, D.C., for Police Week.

Dan called to check on us, see if we were in Florida or Ohio, and make sure we were safe. Dan and his wife Stephanie now live in Black Rock, North Carolina. They own a quaint little restaurant called Gold Finch Cocktails & Kitchen (www.goldfinchblackmountain.com). They specialize in gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian foods.

Sadly, that same hurricane has devastated North Carolina. I called to check in on Dan to see how they were doing. Dan stated they were safe, but his town had significant storm damage. They had no water. Their home had electricity, but the restaurant had neither running water nor electricity.

After the storm passed, they went into action. Since the food in their establishment would soon spoil, they partnered with the Monte Vista Hotel to feed the community. The Monte Vista had gas for its kitchen grills and was running off a generator to feed the community! They are also taking care of the first responders. Stephanie drove to a town about 50 miles away to deliver pizzas to the police officers and fire personnel. Dan has the heart of a lion who is still serving his community.

That got me thinking of how prepared we are for a disaster.

Storm and disaster preparedness is crucial to minimizing the impact of natural disasters on communities, individuals, and property.

From hurricanes and tornadoes to floods and wildfires, having a plan in place can mean the difference between life and death or significant loss and manageable inconvenience.

One of the critical components of disaster preparedness is understanding the risks specific to your location.

For example, coastal areas are more prone to hurricanes, while inland regions may face tornadoes or severe thunderstorms. Flooding can occur in both, especially in low-lying areas or near bodies of water. Wildfire risks are higher in drought-prone or heavily forested areas. Knowing your local risks helps guide the type of preparation you need to undertake.

Developing a disaster plan is essential. This plan should include evacuation routes, emergency meeting places, and communication methods. Each family member should know where to go and how to contact others if separated. Having a designated point of contact outside the affected area is also critical to help coordinate information and check in on everyone’s safety. Ensuring employees know safety protocols and have a clear evacuation plan is equally essential for businesses.

An emergency kit is another fundamental aspect of preparedness. A basic kit should include at least three days' worth of non-perishable food and water for each person, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a radio, blankets, and personal hygiene items. Copies of essential documents, such as identification, insurance policies, and medical information, should be stored in a waterproof container. If you have pets, their needs should also be factored into your emergency supplies.

Reinforcing your home or property can reduce damage to areas at high risk of storms or other natural disasters. Storm shutters can protect windows from flying debris during hurricanes or severe thunderstorms. Securing heavy furniture and reinforcing roofs and garage doors can help minimize destruction during tornadoes. Having sandbags or flood barriers ready in flood-prone areas can help protect your home from rising waters.

Lastly, staying informed during a disaster is critical. Keeping a weather radio or mobile app with emergency alerts can ensure you receive timely information about evacuation orders, shelter locations, or changes in weather conditions. Local authorities and organizations like FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) often provide updates and resources during a disaster, making it vital to stay connected and heed warnings. Preparing for a disaster won’t prevent one, but it can significantly mitigate the damage and protect lives.

I humbly thank you all who read the Tipp of the Week. This column is my 52nd Tipp of the Week. I am honored to have the privilege to write this column for you. Thank you.

Remember the 9 PM routine! The Nine PM routine is a nightly reminder to residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.

That is all for this week! Please be safe, care for one another, and remember, we are all part of this community. Your involvement and care can make a significant difference.

I'll see you in church on Sunday!

Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)

Do you have a suggestion for the Tipp of the Week? Your input is valuable to us. You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!

The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.