Town of Wenham Shares Tips for Residents’ Emergency Preparedness 

Additional Resources Available on Town Website

WENHAM — Town Administrator Anthony Ansaldi would like to offer residents resources and tips for protecting their families and loved ones in an emergency in honor of Emergency Preparedness Month.

September has been declared by Gov. Charlie Baker to be Emergency Preparedness Month. Residents are encouraged to use resources provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to prepare themselves, their family, their property and their community for an emergency or natural disaster.

“Time is of the essence during an emergency, so it’s important to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared before one occurs,” Town Administrator Ansaldi said. “We hope these tips and the resources will prove helpful as you create an emergency plan and purchase supplies. We also encourage families to review their plans often to ensure that everyone in their household knows what to do in case an emergency strikes.”

Additionally, the annual Flu Clinic, which serves as an emergency preparedness drill for the Town, will be held in the Buker Elementary School in Wenham on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 4-7:00 p.m. Masks will be required for all except those with qualifying medical conditions or under the age of two, as well as social distancing. The Flu clinic is available to those age four and older. Residents are asked to wear short sleeves and there will be an option to submit intake paperwork in advance. More information will be available on the Town website in the coming weeks. 

Emergency Plans and Kits

The Wenham Board of Health created an Emergency Preparedness page on the Town’s website as well, where residents can find a guide on creating a family emergency plan and a Know the Plan checklist.

Emergency plans and kits should include everyone in your household including individuals with access and functional needs, seniors, children, infants and pets. Consider any additional supplies needed for basic survival and familiarizing yourself with the emergency plans that are in place at your workplace, children’s school or daycare or other places where your family spends time.

When creating family emergency plans and kits, residents should take into consideration the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Residents should add items such as face coverings/masks, disinfectants, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies to their emergency kits. Residents should also identify emergency contacts who aren’t immunocompromised and meeting locations where families can maintain adequate physical distance from one another.

Hard copies of the Know Plan Prepare checklist and Disaster Preparedness for Seniors are available in the Board of Health Office, located on the second floor of the Wenham Town Hall, 138 Main St.

Creating an Emergency Stockpile

The American Public Health Association (APHA) recommends resident create emergency preparedness stockpiles for their households. This should include at least a three-day supply of food and water stored in your home. Residents should also choose food that doesn’t require refrigeration and one gallon of water per person/per day for at least three days.

Stockpiles should be stored in a cool, dark place that is easily accessible during an emergency and supplies should be contained in a box or plastic bin that is tightly closed to protect its contents from humidity or pests.

Residents should also include a first aid and emergency medical kit, personal items and important documents in their stockpile.

Residents should be mindful of not “borrowing” from their stockpile as it is for emergency use and  are urged to buy items over a course of time, not in bulk ahead of an emergency. Abruptly stockpiling will limit the availability of necessary items in stores for others who may be in need.

Additionally, the APHA recommends that residents check their emergency preparedness stockpile twice a year when residents change their clocks for daylight saving time. Residents should replace anything that is missing or expired at this time.

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