Safety tips offered
at 7th Police District meeting

By William Kenny
Times Staff Writer

A natural disaster or homeland security crisis is not the time to find out that you’re ill prepared to survive while isolated in your home or on the open road.
With that in mind, the American Red Cross is canvassing communities across the country spreading information about disaster preparedness. Civilians must take three basic actions, Red Cross volunteer Janice Winston said as she delivered her organization’s grassroots campaign to the monthly meeting of the 7th Police District Advisory Council on Dec. 11.
"You have to do three things: get a kit, make a plan and be informed," Winston told the local community and business leaders gathered at Whiskey Tango.
A well-stocked survival kit may be your only lifeline in the early hours and days of a civil disturbance. The Red Cross recommends that individuals collect in their homes everything they’d need to survive for three days without contact from the outside world.
That includes one gallon of water per person (or pet) per day, enough non-perishable food for three days, a flashlight and fresh batteries, some extra money and a detailed list of any medications you might take regularly — the list will help rescuers meet your needs more efficiently.
Other items to keep on hand include a battery-powered or "crank" radio, tools, a fully-charged telephone and contact information for a selected relative or friend who lives outside the state or region. Establishing a single outside contact person in advance will help immediate family members find one another and communicate if separated in a disaster.
"People aren’t always together, but we need to know a way to keep them together," the Red Cross volunteer said.
Similarly, families should identify a local meeting location in case they are forced out of their home for any reason, such as a fire or small-scale disturbance. These events can occur when one or more family members are away from home.
"Find a corner near your house that everybody (in the family) goes to in an emergency," Winston said.
Families should also try to look after their neighbors who may be unable to cope in an emergency. Individuals who speak different languages or who are elderly, ill or disabled may need help.
"Work with your neighbors and let them know you’ll be their contact," Winston said.
A secondary survival kit should be prepared in case you have to evacuate your home or neighborhood. Additional items to think about for that include blankets, clothing and copies of your drivers’ license and passport, perhaps even a utility bill.
Such documents will be helpful as you travel and if you attempt to return home after a disaster and need to prove your identity to police and other security personnel.
Elements of being informed include learning what disasters or emergencies are most likely to occur where you live, work or play and finding out how local and national authorities plan to communicate with the public. Also, learning basic skills like first aid and CPR will enable you to help family, friends or strangers in an emergency.
Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS for more information.
In other 7th PDAC business:
• The advisory council recognized Officer Kenneth Hermes as Officer of the Month for November.
Hermes arrested weapon-carrying assault suspects in two separate incidents during the month.
On Nov. 3, he responded to a domestic assault call shortly before 5 a.m. on the 9900 block of Haldeman Ave. A woman there told the officer that a boyfriend held a knife to her neck and threatened to kill her. The victim also had facial bruises. Hermes identified the alleged attacker and arrested him at the scene.
Three days later, Hermes went to the 9900 block of Clark St. in response to another knife incident. A man claimed that an acquaintance tried to rob him at knifepoint. Based on the complaint, Hermes arrested the alleged robber at the scene.
• PDAC chairman Mike Myers announced that due to a lack of opposing nominations, the advisory council’s incumbent executive officers would be installed for another two-year term. The other officers are Nancy Doerr from Rhawnhurst Town Watch, the vice chairwoman, and Sister Therese Tygielska of Nazareth Hospital, the recording secretary. Myers also serves as treasurer.
• The 7th PDAC seeks volunteers to serve meals to officers and firefighters at the annual appreciation dinner on Jan. 10. Dinners will be served in the community room for all three police and fire shifts for units based at Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street.
Volunteers can work one-hour windows from 11 a.m. to midnight. Call 215-333-5412 for information. ••
Reporter William Kenny can be reached at 215-354-3031 or bkenny@phillynews.com