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OTHER NEWS STORIES - What's going on at SCC regarding the possible war? - Delta Epsilon Chi participates in conference - Math and Parent/Child Centers saved - Public Health offers on-campus advice in PUB - SCC face-lift beginning in March - Anti-war clubs formed at SCC - Haircuts and so much more: SCC's Campus Salon - So, what happened this week in... - News Briefs Be prepared: Government web site offers disaster tips Daytona Danielson Editor-in-Chief The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has developed a campaign to guide people in preparation for a disaster. Included in this campaign are a web site, ready.gov, and brochure, detailing how to put together an emergency-survival kit and how people can prepare for possible terrorist attacks. The site suggests that "all Americans should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared to react during an attack." While we can never be sure what exactly may occur, the site says we can still prepare ourselves for the worst. It likens the necessity of preparation to that of a house fire: as people have smoke detectors, they should also have emergency supply kits. Several steps to prepare for a disaster are provided. Step one is making a kit of emergency supplies. People should gather enough resources for at least three days. Suggested resources are as follows: One gallon of water per day. Food that will not go bad and does not require heating or cooking. Such foods include canned and dried foods, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, peanut butter, nuts, crackers and baby foods. Photo courtesy of www.ready.gov Ready.gov details what to do in the event of an attack. A mask or heavy material to protect the nose, mouth, eyes and cuts in skin, since potential terrorist attacks could contaminate the air with microscopic materials. Heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting and duct tape. In case a possible terrorist attack releases materials into the air, have these items handy to close clean air into a space or room by taping up windows, doors and air vents. Basic supplies and personal needs, such as a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, utility knife, local map, toilet paper, feminine-hygiene products, soap, garbage bags, sanitation supplies, extra cash and identification. Special-need items including diapers, formula, bottles, prescription medications, pet food, comfort items, books, paper, pens, decks of cards and other forms of entertainment. Warm clothing or blankets in preparation for power outages. Step two is to plan what you will do in an emergency. Step three is to be informed about what might happen. Different types of threats - such as biological threats, nuclear blasts, and a radiation threat or "Dirty Bomb" - can be found at the site. To obtain the brochure, "Preparing Makes Sense," which details a list of supplies and tips, download a PDF copy at ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY. © 2003 Shoreline Community College™