8 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | OCTOBER 2018 |
There has been a lot of earthen activity this last year, including
volcanic eruptions, horrific storms, floods, fires, and earthquakes.
Newspaper headlines, newscasts, and Internet news remind the
public that there is no "normal" anymore, and that, unfortunately,
includes criminal actions as well. Life-changing events can happen
at any moment. Preparation for any or all of those upsetting events
can be mind-boggling, to say the least.
Every Sun Lakes resident receives an Emergency Preparedness
Package from his or her district delegate about a month after he or
she moves in. A magnetic red plastic envelope, called "The File of
Life," is part of the package. The paper(s) within it should be filled
out as soon as possible, and the envelope placed on the outside of
your refrigerator. Many residents type up a separate page to put in
the envelope that has everything on it, including names of doctors,
dates of vaccinations and procedures, list of medical conditions, and
a list of all medications.
The File is very important, because all first responders in our area
— police, fire, paramedics, etc. — know about this envelope, and
look for it upon entering your home in an emergency. The file can
save vital minutes that can affect your life.
Also in the envelope is a small orange placard that is used in
EPAP drills (and ultimately real emergencies), and should remain in
the envelope. In drills and actual emergencies, place the placard in
a front-facing window visible from the street, to inform your zone
captain that all is well in your home.
If you do not have a file of life and an orange placard, contact
your delegate or call EPAP at 524-3126 to get one.
THE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ORGANIZATION
