By Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera
Last week our region experienced an extreme heat weather event, where temperatures and humidity levels were above average for several days. I hope that everyone stayed safe but would also like to thank our Erie County Department of Health, who worked hard to promote important safety information before, during and after this event. Resources and communications were also shared through our local Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) group.
During an emergency, communication and care are paramount. That is why Erie County has again purchased items to create 5,000 Emergency Care Kits, which were assembled during United Way of Buffalo and Erie County’s Day of Caring.
On June 18, we welcomed 200 volunteers to our Erie County Health Warehouse, to begin the assembly of Care Kits, which will once again be equipped with tools and resources to help households respond and recover to an emergency. Some of the items included are a first aid kit, emergency whistle, work gloves, collapsible water jug and print resources. Care Kits will be disturbed by the Erie County Office of Health Equity beginning later this summer.
One of the most important tools included in these kits is a 3-in-1 flashlight/hand-crank radio/phone charger. During an emergency it is important to stay informed. As with last week’s heat wave, Erie County will share important safety information and updates during any type of widespread emergency. Stay tuned to Erie County social media channels, local media and other platforms for the latest information. You can also download the free Ready Erie phone app through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or by visiting erie.gov/readyerie.
Weather events also have the potential to disrupt the power grid. This is why it is incredibly important to keep a cell phone charged and to have an alternate communications system, like a battery-operated radio. If your home loses power, keep in mind that items kept in the refrigerator or freezer will not be safe to eat after a period of time.
Our of Caring volunteers also took the time to inventory and repackage emergency food kits. These will be stored until a time when they are needed, but I also encourage households that are able to do so, prepare their own supply of non-perishables and drinking water.
Erie County is proud to partner with United Way on emergency preparedness projects. Thank you to the volunteers from CWA 1168, Ford, Highmark Health, Ingram Micro, JP Morgan Chase, M & T Bank and Univera Healthcare. My greatest appreciation to United Way, including President & CEO Trina Burruss, for facilitating such a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and make a lasting impact through service!