www.ReadyShelby.org

ARE YOU READY? (FOR AN EMERGENCY) (GO TO WWW.READYSHELBY.ORG)

ReadyShelby.Org's objective is to prepare Shelby County residents for an emergency, especially to prepare residents to survive for 72 hours on their own until help can arrive. The project includes all of the Shelby County mayors, major corporations and a major foundation that are working together to insure that Shelby County residents can be “READY” for any emergency.

I urge all Lakeland residents to go to ReadyShelby.Org and look at this program, which I consider one of the more important and effective programs I have ever encountered.

Some basics are noted below. Five simple steps to “I’m Ready” are:

• Create a family communication plan … where to meet, who to call, who’s picking up the kids, etc.

• Determine your safe place at home, at work, at church, etc.

• Pack an emergency kit and first aid kit.

• Learn compression-only CPR.

• Participate in free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.

Some major programs associated with ReadyShelby will be announced in the near future but are already posted at www.ReadyShelby.org. All Lakeland (and Shelby County) residents are encouraged to explore ReadyShelby.org and become Ready for any emergency!

The City of Lakeland web site also includes comprehensive information on local emergency planning.