Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:18 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:18:28 GMT
Three people were inside this burning home but managed to get out safely.
Firefighters are battling a massive fire in East Bank in Kanawha County. A house on Walnut Street went up in flames around 5:15 a.m. Firefighters said two people were home at the time but managed to
Three escape massive fire in a home on Walnut Street in Kanawha County
The Kanawha Putnam Emergency Planning Committee held a press conference Friday for several agencies to discuss the best preparations for impending disasters.
"We expect the army to come in here and save us and that's just not going to happen," said Larry Zuspan, the administrator for the Kanawha Putnam Emergency Planning Committee. "We, Joe Public, have to be self-sustaining for 72 hours, and that's the message we're trying to send today."
Zuspan said the aftermath of the June 29 storm proves that agencies need a better plan that protects the citizen. Other administrators discussed how people can prepare themselves before first responders reach them during an emergency.
"I think everyone remembers the derecho and how unprepared we were," said Dale Petry, the manager of Kanawha County Emergency Services. "Today we're kicking off a campaign to recognize Preparedness Month."
The agencies in attendance include the Kanawha Charleston Health Department, the American Red Cross, Appalachian Center for Independent Living, City of Charleston Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority, Kanawha County Metro 911, Kanawha County Homeland Security and Emergency management, Putnam County Health Department, Putnam County Homeland Security and Emergency management, ready WV, West Virginia State Fire Marshal, and the West Virginia Citizen Corp.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency released a checklist for a basic emergency supply kit. These items include:
One gallon of water, per person, per day, for at least three days for drinking and sanitization
Three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Flashlight and extra batteries
First-aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to filter contaminated air
Duct tape
Moist towelettes, garbage bags for personal sanitation
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