Most of us have walked around the block. We’ve seen, read or experienced calamity. The word disaster or natural disaster can affect any community. We can never predict. But if it’s predictable, then it’s preventable in the words of risk management expert Gordon Graham.
Think. If a disaster occurs today, do you have the means to sustain your family and yourself? The Centers for Disease Control emergency supplies kit suggests the following guidelines:
n Water: one gallon per person, per day (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home).
n Food: nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home).
n Flashlights: battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) with extra batteries.
n First aid kit: medications (seven-day supply) and medical items.
n Multipurpose tool.
n Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
n Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
n Cellphone with chargers.
Other items needed are family and emergency contact information; extra cash; emergency blanket; map of the area; medical supplies including hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane; baby supplies including bottles, formula, baby food, diapers; games and activities for children; pet supplies with a collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl; two-way radios; extra set of car keys and house keys; manual can opener.
This list is not a catch all. We are just highlighting this issue because, in all fairness to this nation, it will take the federal government 72 to 96 hours to learn, assess and establish relief.
Please do not be alarmed. It’s just better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Or like my mom and dad said, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”
“Control 269, I’ll be 10-8;” Gosh darn it, I forgot my ticket writer.
On April 14, our pride and joy, Old Glory flies high at one of the tire stores in town. Well, night shift officers are always vigilant. Apparently, a couple of knuckle heads attempted to steal the stars and stripes. She still flies high, but the perpetrators aren’t; they have stripes all right.
April 15, officers were dispatched to the area of Avenue I in reference to a suspicious male moping around. The homeowner confronts the subject, who is given directions on how to get to the freeway. The subject walks away in the wrong direction. Officers make contact with this mental health consumer. Problem is he’s self-medicating. Officer provided this lost soul a ride to Henderson.
On April 16, officers respond to a family disturbance near Avenue I. One party is locked in the garage. The person tells police dispatch the other half is trying to kill them. Officers arrive and find the person reporting had been drinking alcoholic beverages all day. Alcohol doesn’t seem to help situations.
April 17, officers arrive to the area of Robinson Lane to handle a burglary report. The homeowner reports unknown subjects broke in through the rear glass sliders. The thieves stole a TV and other items. The case is under investigation. Reminder to homeowners: Please double lock glass sliders with a pin or bar.
On April 18, officers arrive at Boulder City Hospital on a sexual assault report. Before the officer’s arrival, the victim left for University Medical Center to be examined. Case is under investigation. Things happen in BC.
April 19, officers respond to a collision on U.S. Highway 95 and U.S. 93. The driver is intoxicated, and wanted, on probation and just was released after serving 12 years in prison. The injured driver was taken to the hospital. Because of the injuries, officers had to file all the necessary paperwork for a warrant to be issued.
On April 20, the Mongol Motorcycle Club fundraiser came to town. The extra officers were extremely helpful. Status quo was maintained and everyone was well-behaved. Hopefully, it will be this quiet anytime these clubs come to town.
It’s warming up and it’s almost time for Lake Mead. Keep it real BC and keep being great.
Officer Jeffrey Grasso is a 10-year veteran of the Boulder City Police Department. He previously served as a police officer in south Florida for four years.