"Are you prepared?" Hearing this message repeatedly inspired Councilmember Ed Hildreth and his wife, Jodie, to take steps to prepare their family for emergencies. The first step was to go online and learn how to prepare his family and home for potential disasters. "There are so many resources available and they're easy to find," he added. With a little work, Ed has now amassed a number of items that are reserved for emergency use:
- A large emergency kit in their home storage area contains flashlights, batteries, radios, protective blankets, candles, fire starter, and a big first aid kit.
- A kerosene stove for outdoor cooking in a well-ventilated area (with extra fuel) is always on hand.
- Strategically placed tools are set aside for turning off water and gas connections.
- A large collection of canned goods (with can opener) and water (which is rotated out every year or so) are also set aside.
- Every family vehicle has an emergency kit and first aid kit too.
- And their family has arranged for a meeting place and they carry out-of-town emergency contacts.
Ed hopes that no disaster will ever require that these supplies be used. But he notes a feeling of surety for learning how to prepare and for taking actions to gather supplies, just in case.
Ed Hildreth served on the Planning Commission for 14 years before being elected to the Tumwater City Council in November of 2009 and re-elected in 2013. Now in his sixth year on the City Council, Ed has developed an interest in transportation and land use and feels that, when managed correctly, both can enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Tumwater and the greater community. Read more about Councilmember Ed Hildreth.
Stay tuned for future editions of Tumwater on Tap to learn how others demonstrate their emergency preparedness leadership in Tumwater.
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Did you know that every year there are important issues to be voted on and local officials running for office? With so many important elections being held, millions of people still need to register to vote in order to make their voices heard. Join the discussion by registering on National Voter Registration Day, September 22.
National Voter Registration Day was first started for the 2012 presidential election. It has now become an annual holiday and celebration when thousands of people ensure our family, friends and neighbors are registered to vote. For more information you can visit www.NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org or the Thurston County Auditor's Office website.
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