Holme Circle Civic helps residents prepare for emergencies

Last night’s meeting of the Holme Circle Civic Association — the first since October — saw an uptick in attendance with nearly 20 people coming out to hear Joan Przyblowicz from the city’s Office of Emergency Management discuss how to best prepare for an emergency.

Along with her presentation, Przyblowicz brought handouts for residents, including a map of the Northeast’s emergency routes and a brochures detailing specific types of plans. Her purpose, she said, was to give an overall explanation of the Office of Emergency Management and her role as deputy director of external affairs.

Everyone has a “personal responsibility to get prepared,” Przyblowicz noted, as she walked residents through some of the types of emergency kits. Though she told those in attendance that there have been “no credible threats” in the area, and the most common type of emergency someone is likely to encounter is a fire, Przyblowicz recommended being as prepared as possible, and listed some things to consider in case of an emergency.

After reviewing general tips, like having an out-of-state contact person and a home escape plan, Przyblowicz detailed specific items people often don’t think to include in their emergency kits. A shelter-in-place kit, to be used in the event of an emergency that would confine you to your home, should be at the ready, and can include the following:

• snack bars
• canned food and a can opener
• flashlight and radio with extra batteries for each
• lavatory accommodations
• duct tape and plastic if you should need to seal the doors and windows

In the video below, Przyblowicz talks about the importance of including certain things in an emergency kit.

Przyblowicz also suggested having a plan for your pets, and hard copies of any important documents, which you could easily carry with you in the event of an evacuation. She assured resident that her goal is not meant to scare people about the possibility of a disaster, but to encourage people to consider all facets of emergency planning.

Also at last night’s meeting…members discussed updates on the cell phone antennas on the Holme Circle Apartments on Axe Factory Road and the Roosevelt Boulevard Project at Pennypack Circle…President Sean McAleer announced open positions on the board, which will be voted on at the February meeting.