A View of the Valley

by Linda Schwanke When I got an email from ReadyWisconsin that September is Preparedness Month my first response was – wait, what? I mean, I know it’s past Labor Day but somehow it was a shock. Summer is over? No way. It went so fast. The sun must be mistaken coming up later, the calendar is wrong, hold on! I am not ready for fall. I’m ok with it being pumpkin spice everything season but it’s hard to let go of summer. To some extent, too, it seems like spring would be more logical for getting prepared than fall because spring means tornadoes and thunderstorms. But I’m not in charge of deciding these things…  ReadyWisconsin says that people should “take time during September to ensure they have the tools needed to respond to potential disasters and emergencies in their community.” In light of the storm that took out the power in Spring Green last month, and Hurricane Ida’s rampage (my great-grandma Sharrat’s first name was Ida. She, too, was strong but I never heard of her being destructive), getting our acts together is a good idea whatever the time of year. As part of Preparedness Month, ReadyWisconsin says we should take the following actions: “Make A Plan – Develop a plan for how you and your loved ones will reach safety during any emergency. Know where your shelters at home, work and school are located or how you will safely leave the building. Practice going to those safe places. Also, make sure everyone knows how to contact each other if a disaster were to occur while you are separated.” With young children and pets this part can be a challenge. Toddlers can get frightened by anything out of the norm and pets could care less. Figure out a way to get the little ones on board with your plans without scaring them. Each kid is different so it will take some effort but it’s important to get a plan in place. Same with the pets. Dogs, for the most part, will go along with anything that includes heading out the door, cats not so much. Keep the carrier in a handy spot and be sure everyone knows where it is. Include, too, who will grab who if you have an emergency and have to get out of the house or head to the basement.   For older kids, ReadyWisconsin says “Help them feel more in control by talking about what they should do in an emergency. If you have a student in fourth or fifth grade, ask their teacher about participating in the Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) program in their classroom during the school year. Information on this free program is available at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/step/.” “Build A Kit – Kits should include enough non-perishable food, water, and medications to keep you safe for up to 72-hours. First aid supplies, a flashlight, and a NOAA Weather Radio, along with copies of insurance policies, prescriptions, and a list of important contact numbers, are also great inclusions. Store your kit in a location where you can access it quickly during an emergency.” This part isn’t that hard, really. We’ve got most of our important papers in a fireproof safe in the basement. First aid kits, flashlights, etc., are all in handy kits, one in each car and each level of our house. “Know Your Risk – Being prepared for disasters includes identifying the risks that exist in your community. This includes understanding the natural threats, such as tornadoes and local flood hazards, and man-made risks that may be nearby, such as industrial sites. Use that information to develop your emergency plans, then review and practice them with everyone in your home.” Tornadoes, blizzards, flooding, fire… There are plenty of things to be aware of and prepare for whatever comes. Things like making sure that the lint in your dryer isn’t backing up and creating a fire hazard isn’t on the list of things to prepare for but presumably common sense reminds people to clean their lint trap. Speaking of fire – smoke detectors don’t last forever. Check yours and replace it if it’s more than 10 years old. Don’t overload circuitry, make sure extension cords aren’t overloaded either or frayed. Gee. There are so many things it’s a little overwhelming at times. While we can’t do a thing about some of the dangers in our world, that taking control of the things we can is not just a good idea for safety’s sake, it’s a good idea for us mentally.  Speaking of which, flu season is just around the corner. Get a flu shot when you can. The pandemic is ongoing so please take precautions not to spread COVID-19 to others. Wash your hands. Don’t cough on people. Stay home if you’re sick and take care of yourself and each other. It all adds up. Stay in touch. My number is 574-3159. Email me at homenewseditor@newspubinc.com or write to me at the Home News, P.O. Box 39, Spring Green WI 53588.  Visit our website at homenewsrv.com Get in touch with Gwen for sports or features at homenewssports@newspubinc.com. If you need a display ad, Dave Pronold can be reached at homenewssales@newspubinc.com or by calling him on his cell at 588-4777. Display ads, or ads that are in boxes, are due by 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. The classified ad deadline is noon Thursdays the week prior to publication for both the Buyer’s Guide and Home News. Classified rates are $13 for the first 10 words, then 30¢ per word for each additional word. Call (608) 767-3655 or email classifieds@newspubinc.com  Legal notices are due by 2 p.m. on Fridays, email them to legals@newspubinc.com Call the NewsPub central office at (608) 767-3655 for subscriptions and all other information Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, although afternoon hours can vary. Closed Fridays.