Dona Ana Homeland
Security Preparations

(2/19/03)

A task force has been organized in Doņa Ana County to assist law enforcement and public safety agencies, help municipal and county governments coordinate and improve communications wth the public in an emergency situation. The task force meets at the Office of Emergency Management, Doņa Ana County.  The public information officer for Doņa Ana County, has indicated that city and county officials have a list of information resources that people can use for preparedness planning for a potential disaster.  Several national volunteer agencies with local offices have made plans and have recommendations on this topic.

The National Red Cross campaign encourages residents to make sure they are better prepared for a potential disaster by:

1. developing a preparedness plan,
2. building an emergency kit,
3. getting whatever training might be needed,
4. volunteering to help within the community where people live and
5. donating blood if needed.

The local office of the United Way Agency is active in homeland security preparation, using a volunteer center it has established. The Director of the Southwest United Way Agency indicated that the center has been created to help match volunteers with organizations that need help.  In a Las Cruces Sun New article (2/17/03) Davenport said. "…we need to consider the psychological impacts ... not be panicked. ... be prepared."

 The Citizen Corps, a national volunteer organization, gives the following disaster preparedness recommendations:

1. Check/replace batteries in smoke alarms and other household alarms
2. Know where the nearest fire, police, and hospital units are,
3. Post a list of emergency telephone numbers 
4. Organize and practice family fire drills.
5. Know locations of gas, electricity and water mains and how to turn them off
6. Make a family emergency plan with a central meeting place as well as provisions for caring for pets.
7. Prepare a three-day disaster supply kit that includes items such as flashlights, spare batteries, blankets, water and nonperishable food and pet food.
8. Consider enrolling in a first aid training course and visit with neighbors to discuss how best to handle a potential disaster in the neighborhood.

 More information can be obtained via the following:

Emergency Management, Doņa Ana County at www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/oem/index.html (phone 647-7900)

American Red Cross at www.redcross.org; (local phone 526-2631

United Way Agency (local phone 524-7561)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at www.fema.gov/areyouready;

National Safety Council at www.nsc.org;

Citizen Corps -- at www.citizencorps.gov   

Homeland Security Web site  at www.homelandsecurity.org/