TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX)- What would you do if the lights went out? Do you have enough food and water to last during a major blackout, flood or fire?

These are some of the questions emergency officials want Idaho citizens to think about to be prepared for an emergency situation. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency around 60% of Americans have not developed an emergency plan.

Jacki Frey, Twin Falls Department of Emergency Services Coordinator, says “for Twin Falls County we always look at severe weather or we look at wildland fire or events that may displace us from our homes or cause us to shelter in place. Without the necessary food and water and the needs or resources we wouldn’t be able to maintain our own life safety.”  Many times the area has seen severe wind storms, thunder storms and wildland fires.

Major flooding in Twin Falls in August of 2014 caused major disruptions across the city. Photo Benito Baeza
Major flooding in Twin Falls in August of 2014 caused major disruptions across the city. Photo Benito Baeza
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Frey says even small highly localized events like power outages or broken water lines within neighborhoods can put people at risk. “There is a lot of things that can happen that can really affect just a portion of our population, and it may be a small one, because we’re not used to it.”  Frey says being prepared for the unexpected ensures better chances of survival.

Food and water should be at the top of anyone’s list. Frey says make sure each person in the household has a gallon of water per day for drinking and washing. Other items include batteries, first aid kit, medications, and essential documents. Frey says don’t forget about your pets and animals because they will need supplies during an emergency as well.

Pixsooz/ThinkStock
Pixsooz/ThinkStock
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People should be prepared for the first 72 hours of an emergency event. Frey says living in a rural area there are only so many resources during an emergency. Frey offers a complete list of necessary items and resources to be ready for an emergency situation at the county website www.twinfallscounty.org

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