Taking recent history into account with Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gustav hitting different areas on and near the Gulf Coast it’s important to know if Tallapoosa County is prepared in case a storm or any other disaster situation were to affect the area.

“We try to make sure everyone is aware and prepared for a worst-case scenario,” said Joe Paul Boone, director of the Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Agency. “Preparation is the key to any disaster situation.”

Boone said the first step in any disaster plan is to create an emergency kit. The kit should include, can goods, prescription drugs, batteries, copies of important documents like insurance cards, social security cards and identification. The kit should also include one gallon of water per day per person, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, medical contact information, flashlights, cash, house and car keys.

Boone said it’s important in any disaster to have a designated meeting place in case something happens at home.

“These steps always work no matter the disaster situation,” said Boone.

Boone said the single most important thing to have during a weather disaster is a NOAA weather radio.

“This is one of the most important things you can have with you that is not reliant on power,” said Boone.

Boone said as far as the EMA is concerned the organization is ready to go in case of an emergency such as a storm and things like that.

“We hope we are as prepared as we can be,” said Boone. “We’ve just got to continually train and be prepared for an emergency.”

Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disaster, according to Boone is also available to help the community in case of emergency.

“These individuals would be able to assist after a storm hits and help their neighbors,” said Boone. “Its a neighbor helping neighbor thing.”

Wayne Cowhick, president of VOAD said the main goal of the organization is to aid other organizations in any way possible.

“We are always here to help that is what VOAD is supposed to do,” said Cowhick. “Some of the prep work is finding out what the different organizations need.

Cowhick said VOAD is a great way to allow citizens to help in case of disaster and helps prepare the county for the worst-case scenario.

“We live in a great city and everyone here wants to help in any way that they can,” said Cowhick. “This is a way to do that.”