Official urges creation of emergency plans

As National Preparedness Month begins in September, Quay County’s emergency manager urges residents to take proactive steps to ensure they are ready for emergencies.

Bill Kardokus, the county’s emergency manager, stressed raising awareness and encouraging action.

“Preparedness isn’t just about reacting to emergencies; it’s about being ready before they happen,” Kardokus said in a news release. “Having a plan in place can make all the difference when minutes matter.”

Kardokus said residents should sign up for Nixle, a service that provides critical updates and alerts directly to residents.

“Nixle is a vital tool for keeping our community informed,” he said. “By signing up at QuayCounty-NM.gov, residents can receive real-time alerts on everything from severe weather to road closures, helping them stay ahead of potential dangers.”

Quay County officials also urging families to focus on creating and maintaining emergency go bags.

These bags, which should be easily accessible in case of a sudden evacuation, can be lifesaving in an emergency. Each go bag should contain essential items such as water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies. and important documents.

“Think of your go bag as your survival kit,” Kardokus said. “It needs to have everything you and your family would need to get through the first 72 hours of an emergency. That’s the critical window where help might not yet be available, and you’ll need to rely on what you have on hand.”

Having a clear and practiced evacuation plan is crucial. An evacuation plan should include multiple escape routes, a designated meeting place for family members and knowledge of the nearest emergency shelters.

It’s also important to consider the needs of pets, elderly family members and those with special medical requirements when developing a plan.

“Evacuations are chaotic by nature,” Kardokus said. “Having a well-rehearsed plan can significantly reduce the stress and confusion that come with leaving your home in a hurry.”