The Moniteau County Crime Watch Association discussed dealing with arising problems without panic. The discussion was held at the organization's quarterly meeting Monday, Oct. 13, at the Tipton Fire Department building.
Although the possible spread of the Ebola virus was the problem at the top of everyone's list, problems of some sort frequently arise. The advice given by Dave Shaul, president of Crime Watch, is to prepare. That can be done by identifying the problem, learning as much as possible about whatever it is, avoid panic and take precautions.
Panic does not help. Preparation and taking precautions does. "Hope for the best, plan for the worst," said Shaul.
Of course the precautions may differ depending on the problem at hand, but the advice is good. It doesn't matter whether the problem of the moment is a disease outbreak, such as Ebola from Africa, Cholera from Haiti, civil unrest or other events. Be aware, get as much information as possible about how to avoid the problem, or deal with it once it arrives. Most of all, avoid panic.
"Remember," said Dale Kuhn. "Fire, water and food." His point was that in any disruptive event, it is best to have at least a little food and water on hand in case it is not possible to go to a grocery store. It is also good to have a means of cooking food.
A U.S. military information paper on Ebola was distributed as a part of learning as much as possible about the current problem everyone is concerned about.
To avoid Ebola, protective gloves, protective eye wear and a mask are important, as is access to a diluted bleach solution.
In other business, the members approved changes to the bylaws eliminating the road patrol, and any references in the bylaws to the road patrol formerly operated by members of the Moniteau County Crime Watch. Other changes in the bylaws allow the board to be more flexible in the frequency of meetings and installation of officers.
The next meeting is set for Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, in California at a location to be determined later. The presentation planned is "Defense of Persons and Property."