Thursday, October 27, 2011

Get a Kit

When an emergency occurs, you may not have the luxury of relying on anyone else for basic necessities. Your very survival may depend on how well prepared you are when disaster strikes.  Experience has shown that you must prepare for a critical period of at least three days (72 hours) before you can expect relief after an emergency.  To prepare for this period you should have on hand enough food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantities for yourself and your household. Your planning should also take into consideration that basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be unavailable for a considerable period of time.

The Department of Homeland Security website Ready.gov lists recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit.  These items are:
  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
In addition to the basic items listed above, Ready.gov suggests you consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit:
  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or traveler's checks and change
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
  • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book.
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
For a selection or ready made kits and other resources and supplies visit the following links: