DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
DON'T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF THINKING "THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME"
It's human nature - we always think bad things happen to everyone else. We watch people on television suffering through the aftermath of a natural disaster and congratulate ourselves on being smart enough to live in an area where a disaster could not possibly occur; right before we change the channel or go to sleep.
BUT, none of us are safe from disaster.
We all need to be prepared and ready to ride out any storm in our own home at a moment's notice without fear of being caught off guard.
It is a good idea to have a DISASTER SUPPLY KIT for your household, and also what we like to call a GO BAG. Your household kit will have items that will last you and your family at leat 3 days, but ideally for up to 2 weeks.
This is to help you think of items you may need - not an
ALL-INCLUSIVE list of everything that your family may require.
A "GO BAG" should be kept in a place that you can grab in a hurry, or ideally, keep one in your home, one in your car, and one at work. A backpack works best, or even a 5 gallon bucket and be weather tight.
Items to include in your GO BAG:
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water, food, any medications required, flashlights, batteries, a whistle (so they can find you)
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a portable radio and first aid kit, emergency cash as the ATM's may not work, copies of personal identification (such as your Drivers License, etc, copy of your insurance policy)
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toiletries for you and your family, personal hygiene items, any special items for your children and pets
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spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your cleaning solution
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a list of emergency contact numbers
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extra change of clothes and a comfortable pair of shoes and extra socks, blanket or sleeping bag, maybe a tent if you have one.
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Of course this is not an ALL -INCLUSIVE list, but it is some of the major items you would need to help sustain yourself.
Your "HOUSEHOLD SUPPLY KIT" should be kept in a large watertight container that you can easily maneuver. It should be stored in an area that is easily accessible. Please realize that you should have a minimum of 1 gallon of water per day for each person, and don't forget your pet. It will also need to be used for personal hygiene, and to add to any dehydrated meal packages. Food - canned goods and packaged foods (don't forget a manual can opener). You may also need small tools such as wrenches to turn off your gas or water supplies, along with a pair of work gloves.
If you require any special medical or mobility equipment such as oxygen tanks, ventilator, or an extra cane, please keep them where they can easily be reached.
**Each year, if you have not used these items (hopefully you will not need to), they will need to be replaced (perishable items, batteries, medications).
AND BY ALL MEANS - DO NOT FORGET TO ADD ANY COMFORT ITEMS FOR YOUR CHILDREN
