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Preparing for Disaster
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Assemble an Emergency Kit
There's no telling what could happen in a disaster, but essential utilities such as running water, electricity, and phone lines could become unavailable. Services or aid might not arrive for days. You might have to flee your home. Or you might not be able to get to your house. In such cases, it will help to have a few things handy.
The Red Cross recommends storing disaster kits in the home, the office, at school, and/or in a vehicle. It's a good idea to have a more comprehensive kit at home and then have a portable bag of essentials. Wherever your disaster kits are, make sure they are good for at least three days of survival.
At home, the Red Cross suggests stocking up on six basics:
- Water. Have 1 gallon per person per day. For each individual per day, designate at least two quarts of the water for drinking, and the other two quarts for food preparation and sanitation.
- Food. Choose items that are compact, lightweight, nonperishable, and require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking. Suggestions include ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned juices; staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices); high-energy foods; vitamins; food for infants; and comfort/stress foods. Make sure to store food that you normally like to eat. Familiar foods can lift spirits in tough times. If you must heat up food, store a can of Sterno.
- First aid kit. Make sure there is a kit at home and for each car. It's a good idea to have nonprescription drugs for pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, and constipation.
- Clothing and bedding. Have at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person, including sturdy work shoes or boots, and rain gear. Don't forget seasonal items such as hats, gloves, thermal underwear, jackets, coats, and sunglasses. Also have blankets or sleeping bags for snoozing.
- Tools and emergency supplies. Stock up on kitchen necessities such as can openers, utility knives, and disposable cups, plates, and utensils. Don't forget sanitation musts such as toilet paper, towelettes, soap, liquid detergent, feminine products, and other personal hygiene items. Have an emergency preparedness manual handy. Include a battery-operated radio and flashlight in your kit. Make sure there are extra batteries for both items. Stash some cash or traveler's checks. Have coins handy. Other recommended materials include matches in a waterproof container, a compass, pliers, aluminum foil, plastic storage containers, a signal flare, paper, pencil, needles, thread, medicine dropper, a shut-off wrench, a whistle, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and a map of the area to locate shelters.
- Special items for medical conditions. For babies, this may mean formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, or medications. Adults need to remember needed insulin or medications, denture products, contact lenses, and extra eyeglasses.
Next Page: Portable Bag of Essentials
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