As we go through life we have emergencies of various sorts follow us along. Government agencies will respond to community disasters, but we must take care of ourselves the best we can. All of us may be on our own for hours, days, or even weeks after a disaster strikes. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least three days--at a minimum. In some emergencies, such as an influenza pandemic, you may need to prepare for a week or more. Below is a list of items you may find useful if an emergency strikes you:
Emergency Survival Kit: Store one of these at home, at work, and at each child's school or daycare facility. The Emergency Survival Kit should contain the below listed items, as a minimum.
o Dry or canned food and drinking water for each person.
o Can opener.
o First aid supplies and first aid book.
o Copies of important documents, such as birth certificates, licenses and insurance policies.
o "Special needs" items for family members, such as infant formula, eye glasses and medications.
o A change or two of clothing.
o Sleeping bags or blankets.
o Battery powered radio or television.
o Flashlight and extra batteries.
o Whistle.
o Waterproof matches.
o Toys, books, puzzles, games.
o Extra house keys and car keys.
o List of contact names and phone numbers.
o Food, water and supplies for pets.
We all like to live a comfortable lifestyle, but who knows when a disaster may strike. Listed below are some other items you can store at home for use during an emergency:
Cooking Supplies:
o Barbecue or camp stove.
o Fuel for cooking, such as charcoal or camp stove fuel.
o Plastic knives, forks, and spoons.
o Paper plates and cups.
o Paper towels.
o Heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Sanitation supplies:
o Large plastic trash bags for trash and water protection.
o Large trash cans.
o Bar soap and liquid detergent.
o Shampoo.
o Toothpaste and toothbrushes.
o Feminine and infant supplies.
o Toilet paper.
o Household bleach with no additives and eyedropper (for purifying drinking water).
o Newspaper--to wrap garbage and waste.
Comfort:
o Sturdy shoes.
o Gloves for clearing debris.
o Tent.
Tools:
o Ax, shovel, broom.
o Crescent wrench for turning off gas.
o Screwdriver, pliers, hammer.
o Coil of one-half inch rope.
o Plastic tape and sheeting.
o Knife or razor blades.
o Garden hose for siphoning and fire fighting.
This is a general list you may want to go by. It is by all means not a complete list of everything that may be needed if a disaster strikes you. Be prepared and be safe.
Ted Marlett has a commitment to education in Home and Business security. Mr. Marlett has written many articles on home security and personal protection. For more information on your home security and personal protection check out nwsecurityproducts.com NW Security Products.
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