Basic Emergency Preparedness

This blog was originally posted Monday, July 06, 2009

Since it is winter and the weather outside is frightful, I figured I would share this with you also. It came from a different blog site I had set up. It is closed now and all pertinent info has now been shared on this blog site.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security suggests three things that you should do to keep yourself and your family prepared:

·         Get one or more emergency preparedness kits

·         Make a family emergency plan

·         Be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur in your area and their appropriate responses

Everyone should have some basic preparedness supplies on hand in order to survive three days or more if an emergency occurs. The following is a list of some basic items that every emergency preparedness kit should include. However, it is important that you review this list and consider where you live and the unique needs of your family in order to create an emergency preparedness kit that will meet your needs. You should also consider having two or more emergency preparedness kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in your workplace, vehicle and/or other places you spend time.

Recommended Items to Include in your Basic Emergency Preparedness Kit:

·         Water: one gallon of water or more 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

·         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: city, county and state

Additional Items to Consider Adding to your Emergency Preparedness Kit:

·         Prescription medications and glasses

·         Infant formula and diapers

·         Pet food and extra water for your pet

·         Important family documents: copies of identification, insurance policies, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

·         Cash and change equaling around $100

·         Emergency reference material: a comprehensive first aid book and a survival manual such as The SAS Urban Survival Handbook

·         Sleeping bag or warm blanket per person: Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate

·         Complete change of clothing: long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes per person. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate

·         Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper: Dilute nine parts water to one part bleach to be used as a disinfectant. In an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 8-12 drops 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

You can find basic kits, expanded kits, family kits and many other items at “The Ready Store” website.

As usual, you are more than welcome to visit my Facebook group called "Kaya Self Sufficiency".

Have a wonderful season and be safe!