Emergencies

At one time or another, all of us will experience some type of emergency. Emergencies can come in any of a great variety of forms – from a natural disaster, a loss of a job, to something as serious as a terrorist attack. Whatever the situation, it is up to you to be prepared for it.

You must take an inventory of resources you may already have. Things such as flashlights, candles, first aid kits, or a solar or battery powered radio can come in very handy. Finally, get the items you don’t have. Perhaps you need water storage or a supply of food, or maybe you just need a solar radio; whatever it is, get it while you can. Remember, if you wait until the emergency actually happens, you are too late. Get yourself and your family prepared today for the unexpected, unplanned interruptions in life.

Make sure you know what you have on hand for an extreme emergency. Keep an inventory and update it regularly. Food and water are the most important, followed by shelter, temperature comfort, and appropriate clothing. Be ready to leave town if it is necessary.

Have a plan for your family. Set up a central location where you all can meet in the event of an emergency. Quickly assess whether you have to leave town, or if you can safely stay at home and wait it out.

Recently, you may have noticed the public service announcements on www.Ready.gov, where they too are advising preparedness for you and your family.

We’re Here to Help

We’re here to make sure you and your family have everything you need in an emergency or disaster situation. The following are some helpful tips and a checklist of items to stock up on.

Something to Think About:

During a disaster, time is critical. Therefore, it is important that you know where emergency supplies are located so you can get to them quickly. When stocking up on supplies, take a long hard look at whom you are supplying for. Most people only consider their immediate family or those they live with but people often overlook one crucial unforeseen matter: family, friends, and pets. While it is not your responsibility to take care of everyone, there is always a possibility of having a house guest, a neighbor, a friend, or an out of town guest visiting during an emergency. Just as a precaution, try to store enough food and supplies for your household including pets, plus a little extra “just in case.”

Survival

• Water: one gallon per day per person minimum—not just for drinking, but for cooking and sanitation, too!
• First Aid kit with instruction book
• Food: light weight, high nutritional value—at least 2 months worth per person.
• Radio: portable with batteries and/or solar power
• FlaTry to have your radio, flashlights and other battery operated items run on one type of battery.
• Fire extinguisher
• Essential medication
• Watch or clock
• Food for pets
• Space blankets, sleeping bag, ground cloth
• Water purifier & water purification tablets
• Salt tablets & vitamins (rotate every 3 months)
• Durable manual can opener

Cooking and Food Care

• Portable camp stove (best choice: barbeque or fold-up metal type at least) extra propane bottle
• Safe fuel container for extra fuel
• Heavy duty aluminum foil
• Full mess kit for each person: knife, fork, spoon, plate(s)
• At least two cooking pots with covers
• 1 lightweight hot water kettle (whistling type best)
• Set of cooking utensils: two large spoons, spatula, tongs, knives, long-necked forks
• Paper towels, cooking mitt, napkins, hot pad
• Fry pan, two if possible
• Two week supply of paper plates
• Water filter: portable type plus at least two bottles of water purification tablets
• Cooking oil (rotate)

Tools, Etc:

• Axe, shovel, hand saw
• Broom, dust pan
• Hammer, nails, pry bar, screw drivers
• Two adjustable wrenches
• 100’ 1⁄4” rope (or 1⁄2”)
• Duct tape
• Pen, paper, pencil
• Camp lantern & fuel
• Cards, harmonica, travel games, etc. for entertainment (especially for kids)
• Channel locks or vise grips

Safety & Comfort:

• Sturdy shoes
• Heavy work gloves
• Warm sport gloves
• Goggles & sunglasses
• Full change of clothes
• Tent or shelter cover
• Candles, waterproof matches, fire starter
• Heavy duty knife
• Rain suit/poncho
• Rubber boots
• Extra glasses and/or contacts + solution

Sanitation Supplies

• Portable chemical toilet, unscented bleach
• Toilet paper
• Infant supplies & feminine products (if needed)
• Large trash bags for sealing up waste
• Soap: hand & dish type (preferably anti-bacterial)
• Disinfectant: powder form to use on waste & liquid for people
• Pre-moistened towelettes
• Two plastic five gallon buckets
• A large towel & hand towel for each person
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, & mouthwash
• Shampoo, body soap—the cleaner you are, the less likely you are to get sick.
• Medium size zip-lock bags for misc. uses
• Scrub brush (s) and pad for washing dishes
• 1 or 2 washtubs
• 1 roll of plastic sheeting

Car/Travel Mini-Survival Kit

• Bottled water, canteen
• First aid kit with book and wet wipes
• Non-perishable food
• Sleeping bag
• Simple tool set with rubber hose, hammer, pry bar
• Rain suit/poncho & sturdy shoes/extra socks
• Sunglasses and goggles
• A full change of clothes—gloves, hat, coat, sweater
• Flash light, extra battery
• Fire extinguisher, road flares, maps, paper & pen

If you have any questions about preparedness, please do not hesitate to contact All-In-One Preparedness at aio@allinonepreparedness.com.