Friday, November 09, 2007

EMERGENCY KIT AT HAND

Create An Emergency Supply Kit

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first
about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

The United States Department of Homeland
Security recommends the following items
as part of a basic emergency supply kit.
• One gallon of water per person, per day for at
least three days or up to ten days, for drinking and sanitation
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable
food and up to ten days if possible.
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a
NOAAWeather Radio with tone alert and
extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries as well as candles.
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air, and
plastic sheeting and duct tape to create an air tight shelter if needed.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of
insurance policies, identification and bank
account records in a waterproof, portable
container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first
aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
Consider additional bedding if you live in a
cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long
sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
Consider additional clothing if you live in a
cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine
dropper - When diluted nine parts water to
one part bleach, bleach can be used as a
disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use
it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular
household liquid bleach 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

No one can predict when an emergency situation will arise. A dire situation can result from more than just terrorism…but also weather related storms, natural disasters such as earthquakes. It is always best to be one step ahead and be ready to take care of yourself for a minimum of three days and up to ten days.