Home Emergency - Disaster Preparedness

11/20/2015 (Permalink)

Disaster Preparedness - What You Can Do.

In order to be fully prepared, you should have all pertinent and proper information in a written plan for easy retrieval. Some key questions to consider when creating a personal emergency preparedness plan include:

• Do you have an escape or evacuation route in place?
• Do you have a designated meeting place in case of separation?
• Does everyone have a list of contact information including family members out of state who can serve as a point of contact?
• Do you have a disaster supply kit with necessary supplies?
• Do you have a first aid kit that includes necessary prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and basic medical supplies?
• Do you have enough non-perishable food and bottled water?
• Do you have access to important family documents, including insurance policies, bank, credit card and loan information and family records such as birth certificates and social security cards?
• Do you have an inventory of valuable household goods?

A well-equipped disaster supply kit should include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Water- a large enough supply to provide each person with 1 gallon daily for drinking and sanitation.
• Food- enough to last 3-7 days. Food needs to be non-perishable or canned food. You will also want to include a non-electric can opener, paper plates and plastic utensils.
• Bedding including sheets, blankets and pillows.
• Clothing- remember it may be warm, however, you may be working and cleaning and may prefer pants or long sleeves to protect your skin. You will also need sturdy, closed-toe, non-slip shoes if available.
• First aid kit including antiseptics or sanitizers and bandages, over-the-counter and prescription medications.
• Extra flashlights and batteries. Oil lanterns also provide a good source of light, if available.
• Toiletries including toilet paper and hygiene items. Hand sanitizers are also good to have on hand.
• Battery-operated radio with extra batteries so you can listen to weather service announcements. 
• Cash- you will want some cash and small bills on hand as banks may not be open.
• Emergency phone numbers and contact information including insurance agent and family contacts.
• Tools, tarps, plastic sheets, trash bags, duct tape, etc. to help make minor repairs.
• Important documents should be kept in a waterproof bag or plastic sealed container and should include insurance, medical and family records, birth certificates, social security cards, bank account information and a complete home inventory analysis.
• Gas- fill your car’s tank ahead of time if time permits. You may also want to fill plastic gasoline-approved containers with gas to store.
• Pet care items including food, leash and a carrier or cage.

Don’t wait until it is too late; prepare now to help protect your family in an emergency or disaster situation.