Winter 2007	Preparing for a disaster
Assemble a supply kit to get your family through a crisis Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, acts of terrorism and other unexpected emergencies can force you to evacuate your home at a moment’s notice—or confine you inside of it. How would your family fare if you couldn’t get to a store for days or more? Prepare for a disaster before it strikes by assembling a supply kit to care for your family’s needs in an emergency. Your kit should contain basic items your family would need to stay safe and comfortable during and after a disaster. Be sure to include the following: a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) a three-day supply of nonperishable foods and a manual can opener any special foods or dietary items family members need a flashlight and extra batteries extra clothing and blankets matches and cooking equipment all prescription medicines medical supplies (diabetes testing and medication supplies, catheters, syringes, inhalers, nebulizers) over-the-counter medicines (pain reliever, antidiarrhea medicine, antacids, antihistamines, eyedrops) a cooler with ice or freezer packs to keep any drugs cold that must be refrigerated infants’ items like formula, diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers a first-aid kit (sterile gloves, bandages, cleansing agent or towelettes, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, eye-wash solution, scissors, tweezers, petroleum jelly, cold packs) a thermometer hearing aid and batteries wheelchair batteries eyeglasses and contact lens solution toilet paper, feminine hygiene supplies denture needs oxygen cash copies of identification, credit cards, vital medical documents such as insurance and Medicare cards, health records, proxies, prescriptions Assembling your kit Find an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack or a plastic bin, in which to pack your kit. Seal all items in airtight plastic bags and store your kit in a place where it will be easy to grab and go if necessary. Plan for the needs of any disabled family members and give your power company a list of all power-dependent life support equipment your family uses. Develop a contingency plan that includes an alternate power source for the equipment, such as a portable generator or battery. Re-evaluate your family’s needs and update supplies at least once a year. Check medications for expiration dates every six months and replace when necessary.
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