Family Disaster Emergency Kit

I recently wrote about what to do in money emergencies . I now continue with physical emergencies like major earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and similar disasters.

Disasters are by definition sudden and when they happen it may be too late to get the emergency supplies you need. There may be runs on the supplies. The suppliers (say supermarket) my be damaged themselves and there may be many other reasons – communication down ATM machines don’t work etc.

Therefor, the scout motto of be prepared is best. Get yourself an emergency kit (or kits – you may need a small kit in every car you own). In Southern California we get earthquakes, fires, mudslides, in other parts of the country and the world there are storms, hurricanes, floods and other natural emergencies. There may also be man made catastrophes as well. Remember your pets are totally dependent on you and like children may be frightened by emergencies more than the adults.

The following are needed in an emergency:

There are six basics you should stock in your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers include:

* a large, covered trash container.
* a camping backpack.
* a duffel bag.

Water

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.

* Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation)
* Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person (and pet) in your household.
* If you have a pool the water may be used after adding a little bleach (it will taste awful but it’s better than dieing of thirst.

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact, high caloric and lightweight.

Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

* Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
* Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
* Staples–sugar, salt, pepper
* High energy foods–peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
* Vitamins
* Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets
* Comfort/stress foods–cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include:

* Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
* 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
* 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
* Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
* Triangular bandages (3)
* 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
* 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
* Scissors
* Tweezers
* Needle
* Moistened towelettes
* Antiseptic
* Thermometer
* Tongue blades (2)
* Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
* Assorted sizes of safety pins
* Cleansing agent/soap
* Latex gloves (2 pair)
* Sunscreen

Non-prescription drugs

* Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
* Anti-diarrhea medication
* Antacid (for stomach upset)
* Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
* Laxative
* Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid manual.

Tools and Supplies

* Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
* Emergency preparedness manual
* Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Cash or traveler’s checks, change
* Nonelectric can opener, utility knife
* Fire extinguisher: small canister, ABC type
* Tube tent
* Pliers
* Tape
* Compass
* Matches in a waterproof container
* Aluminum foil
* Plastic storage containers
* Signal flare
* Paper, pencil
* Needles, thread
* Medicine dropper
* Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water – very important.
* Whistle
* Plastic sheeting
* Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

* Toilet paper, towelettes
* Soap, liquid detergent
* Feminine supplies
* Personal hygiene items
* Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
* Plastic bucket with tight lid
* Disinfectant
* Household chlorine bleach
* Clothing and Bedding

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

* Sturdy shoes or work boots
* Hat and gloves
* Rain gear
* Thermal underwear
* Blankets or sleeping bags
* Sunglasses

Special Items

Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons as well as your pets .

For Baby

* Formula
* Diapers
* Bottles
* Powdered milk
* Medications

For Adults with special needs

* Heart and high blood pressure medication
* Insulin
* Prescription drugs
* Denture needs
* Contact lenses and supplies
* Extra eye glasses

For pets

* Food and water for each pet
* Any special medicines your pets may need
* Pet carriers – large. After a disaster your pets may be frightened and need to be kept in carriers for while so they can settle down. Otherwise they may run away.

Entertainment–games and books. You will have a lot of free time and no TV, video game, Internet (no electricity).

Important Family Documents – Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.

* Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
* Passports, social security cards, immunization records
* Bank account numbers
* Credit card account numbers and companies
* Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
* Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

SUGGESTIONS AND REMINDERS

* Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.
* Keep items in air-tight plastic bags.
* Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Water in glass containers is preferable but not always possible.
* Rotate your stored food every six months.
* Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
* Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

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