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Neighborhood
Disaster Preparedness |
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Fire, Hurricane,
Tornado, Flood,
Terrorist Attack or
Pandemic; they can
and will happen; we
must be prepared —
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. Some
of the things you
can do to prepare
for the unexpected,
such as making an
emergency supply kit
and developing a
family
communications plan,
are the same for
both a natural or
man-made emergency.
However, there are
important
differences among
potential
emergencies that
will impact the
decisions you make
and the actions you
take. Learn more
about the potential
emergencies that
could happen where
you live and the
appropriate way to
respond to them.
In addition, learn
about the emergency
plans that have been
established in your
area by your state
and local
government.
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Emergency
preparedness is no
longer the sole
concern of
earthquake prone
Californians and
those who live in
the part of the
country known as
"Tornado Alley." For
Americans,
preparedness must
now account for
man-made disasters
as well as natural
ones. Knowing what
to do during an
emergency is an
important part of
being prepared and
may make all the
difference when
seconds count. |
Recommended Items to Include in
a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
(download - print list)
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Water, one gallon of water per
person per day for at least
three days, for drinking and
sanitation
Food, at least a three-day
supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank
radio and a NOAA Weather Radio
with tone alert and extra
batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter
contaminated air and plastic
sheeting and duct tape to
shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags
and plastic ties for personal
sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off
utilities
Can opener for food (if kit
contains canned food)
Local maps
Additional Items to Consider
Adding to an Emergency Supply
Kit:
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 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
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other
activities for children
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For more information:
www.ready.gov
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