Friday, September 27, 2013

Have An Emergency Preparedness Kit

By Paulette Short


We never want it to happen but there is a very good chance everyone of us will one day be involved in a disaster or some type, be it natural or man made. It is best to be ready with an emergency preparedness kit and a plan. The basic items are simple and easy to obtain.

In the United States the most common disasters experienced have been due to floods, fire, hurricanes and tornadoes. There have also been winter storms that halted all transportation, power, and cell phone usage. Earthquakes, landslides, Terrorism, and Volcano eruptions have also occurred in the United States.

In addition to having your kit prepared, have an evacuation plan in place. Make certain all family members understand when and where everyone will meet in case of disaster. It is also a good idea to know which events occur in your area and what the signs are to watch for. For example if you live in a tornado area, family members need to know where to take immediate cover. Also, have one or two members trained in first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

After the storm has passed and if basic services are unavailable, you will be glad you prepared with an emergency preparedness kit. Have plain bleach in your kit along with one gallon of water for each person per day. The bleach can be mixed with water to make a disinfectant or if the water supply becomes contaminated, mix sixteen drops of liquid bleach to one gallon of water for safe drinking. Only have liquid bleach that does not have any scent, additional cleaners, and is not color safe.

Food is the next item that you must have stored. A three day supply is the minimum amount to have in your kit. Military Ready to Eat packets are the easiest to store, pack, and carry. They come as one complete meal per packet and the packages are able to withstand rough handling and exposure to the elements. Also, stock up on some protein bars and a few non perishable 'goodies' to keep spirits up.

Lighting is also necessary. A flashlight with a strong beam will be useful. Make certain there are enough fresh batteries. There are also glow sticks that can be used. There is a new product available that does not need batteries or any other fuel to work. After charging for a few seconds from a high intensity light source or a few minutes of day light, it is ready and will glow in the dark all night long. It provides enough light for people to be able to move around and find things, thus allowing you to extend your battery life for flashlights and other use.

You will also need a first aid kit. Stock it with sterile gloves, sterile dressings to stop any bleeding, a cleansing agent, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, and a variety of bandages. Also, include any prescription medication and include aspirin, an anti-diarrhea medication, scissors, tweezers, and a tube of petroleum jelly. Do not forget a fire starting kit or moisture proof matches.

Other items you will need to include are a manual can-opener, a pocket knife, blankets, large garbage bags, and sleeping bags. Take a serious look at your family or life style and determine any other items you will need in order to survive for at least three days. Be ready with an emergency preparedness kit that will fill the needs of you and your family.




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