Disaster Preparedness: The Essentials Of Emergency Supplies

Whether it’s earthquake, flood, tornado, hurricane, or brush fire, we’re all encouraged to be prepared. And what better way to ensure your family’s wellbeing than to have the emergency supplies you need always at hand? When people feel prepared, they cope with emergencies better. So make it a family project to assemble what you need. Before disaster strikes Although you can’t always know in advance when a particular disaster will strike, seasonal or regional patterns can often tell you what to expect. Be sure to have on hand the supplies your family will need. Water: You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day, for a minimum of three days. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking. Other needs include washing, cooking and sanitation. Children, nursing mothers, and those who are ill need more water. High temperatures can double the amount of water needed. To be prepared with the safest emergency supply, it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and don’t open it until you need it. Store the containers in a cool, dark place, and rotate them every six months. Food: Include a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person, avoiding items that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content. Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that don’t require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will babies, toddlers and elderly people. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people. Other Emergency Supplies: Include these items in your emergency kit. •Emergency Radio •Emergency Sanitation Supplies •Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener •Shovel and other useful tools •Emergency Lighting •Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water •Money and matches in a waterproof container •Fire extinguisher •Gas and Water Shut off Tools •First aid kit and manual •Photocopies of credit and identification cards •Special needs items, such as eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries •Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers •Other items to meet your unique family needs Clothing: If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth since you may be without heat for a time. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including: •Jacket or coat •Long pants •Long sleeve shirt •Sturdy shoes •Hat, mittens, and scarf •Sleeping bag or warm blanket Storage: Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition: •Keep canned foods in a cool dry place. •Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend shelf life. •Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded. •Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the storage date on all containers. •Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change. •Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag. Ensure you are ready for future events by restocking your emergency supply kits now. Then, if things go wrong, you’ll be prepared.

13 Things Every First Aid Kit Should Have

Everyone should have a home first aid kit ready to go in case an emergency should arise. If you have small children, being prepared with an up-to-date first aid kit becomes even more important. Keeping a first aid kit within easy reach will provide you with considerable peace of mind. Here’s a handy checklist of the items that your first aid kit should, at a minimum, contain:

1. An Antiseptic (such as Bactine): Cleaning scrapes or wounds is important for preventing infection. If soap and water are not on hand, using an antiseptic will help flush out debris and provide a mild pain relief. Antiseptics may come in cream or spray form. Many, such as bactine, also provide pain relief.

2. Bandaids and gauze pads. Bandaids help treat injuries of all sizes. Your best bet is to buy a large package that comes with a variety of sizes.

For gauze pads, buying larger sizes works best, because you can always cut them down to the size you need. Gauze pads work well for more serious injuries.

3. Scissors. Speaking of cutting, scissors are often overlooked in many first aid kits. Scissors come in handy not just for cutting gauze pads, but for cutting clothing, adhesive tape, and anything other materials or obstructions that may present themselves in an emergency.

4. Ace Bandages. Ace bandages come in handy in a variety of situations, such as sprains and breakages.

5. Instant Cold and Hot Pack. These packs are for one-time use only, so it’s a good idea to stock up your first aid kit with them. They can be applied on sprains, bruises, and bumps to reduce swelling.

6. Adhesive Tape
Adhesive tape can be used to form splits, tape gauze, and secure any other bandages.

7. Tweezers. Like scissors, tweezers are often overlooked, but come often come in handy. They can be used to remove stingers, ingrown hairs, splinters, and hang nails.

8. Latex Gloves. Latex gloves are a helpful addition to any first aid kit. Latex gloves will provide a clean and sanitary way to protect you against bacteria, blood, bodily fluids, and other potential contaminants that you may encounter in an emergency situation.

9. Analgesic. An analgesic is a pain reliever. Include a small bottle of aspirin or ibuprofen to combat headaches, migraines, or pain due to injury.

10. Antibiotic Ointment. A small tube of antibiotic ointment can go a long way. Antibiotic ointment can be used on scrapes, cuts, wounds, and other injuries to prevent infection.

11. Rubbing alcohol and disinfectant. These are helpful for cleaning insect sting bites or for cleaning wounds. Alcohol wipes are particularly convenient to have in your first aid kit because they don’t take up much space.

12. Antihistamine. In the case that someone may suffer from severe allergies, having some sort of antihistamine on hand is a good idea.

13. A list of emergency phone numbers. Keep an index card with the numbers of your doctor, the national poison center, and all other emergency contacts. Also, it’s a good idea to write down the name of members of your family who have allergies, and any medication they take on a regular basis.