Are you prepared for an emergency?
March is Red Cross Month. As we approach the season of increased 
weather related emergencies, we are reminded of the unprecidented natural disasters of 2008. At no time in my lifetime can I remember so many natural emergencies occurring so close together.
Regardless of how busy our daily lives are, we must take personal responsibility for our own care and safety by developing a preparedness plan in the event of a national emergency. As the Red Cross says “Help Starts with You.” Preparedness is all about planning ahead, having what you need on hand, storing things in an accessible way and making sure you know what to do before you need to put that knowledge into practice. Even though predicting every disaster scenario is impossible, preparing the basics is smart and simple. Take the time NOW to accomplish the below steps and your family will be basically prepared for any natural or unnatural disaster.
- Prepare a Family Communication/Reunion Plan. The Plan enables your family to communicate and to meet during a disaster. It records all important phone numbers, email addresses, and meet-up locations so that family members can reach one another by phone, email or in person. But keep in mind that you may not be able to rely on land or mobile phone communication, so be sure to have a back up plan.
- Stock three days and three nights of provisions to get you through 72-hours of living without electricity. The provisions are obtainable at any Walmart or Target and most large grocery stores. Just add these items to your regular shopping list.
- One gallon of water per person per day (for three days). For a family of four, you’ll need 12 gallons of water.
- Ready to eat, non-perishable food (dried fruit, cereal. protein bars, canned food, crackers, soups, pasta, rice, peanut butter and jelly, pudding cups, powdered milk are highly recommended)
- Paper plates, cups, dinnerware, paper towels, plastic food bags, plastic gloves and a manual can opener
- One flashlight per person plus extra batteries
- Travel size toiletries, including sun screen
- A First Aid Kit for the home, one for the car and one for the grab and go bag.
- In a central location put a change of clothes for each family member plus extra underwear and blankets and basic toiletries like soap, toothbrush, shampoo, toilet paper and razors. Use a shelf, an extra large plastic trash bin, or an extra large plastic container for these items.
- Have a supply of cash for a 72-hour period. ATMs may not be an option.
- Prepare a supply of family over-the counter and prescription medicines. Remember the pets too.
- Purchase a NOAA weather radio. Radio Shack, Walmart, Home Depot and Ace Hardware carry them. Set it for your county. It will tell you the status of the disaster, evacuation information, and alerts. Get a transistor radio with batteries. It will tell you local conditions, school closings, travel hazards, and local shelters. While you’re there pick up a landline telephone (it costs under $12.00)
- Pack a grab and go bag (backpack or small rolling luggage) in case you have to evacuate your home to a hotel, shelter or relative’s home. Keep it light with just the basics: toiletries, change of clothes, medicine, 2 bottles of water, protein bars and cell phone.
- One person in the family needs to carry a first aid kit.
- Depending on your family, add special items like extra eyeglasses, favorite plush toys, or portable electronic games.
- A dust mask, duck tape, scissors, a whistle, can opener and other similar items.
- Copy the contents of your wallet (both sides of credit cards, insurance cards, and license). Stick it in a grab and go bag.
- Prepare for the care of your pets too – food, water and food bowl, leash, a toy, medications, vet records.
- For a complete, portable document system, get a PortaVault at http://www.securitaonline.com.
Schedule a natural preparedness day to review your plan with your family. Everyone needs to take personal responsibility for their own safety when a natural disaster does occur. Then practice your family disaster plan at least twice per year.
For more information on developing your family’s disaster plan, visit:
American Red Cross - “Help Starts With You”
Originally posted 2009-03-17 10:50:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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