With all the coverage of late on Charley Sheen I have started thinking it was time to start preparing for emergencies. I mean, after all, Charley is a walking disaster if ever I've seen one. So... here we go!
FEMA recommends the following be included in a basic emergency supply kit:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, fro drinking & 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 platic 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 your emergency kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers (The way Charley is going he will need them)
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank accout 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-weathered 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 to 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 extinquisher
- 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
While we don't ever expect to see a disaster in our area, since that kind of stuff never happens to us, it would probably be prudent to be ready just in case.
Another good website to keep in mind is www.NOAA.gov the National Weather Service advisory
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