Here is the last in my series, as promised
Things look calm and primed to stay that way in Atlantic Basin as of Spring 2014
Now is the time to prep and plan for the worst, but hope for the best until the season ends by December 1st.
Remember that Sandy rolled in during Halloween week in 2012, after predictions of few storms and unlikely land strikes. Below is a basic kit that can ease the pain of power outages and official "stay in place" warnings during a severe storm, or a hurricane -- from Cat 1 to 4, etc.
A basic emergency supply kit should probably include:
· WATER! That's one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation -- brushing teeth and all that
· FOOD: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
· Battery-powered or hand crank radios -- best bet, a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for this and a regular radio that picks up local news reports
· Flashlight and extra batteries
· First aid kit with antibacterial ointment, plus basic tourniquet and band aid supplies
· A whistle to signal for help and/or a waterproof board and markers for signs to first responders
· Dust mask to help filter contaminated air, plus plastic sheeting and duct tape to help your family, or staff, to Shelter in Place, per local official orders.
· Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation and garbage
· A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
· Manual can opener for food
· Local maps with alternative safe areas noted or highighted
· Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:
· Several days worth of your prescription drugs in water tight pill cases or other containters, plus pain or headache over the counter pills and glasses
· Infant formula and diapers, as needed
· Pet food and extra water for your pet
· Cash or traveler's checks and change
· Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records. Keeo these important papers in a waterproof, portable container. Look for the "Emergency Financial First Aid Kit .pdf , developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and our Citizen Corps, to help you organize your information.
· Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or basic Safety First Aid handbook -- I still have mine from the American Red Cross after years in certifications for lifeguarding.
· 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, plus rain boots, if available. Consider additional clothing and socks, etc., 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 to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water.
For mold concerns, both FEMA and Homeland Security recommend a detergent that is safe for consumers, like Pine Sol or regular dish detergent. Wipe mold and mildew away from you and cover your hands, eyes, mouth and nose, so you do not inhale mold spores. If your mold growth is due to a water loss or storm situation, then its removal may be covered by your insurance. Call your broker and get a certified water specialist and mold mitigation company like ours on the job.
Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. Keep bleach away from any products with Ammonia in them, as it can create a toxic gas when combined with bleach.
· Fire extinguisher
· Matches in a waterproof container
· Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items for all residents or staff members
· Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
· Paper and pencil, pens
· Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
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