Emergency Preparedness: Creating a Disaster Supplies Kit

1. Emergency Preparedness: Creating a Disaster Supplies Kit

2. Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when a disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. • A highway spill of hazardous materials could mean instant evacuation.

3. HM Picture

4. A hurricane or winter storm could confine your family at home. • A flood, tornado, or any other disaster could cut off basic services - gas, water, electricity, and phones - for days.

5. Holly Beach Picture (Before)

8. After a disaster, local responders will be on the scene, but cannot reach everyone immediately. It could take hours or days for help to arrive.

9. Your family will cope best by preparing for a disaster before it strikes. Once a disaster strikes, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies. • One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kitin portable, easy-to-carry containers.

10. WATER • Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles (avoid using milk cartons or glass bottles). • Store one gallon of water per person per day ( two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation). • Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.

11. FOOD • Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food. • Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno (heating device).

12. FIRST AID KIT • Sterile adhesive bandages • Gauze pads and adhesive tape • Sterile roller bandages • Scissors/tweezers/needle • Antiseptic • Thermometer • Non-prescription drugs

13. CLOTHING AND BEDDING Include at least one complete clothing and footwear per person. • Sturdy Shoes • Raingear • Blankets or Sleeping bags • Hats and Gloves • Thermal Underwear • Sunglasses

14. TOOLS AND SUPPLIES • Paper Plates/Cups/Utensils • Non-Electric Can Opener, Utility Knife • Battery Operated Radio and extra Batteries • Flashlight and extra Batteries • Cash or Travelers Checks • Fire Extinguisher (ABC type) • Pliers/Tape

15. SANITATION • Toilet Paper, Towelettes • Soap, Liquid Detergent • Feminine Supplies • Personal Hygiene Items • Plastic Garbage Bags • Disinfectant • Household Chlorine Bleach • Plastic bucket with a tight lid

16. SPECIAL ITEMS For Baby • Formula • Diapers • Bottles • Powdered Milk • Medications

17. SPECIAL ITEMS For Adults • Heart and Blood Pressure Medications • Insulin • Prescription Drugs • Denture Needs • Contact Lenses and Supplies • Extra Eyeglasses

18. ENTERTAINMNET • Games • Books • Cards

19. IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS *Keep these in a waterproof portable container. • Will, Insurance Policies, Deeds, Stocks and Bonds, Family Records • Passports, Social Security Cards, Immunization Records • Bank Account Numbers, Credit Card Account Numbers, Property Inventory

21. TIPS • Store your kit in a convenient location. • Keep items in an airtight plastic bag. • Change your stored water supply every six months to keep it fresh. • Rotate your stored food every six months.

22. MEET WITH YOUR FAMILY • Discuss what you would do in the event of an emergency. • Explain to them how to prepare. • Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster

23. Pick two meeting places: • A location of a safe distance from your home in case of fire • A location outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home • Choose an out-of-state friend as a “check-in-contact” for everyone to call