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Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives? Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement. To prepare your kit Review the checklists in this document. Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home. Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*). Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. A highway spill of hazardous material could mean instant evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado or any other disaster could cut off basic services--gas, water, electricity and telephones--for days. Water Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
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. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. *Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
First Aid Kit Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should include:
Non-prescription drugs
Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid manual. SUPPLIES There are six basics you should stock in your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container--suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*). Possible containers include a large, covered trash container; a camping backpack; or a duffle bag. Tools and Supplies
Sanitation
Clothing and Bedding *Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
Special Items Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.
SUGGESTIONS AND REMINDERS
CREATE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN To get started... Contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and your local American Red Cross chapter.
Meet with your family.
Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster.
Complete these steps.
Meet with your neighbors. Remember to practice and maintain your plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Community and Family Preparedness Program and the American Red Cross Disaster Education Program are nationwide efforts to help people prepare for disasters of all types. For more information, please contact your local or State Office of Emergency Management, and your local American Red Cross chapter. Ask for "Your Family Disaster Plan" and the "Emergency Preparedness Checklist." Or write to:
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Last Updated: Friday, 22-Oct-2004 13:15:40 EDT |
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