Saturday, October 5, 2013

Have An Emergency Preparedness Kit

By Paulette Short


Have an emergency preparedness kit and you will be ready for natural and man-made disasters. They are not difficult to put together and store easily. Just a little planning ahead can save you and your family stress, discomfort, and maybe lives.

Hurricanes and tornadoes cause lots of destruction and leave many people homeless. The same is true for wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Even winter storms can knock electricity, close roads, and halt phone service. This has proven true in the United States in addition to acts of terrorist.

It is important to first have a plan put together for yourself and your family. Create an evacuation plan. Know where everyone will go or meet in case of a disaster. It is also important to be aware of which disaster may occur naturally in your area and where safe places are located. Have at least one family member, two would be better, trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.

Water is vital for survival so be certain you have at least one gallon for each person per day for at least three days. Also, you should have liquid bleach in the kit. It can be used to make drinking water safe by adding sixteen drops to one gallon of water. In addition, it can be diluted in water and used as a disinfectant. Use liquid bleach that does not have any added cleaners in it, it must also be unscented and not the type that is color safe.

Food is the next item that you must have stored. A three day supply is the minimum amount to have in your kit. Military Ready to Eat packets are the easiest to store, pack, and carry. They come as one complete meal per packet and the packages are able to withstand rough handling and exposure to the elements. Also, stock up on some protein bars and a few non perishable 'goodies' to keep spirits up.

You will need a dependable light source. There are glow sticks good for one use and there is a new product on the market that is reusable. This product can be charged with a few minutes of day light or seconds from an intense light source, such as your flashlight. A good flashlight is still a must as are fresh batteries. A portable radio with weather channels preset are also a good idea.

Do not forget to pack a first-aid kit. You should have plenty of bandages, sterile gauze and dressings, cleansing agent, burn ointment, antibiotic ointment, and sterile gloves. Also include aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicine, any and all prescription drugs being used, scissors, petroleum jelly, and tweezers.

Include any other items you may require for comfort. Blankets, warm clothing, a change of cloths, large garbage bags, and sleeping bags can help ease some of the stress of dealing with a natural or man-made disaster. Plan ahead and know what it will take to keep you and your family fed, hydrated, and warm for at least three days. Have an emergency preparedness kit, keep it up to date and store it somewhere easy to get to.




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