In Case of Emergency

Create a personal safety net by organizing these 50 items into go-to kits in case of natural disaster – be it hurricane, earthquake, fire or flood.  Use this checklist to start stockpiling the necessities you shouldn’t be without.

FIRST-AID KIT

Tailor this kit to your specific needs.  Check  expiration dates every six months, resupplying when necessary.

• Prescription medications/equipment (14-day supply)
• Sterile gloves (2 pairs)
• Sterile dressings, adhesive bandages
• Multipurpose pocket knife
• Soap
• Antibiotic ointment
• Burn ointment
• Eyewash for flushing contaminants
• Thermometer
• Aspirin/pain reliever
• Antacid
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Laxative
• Sanitation items (toilet paper,  plastic bags, hand sanitizer)
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste
• Hearing aids with extra batteries.
• Spare glasses, contact lenses.

Ready-to-Go Container

In case of an evacuation, pack these important items along with your first-aid kit and essential papers.

• One gallon of water per person, per day (3 -day supply) *
• Food:  nonperishable, ready-to-eat items; pet food (3-day supply)*
• Whistle
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Spare cellphone chargers
• Extra set car and house keys
• Matches (in waterproof container)
• Lightweight high-insulation blanket
• Extra clothing, hat, sturdy shoes

* Replace Yearly

Stay-Home Stash

Store by your “go” container, in case you are stranded on your own turf.

• One gallon of water per person, per day (14-day supply)
• Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food; pet food (14-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Plates, utensils, napkins
• Fire extinguisher
• Work gloves
• Face masks for dust and mold
• Small toolbox including wrench or pliers for utility shutoff
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape for sealing windows, doors
• Chlorine bleach with medicine dropper **
• Extra blankets, sleeping bags
• Rain ponchos, towels

** To treat non-bottled water for drinking: After filtering water through cloth, add 8 drops of regular household liquid bleach to 1 gallon of water; if water is cloudy or muddy, add 16 drops.

Essential Papers

• Emergency contact information:  family, friends, doctors, insurers
• I.D. Cards:  photo I.D., passport, health insurance, Social Security
• Family records:  birth, marriage, death certificates
• Medical and immunization records, prescriptions
• Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds/leases
• Recent tax returns
• Bank and credit card statements, retirement account records, investment records
• Local maps
• Video and/or photos of your valuable and the interior and exterior of your home
• Cash and change

Use Cation with portable generators:

Sever storms last year may have had you thinking about investing in a portable generator.  If you bought one, or are considering a purchase, following these safety tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International could be a lifesaver.

• Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, including homes, garages and basements.  Generators produce high levels of carbon monoxide – a colorless, odorless, deadly gas – very quickly.
• Do not connect your generator directly to your household wiring, as this can backfeed along the power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including line workers making repairs
• Do not overload the generator.  A portable generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
• Following manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation and maintenance.

SOURCES:

AARP  (aarp.org/bulletin)

Ready.gov

FEMA

AMERICAN RED CROSS

P.P.&L (pplelectric.com)