Just as every home should have a smoke alarm, every home should have an emergency supply kit packed and ready at the start of hurricane season.
Preparing for the potential devastation of a hurricane isn’t just the job of emergency management officials. It’s also an individual responsibility, said Phil May, regional administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"You should be prepared to take care of yourself and members of your family for the first 72 hours — that’s three days — following a disaster such as a hurricane," said May, who oversees operations for the eight Southeastern states that comprise FEMA Region IV.
"Packing an emergency preparedness kit helps ensure the safety and comfort of you and your family members at a time when basic public services may be disrupted," said May.
An emergency preparedness kit needs to include food and water for each member of your family for three days, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, spare batteries, first aid kit, can opener, local maps, moist towelettes, toilet paper, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
Other items to consider include sleeping bags or blankets, paper towels, books, puzzles and games for children and pet food for family pets.
A complete list of recommended items for an emergency kit can be found at Ready.gov, FEMA’s emergency preparedness Web site.
The emergency supplies can be stored in an easy-to-carry plastic storage container or duffel bag, making them easy to grab and go when an emergency forces you to leave your home.
Putting together an emergency kit isn’t a costly enterprise. Many of the items that need to go into the kit are likely already scattered throughout your home.
An emergency preparedness kit will make your stay away from home during an evacuation more comfortable, ensuring you have foods you like, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, entertainment and even treats during a stressful time.
Emergency Supply Kit:
•Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
•Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
•Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
•Flashlight and extra batteries
•First aid kit
•Whistle to signal for help
•Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
•Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
•Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
•Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
•Local maps
•Cell phone with chargers
Additional Items to Consider:
•Prescription medications and glasses
•Infant formula and diapers
•Pet food and extra water for your pet
•Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
•Cash or traveler’s checks and change
•Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
•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. Consider additional clothing 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. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
•Fire Extinguisher
•Matches in a waterproof container
•Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
•Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
•Paper and pencil
•Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
More information on emergency preparedness, including how to put together a family communication plan, can be found at www.Ready.gov
