The 411 on Emergency Prep

BACK TO BASICS | by JANNA LUFKIN

GIVEN THE RECENT CRISIS IN HAITI, IT’S CRUCIAL THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMLY be prepared if a disaster of any kind occur. By assembling an emergency kit now and dedicating a handy space to store it, you will be set should the need arise.

Here’s what’s essential for the kit:

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• Water: enough for each family member, stored in plastic gallon jugs and rotated quarterly
• Dry or canned food for each family member
• First-aid supplies
• Copies of important documents
• Cash ($200)
• Change of clothing
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlight and batteries
• A few toys, books and small games (cards work well)
• Waterproof matches
• Extra house and car keys
• List of contact names, addresses and phone numbers
• Food, water and supplies for pets
• Large plastic bags
• Bar soap, liquid detergent, shampoo
• Toothpaste and brushes
• Feminine and infant supplies
• Toilet paper
• Bleach and an eyedropper for purifying water
• Sturdy shoes
• Sturdy latex and work gloves
• Tent
• Tools: ax, shovel and broom, crescent wrench for turning off gas, screwdriver, pliers and hammer
• Rope, plastic tape and sheeting
• Knife and/or razor blades
• Garden hose

A large plastic storage bin is a good choice to use for your kit. Check out this one from Rubbermaid.

Once your kit is complete, store it in a convenient and easy-to-get-to place. Inside the garage, close to the door is a good option. Review its contents yearly and replace any used or out-of-date items.

There is a multitude of valuable information available on this subject. These and other websites have more good ideas:

• Ready.gov
• FEMA preparedness site
  

This weekend, add pulling together an emergency preparedness kit to the top your to-do list.