Are You Prepared for an Emergency?
Our world is seeing an increase in weather disasters (hurricanes, fires, and earthquakes) as well as other potentially life-changing scenarios. Allison Wallis, a mother in Hawaii during the recent false nuclear alarm, shares in this essay how she discovered after it would have been too late that she was woefully unprepared for any real emergency.
That is not an unusual situation. Nobody wants to think it will happen to them. On top of that, it can be hard to know where to start for all of the different kinds of emergencies we might encounter. The good news is, that like most things in life, once we get started we discover that taking a few relatively simple steps can yield fruitful results.
There are several different levels of “prepping”, and much depends upon the type of emergency. But for those who are looking to get a simple start to their emergency preparedness kit, the following tips recommended by the CDC provide a great foundation to any kit.
At Least a 3-day Supply of Food and Water
Water – one gallon per person, per day
Food – foods that are easy to make and won’t spoil, like canned soup, dry pasta, and powdered milk
Manual can opener
Basic utensils to prepare and serve meals
Health Supplies
3-day supply of all medicines, at a minimum
Medical supplies like syringes, a walking cane, or hearing aids with extra batteries
Personal Care Items
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Baby wipes
Contact lenses or glasses
Safety Supplies
First aid kit
Emergency blanket
Multipurpose tool (that can act as a knife, file, pliers, and screwdriver)
Whistle
Electronics
Flashlight
Radio (battery-powered, solar, or hand-crank) for updates on the situation
Cell phone with chargers
Extra batteries
Documents
Copies of important documents such as insurance cards and immunization records
Paperwork about any serious or on-going medical condition
Your completed family emergency plan, complete with family and emergency contact
information.
Extra cash
Maps of the area
Extra set of car keys and house keys
For Children
Baby supplies like bottles, formula, baby food, and diapers
Games and activities for children
For Pets.
Food and Water
A 3-day supply of food and water for each pet. A cat or a dog will generally need 1 gallon for three days.
Bowls or bottles
Manual can opener
Cleaning Supplies
Depending on the pet, you may need a litter box, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach
Health and Safety
Medicines and medical records stored in a waterproof container
First aid kit with a pet first aid book
Transport supplies
A sturdy leash, harness, and carrier to transport pets safely. A carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for several hours.
Comfort Items
Pet toys and the pet’s bed, if you can easily bring it, to reduce stress
Paperwork
Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them, and to prove that they are your pets, in case you become separated from them
Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care
As always, Morgan Organizers is here to help you… get organized! If creating a preparedness kit is important to you but you don’t have the time or desire to create one yourself, we would be happy to help. Give us a call today to get started: 301-787-4010.