May 26, 2008

Are You Ready?

          Recent news headline proclaim catastrophes of unheard of scale in several areas of our globe.  Follow-up news stories focus on how quickly disaster relief of food, water, and medical assistance could reach the victims.  Unfortunately, the stories are often of delays, blocked roads, no communication or miscommunication and frustrated victims feeling abandoned and uncared for.

          In the Midwest we may feel immune to the earthquakes and typhoons other areas have experienced, but we have our own unique disasters of tornadoes, blizzards, floods, fires and chemical spills.   How will prepared is your family for the next unannounced disaster?  If local relief workers could not reach you for hours or days, would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?

          The family disaster supplies kit is one piece of being prepared for a possible disaster. To begin preparing a disaster kit, keep in mind these six basics areas of items to stock.

          Water – Store one gallon per person per day in plastic containers. Two quarts are for drinking and two quarts are for food preparation and sanitation.  Keep at least a three-day supply for each person.

          Food – Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Select foods that do not need refrigeration, preparation or cooking (and take little or no water). Some suggestions are snacks; canned foods that can e eaten cold; and high-energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly crackers and granola bars.  Don’t forget the infants or elderly people you may have in your family. They may need special-diet foods. 

          First Aid Kit – A kit should include bandages, gauze pads, scissors, needle, antiseptic, thermometer, safety pins, cleansing agent and latex gloves. Remember to include nonprescription drugs, such as aspirin, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids and any others your family uses.

          Tools and Supplies – Paper and plastic products such as plates, towels, cups and utensils, a hand-operated can opener can be much appreciated.  Battery-operated radios and flashlights – all with extra batteries can make a difference in a life or death situation.  Needle and thread, a screwdriver, hammer and pliers are other basic tools to include. Also include cash or traveler’s checks and change.

          Clothing and Bedding -  Include at least one compete change of clothing and footwear per person, raingear, a blanket or sleeping bag, hats, gloves and sunglasses.

          Sanitation - Don’t forget sanitation items like bathroom tissue and plastic pail, towelettes, garbage bags, soap, personal hygiene items and chlorine bleach. 

          Special Items - Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and the elderly or disabled individuals.  Include prescription mediations, insulin, denture needs, extra contact lenses or a pair of eyeglasses.  And remember your important family documents. These should be kept in a waterproof and fireproof container.  It could include copies of your will, insurance policies, passports, immunization records, and important telephone numbers.

          When all of those items are gathered together, they create quite the stack of supplies.  Now where to store them?  One recommendation is to use a new, clean garbage can on wheels which can be easily stored in a closet or other accessible area and grabbed when the never- expected disaster strikes.