|
Falcon Heights Home Guide to Emergency Preparedness
Your Emergency Preparedness Kit
The basic items that should be stored in your home are
Keep the items that you would most likely need at home in one easy-to-carry container such as a trashcan, camping backpack or duffel bag. Store it in a convenient place, and put a smaller version in your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags.
Here is a quick checklist to help you organize in a hurry.
Remember to change the stored water and rotate the food supplies every six months (place dates on containers). Check the supplies and re-think your needs every year. Consult your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications, and maintain a list of your prescription needs.
Water
Purchase bottled water, or store water in plastic containers. Avoid containers that will decompose or break, such as glass bottles. Plan for one gallon of water per person per day. Water should be stored in a cool, dark place with the date labeled on the container. Having some water purification tablets on hand could be useful in the event of an extended water service outage.
Food
Store a three- to five-day supply of nonperishable food per person. Foods should require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, and little or no water. Examples include:
- ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- canned or boxed juices, milk and soup
- condiments such as sugar, salt and pepper
- high-energy food like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars and trail mix
- vitamins
- foods for infants or persons on special diets
- cookies
- hard candy
- instant coffee
- sweetened cereals
Bulk food items such as wheat, powdered milk, corn and soybeans can be stored for long periods of time.
First-aid kit
Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and each vehicle. Items should include
- sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- gauze pads
- hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- triangular bandages
- sterile gauze roll bandages
- Ace bandages
- scissors
- tweezers
- needle
- moistened towelettes
- antiseptic
- thermometer
- tongue depressors
- tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- safety pins
- cleansing soap
- latex gloves and sunscreen. Other items include aspirin or other pain medication
- antidiarrhea medication
- Syrup of Ipecac
- activated charcoal (in case of poisoning) and laxatives.
Tools and supplies
Keep the following items handy for allaround use:
- battery-powered radio
- flashlight
- extra batteries of assorted sizes (check shelf life before purchasing)
- duct tape
- aluminum foil
- rope
- saw
- mess kits or paper cups
- plates and plastic utensils
- cash (include change) and/or traveler's checks
- nonelectric can opener and utility knife
- small ABC fire extinguisher
- tent
- pliers
- adjustable wrench
- compass
- waterproof matches
- plastic storage containers
- signal flares
- paper and pencil
- needles and thread
- medicine dropper
- whistle
- plastic sheeting and local map. For sanitation
- pack toilet paper
- soap and liquid detergent
- feminine supplies
- plastic garbage bags with ties
- a plastic bucket and lid
- disinfectant and household chlorine bleach.
Clothing and bedding
Assemble one or two complete changes of clothing per person:
- sturdy shoes or work boots
- rain gear
- blankets or sleeping bags
- hat and gloves
- thermal underwear and sunglasses
Specialty items
Babies:
- formula
- diapers
- bottles
- powdered milk and medication
Adults:
- medications
- prescriptions
- denture needs
- eyeglasses and/or contact lenses and related supplies
- personal hygiene items
Entertainment:
- games
- books and several quiet toys for children
Important family documents:
- wills
- insurance policies
- contracts
- deeds
- passports
- stocks and bonds
- immunization records
- important phone numbers
- credit card accounts
- Social Security cards and other personal family records
Top | Disclaimer
© 2007 City of Falcon Heights
|
