Are You Prepared: What to Plan For in an Emergency

                On the day before a Friday the 13^th, in 2006, a nasty storm started that was so bad it has its own Wikipedia page, and became known as the October storm. A boil water advisory, water shut off, 400,000 people without electricity, nine inches of snow, three people died, and countless trees were lost. Many people were left without knowing what to do, not being prepared, and taking unnecessary risks to get provisions. Though no one can predict these kinds of surprise storms, natural disasters or manmade disasters, it is important to be prepared and have an emergency kit in your home.

                To keep your emergency kit safe and ready to use, keep the supplies in air-tight containers or on dry shelves in a basement or garage. Keep a duffle bag handy as well, should you need to leave your home during an emergency. A first aid kit is a necessity in your emergency kit, as well as a manual on how to do some first aid procedures. It is recommended to have clean drinking water for three to five days for each person in your home, which is about five gallons per person. You also need to have a three to five day supply of non-perishable food. You also need:

• A battery operated flashlight and radio, as well as extra batteries for both
• Toiletries and personal care items (moist towelettes, toilet paper, soap, diapers, baby wipes, toothpaste, etc.)
• Matches that are kept in a waterproof container
• Extra clothing, jackets, shoes, etc.
• Kitchen accessories and utensils (i.e. can opener)
• Photocopies of identification and credit cards
•  Or have all of your personal documents (passport, birth certificate, life insurance, social security cards, etc.) in a small fireproof box with your emergency kitCash and coins (Around $150 is a good amount)
• Special needs items (medication, extra glasses, contact lens solutions, batteries for hearing aids, etc.)
• Cash and coins (Around $150 is a good amount)
• Items for infants (food, formula, diapers, baby wipes, etc.)
• Extra blankets, towels, sleeping bags, pillows
• Pet food and water, any medications they need, leash/collar, bowls
• Fire extinguisher
• Things you don’t need (but are a good idea): sunscreen, whistle (to find each other in dark), duct tape and plastic sheeting (in case of air borne chemicals), chlorine bleach (for purifying water), a corded phone (portables don’t work during power outages), fun stuff (like games, puzzles, etc. to show your kids it’s not scary), glow sticks.

Make sure you check food and medication for their expiration dates every six months. If things are going to expire soon, use them in your home but don’t forget to replace them in your kit. Writing the dates you stored the food on the packages is a good way to see what’s older. It also doesn’t hurt to be certified in first aid, CPR, and (if applicable) AED. The local Red Cross offers numerous classes each year for certification.

                Emergency kits aren’t just for the home either. It is important to have one in your car as well. Remember when those people got stuck on the Thruway for two days? In your car’s kit, you should have an extra pair of socks and sneakers (or boots), a blanket, a battery powered flashlight, a power flare, and clean drinking water. It doesn’t hurt to keep a couple granola bars in there either. If you have a pet you travel with often, keep some food and water in the car for them as well. Also try to have a car charger for your cell phone.

                It is important to make a plan for your family in case of an emergency. If you are all not together, make sure your children know your contact numbers by heart. Have an out-of-home place to meet should your home no longer be safe (earthquake, fire, mudslide, etc.), like a park or a school. Designate a trusted friend or family member to be able to pick your kids up from school if you are not able to. Make a copy of the plan for each adult’s wallet or purse. Make sure you know how to turn off the gas in your home if you have it, as well as how to shut off the water. Some schools and pre-schools have certain items they like to have on hand for each child during an emergency. Please check with your child’s school to see what their policy is. For example, a blanket, a glow stick, emergency numbers, extra medication, water, and a letter to your child from you.

                For more information please visit ready.gov, which is a FEMA website. They can give you more information on emergency planning, kit building, and more.