Emergency Plan

Does your family have an Emergency Plan? Our State Office sent out an e-mail from Homeland Security outlining what every family should do to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies. When watching the news it seems that there are more natural disasters than ever before. Of course, it could be that we just have more media coverage and are more aware of these disasters.

The information said that every family should get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur. It said that all Americans should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days.

The following is a list of basic items that every emergency supply kit should include:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.

Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

Battery-powered or hand crank radion and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.

Flashlight and extra batteries.

First aid kit.

Whistle to signal for help.

Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).

Local maps.

Additional items to consider adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

Prescription medications and glasses.

Infant formula and diapers.

Pet food and extra water for your pet.

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

Cash or traveler's checks and change.

Emergency reference material such as first aid book or information from http://www.ready.gov/

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in cold-weather climate.

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. - when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not used scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

Fire Extinguisher.

Matches in a waterproof container.

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.

Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels.

Paper and pencil.

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

The information also said to write down the Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Important Medical Information and telephone numbers for each member of the family. Other important information such as doctors, pharmacist, medical insurance, homeowners insurance and other numbers that might be needed.

Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family members and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.