After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
When the subject of building an emergency kit is brought up, most people think of a bag or box of “stuff” that you have sitting in a corner or a closet and you grab it when you need to leave your home quickly.
But what if you are not leaving your home? What if you are required to stay in your home for an extended period of time? In reality, you may need to rethink your emergency kit to fit your life and that means you should include your older parents, any medical/special needs, and pets. And don’t forget how much time you spend in your vehicle.
An emergency kit should include some basic items; water, food, lights, a radio, and first aid supplies. While these are normal materials, there are some guidelines that will help you in the building process:
• Water – one gallon person per day for several days (drinking and sanitation)
• Food – a several day supply of non-perishable food
• Radio – a battery-powered or hand crank radio (a NOAA • Weather Radio with alert)
• Lights – a battery-powered flashlight (solar powered flashlight if available)
• First Aid supplies – homemade or purchased
These are the basics, but let’s think about some additional items that can provide some more peace of mind during an emergency:
• Tools and supplies – manual can opener, extra batteries, cell phone charger, wrench, pliers, hammer, scissors, a whistle, waterproof matches, a watch or clock
• Money – extra cash and traveler’s checks
• Documents – insurance policies, identification cards, birth certificates, passports, local maps
• Personal items – prescription medications (two week supply), hygiene items,
eyeglasses, dentures, change of clothes, sturdy shoes
I could go on for pages with this list. For more information go to the FEMA Ready.gov website. Now I want to talk about the other kits you should think about: pets, elderly adults, and vehicles.
Let’s start with pets. When you are staying in your home, the needs of your pets are easily met; adequate food and water. But, if you have to leave your home, your pet might have to stay in a building that is not outfitted for pets.
So, think about what your need to go with your pet; collars, leashes, harnesses, cages, carriers, food and water bowls, and any medications.
Additionally, have an updated photo of your pet in case you are separated. Make sure you include information on feeding schedules, behavior problems, and veterinarian information.
Next, we move to discuss elderly adults. If you have older adults living with your family, many of the basic materials listed above will meet their needs.
But if an older adult lives alone, there are a couple of considerations to think about. We have mentioned medications before, but having the dosage and provider information included in the kit is important. Documents that include emergency contacts, insurance cards, copy of a will or medical directive can assist emergency personnel if the person is not able to communicate. Remember, an emergency situation can be frightening and confusing for older adults.
Finally, let’s talk vehicle kits. What if you are in your vehicle and you can’t make it home or to work? The distances travelled within our county means we spend lots of time in our vehicles. The basic supplies should include:
• Car Care items – jumper cables, flares, ice scraper, cat litter (or sand), map, shovel
The additional items should include:
Personal care items – blanket, cell phone charger, food bars, water, first aid kit, rain Poncho
As I said earlier, these lists could and will be larger as you begin to build the kit that meets the needs of your family. Don’t forget that whatever fit you build, it may have to be carried. There are many styles of containers from plastic tubs and backpacks to wheeled duffle bags. Take the time to figure out which works the best for your situation and begin to build your kit.
Next week I will talk about emergency alerts and give you some additional resources.
For questions or more information contact Humboldt County Emergency Management at carol.lynn@humboldtcountynv.gov.