The first 72 hours after a major emergency or disaster are critical. Electricity, gas, water, and telephones may not be working. In addition, public safety services such as police and fire departments will be busy handling serious crises. You should be prepared to be self-sufficient — able to live without running water, electricity and/or gas, and telephones — for at least three days following a major emergency. To do so, keep on hand in a central location the following:
Essentials
q Water — 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable)
q Water purification kit
q First aid kit, freshly stocked
q First aid book
q Food
q Can opener (non-electric)
q Blankets or sleeping bags
q Portable radio, flashlight and spare batteries
q Essential medications
q Extra pair of eyeglasses
q Extra pair of house and car keys
q Fire extinguisher — A-B-C type
q Food, water and restraint (leash or carrier) for pets
q Cash and change
q Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap and baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices.
Sanitation Supplies
q Large plastic trash bags for waste; tarps and rain ponchos
q Large trash cans
q Bar soap and liquid detergent
q Shampoo
q Toothpaste and toothbrushes
q Feminine hygiene supplies
q Toilet paper
q Household bleach |  | Safety and Comfort
q Sturdy shoes
q Heavy gloves for clearing debris
q Candles and matches
q Light sticks
q Change of clothing
q Knife or razor blades
q Garden hose for siphoning and firefighting
q Tent
q Communication kit: paper, pens, stamps
Cooking
q Plastic knives, forks, spoons
q Paper plates and cups
q Paper towels
q Heavy-duty aluminum foil
q Camping stove for outdoor cooking (caution: before using fire to indoors)
Tools and Supplies
q Axe, shovel, broom
q Adjustable wrench for turning off gas
q Tool kit including a screwdriver, pliers and a hammer
q Coil of ˝ “ rope
q Plastic tape, staple gun and sheeting for window replacement
q Bicycle
q City map
Useful Web Links
Additional emergency preparedness information can be found at the following addresses:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (www.ready.gov)
American Red Cross (www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
(http://www.fema.gov/library/prepandprev.shtm) |