Be Prepared For an Emergency

By Fran Campbell - October 31, 2012

As I watch the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy, I am reminded of the necessity of a Home Emergency Kit. Although, this disaster does not affect us immediately, it wasn't so long ago when our friends in Southwest Missouri were struck unexpectedly. The devastation was overwhelming. Don't wait until it's too late - you can prepare you family for an emergency situation now. Don't know what to pack? The Fran Campbell Team thought this list provided by www.ready.gov was a great resource to help you prepare a home emergency/disaster kit.

Family Supply List, water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual's kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered radio 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
Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person

Clothing and Bedding Emergency Kit

A jacket or coat
Long pants
A long sleeve shirt
Sturdy shoes
A hat and gloves
A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Below are some other items for your family to consider adding to its supply kit. Some of these items, especially those marked with a * can be dangerous, so please have an adult collect these supplies.

Family Supply List (continued)

Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a print out of the information on www.ready.gov
Rain gear
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
Cash or traveler's checks, change
Paper towels
Fire extinguisher
Tent
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container*
Signal flare*
Paper, pencil
Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies
Disinfectant*
Household chlorine bleach* - You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Medicine dropper
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container