Emergency Preparedness–Part II

As promised yesterday, today I want to talk about how to be prepared in case you’re evacuated from your home

Forest fires often threaten homes, even whole towns.  This is called a convergent fire, and we’ve all at least heard of these, if not experienced one.

Flood is a threat in many areas in spring months.  Right now, we’re watching our river rise, and hoping that the dike is high enough.

What if a train derailed, spilling toxic chemicals near your home?

Any of these, and many other events could mean evacuation of your home – with or without notice.

But, if the police knocked on your door and said you need to leave your home to be safe…………are you ready?  It’s suggested that a family should be prepared to survive for 72 hours. 

In a situation like that, it would be hard to think about what would be needed.  So here’s another list for a bin (or bins if your family is large enough) to have at the ready if you needed it:

1. food – tins of tuna, soup, ready-made meals, dehydrated potatoes/rice/noodles, cereal, crackers, peanut butter, powdered milk, powdered juice mix, snack bars
2. water – 2 quarts per day per person, 1 quart per day per pet, water purification tablets or bleach (4 drops per quart)
3. disposable dishes, cutlery
4. can opener
5. cooking pots (like a camping set)
6. toilet paper, garbage bags. shovel
7. candles, matches
8. wind-up flashlight, radio
9. copies of id, pictures
10. contact information of family/friends
11. first aid kit
12. toiletries, hand-cleaner
13. money – if power is out, you won’t be able to use credit or debit cards
14. list of things to pack, like:
1. clothing
2. medicines
3. book, magazine, kids’ activities
4. pet supplies  (and of course don’t forget to take your pets)
5. propane or butane stove, and fuel
6. pillows

Here’s a site to reference for drinking water safety:  http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/wqwm/emergwatersuppl.html

 

Be safe out there!               Blessings, Peg