DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TIPS

In the event of a storm, hurricane, tornado or flood, we have time to prepare ourselves for a disaster.

Make a list of persons who will stay with you during an emergency. Keep a list of their prescribed medicines and include them in your emergency plans.

Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in small interior rooms, closets, or hallways.

Take a battery-powered radio or TV and a flashlight with you to your place of refuge. Keep clothes and shoes on even when sleeping.

Store your valuables and documents in waterproof containers and store them in the highest possible spot. Use plastic bags for large items.

Make sure you have plenty of cash -ATMs may not be working.

Prepare your vehicle -fill you fuel tank early, purchase an air tank, tire repair kit and several extra gas cans. 

WHERE TO BEGIN? A TWO-WEEK EMERGENCY STOCKING PLAN  

Be sure to store some type of non-electric cooking device such as a propane stove.

Mark the date of purchase on foodstuffs. Keep your stockpile of food in a place other than the kitchen (to prevent using on a day to day basis).

The attic may not be too good due to heat buildup, and garages should not be considered unless they can be temperature controlled, to prevent freezing. 

WHAT TO STOCK  

WATER -3 Gallons per person per day.

MILK -7 Quarts per person. Use nonfat dry milk or canned evaporated milk, figuring one tall can or 3-1/2 ounces dry solids mix per quart.

CANNED MEAT, POULTRY, FISH, DRY BEANS AND PEAS -28 servings per person.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES -21 pounds of canned or dried varieties.

SPREAD FOR BREADS OR CRACKERS -To include cheese spread, peanut butter, jams or jellies, syrup, honey, apple butter, relish, catsup, mustard, etc.

CEREALS AND BAKED GOODS -5 -7 pounds of ready to eat cereals, crackers, cookies, canned breads and puddings or cakes, flour mixes, flour, macaroni, spaghetti, and noodles (both dry and canned).

FATS AND VEGETABLE OIL -Use kinds that do not require refrigeration.

SUGARS, SWEETS AND NUTS -Include white, and brown sugars, hard candy, gum, nuts and instant puddings.

MISCELLANEOUS -Things your family would be happy to have, including coffee, tea, instant cocoa, bullion, flavored drink mixes, salt and pepper, soda, etc.

All foods should be stored in cans, jars, or tightly sealed paper containers, preferably in sizes that can be used up for one meal. Select foods that will last without refrigeration and can be eaten with little or no cooking.

NON-FOOD STORAGE LIST 

Aluminum foil better than dirtying up pans

Ammunition -possible to kill small game

Antacid -for upset stomach

Antiseptic

Aspirin -large bottles

Automobile belts and spark plugs and oil

Batteries -rechargeable batteries and small solar charger. (Keep batteries in freezer for longer shelf life.)

BBQ grill -charcoal or propane Bicycle

Blankets or sleeping bags

Buckets -store water, etc.

Can opener -manually operated

Candles

Cash -used to buy or barter

Charcoal lighter fluid

Clock -spring operated

Clorox -disinfectant and water purifier

Clothespins and clothesline

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Compass and area map

Deodorant/Disinfectant

Duck tape -for repairs and sealing leaks

Eyewash

Feminine hygiene products

Fire extinguisher

First aid manual

Flashlight

Games and puzzles

Garbage bags

Garden seeds

Gardening tools

Hair clippers, manual

Heater -kerosene

Immunizations -typhoid, tetanus, etc.

Insect repellent

Insect spray

Kerosene

Lanterns

Latex gloves

Laxative

Light

Lime -for latrine duty

Linseed oil -tool maintenance

Matches

Medical books

Medicine -include vitamins

Paper plates and cups

Prescriptions Pitcher

Plastic knives, spoons, forks

Port a potty

Propane tanks

Radio

Razor

Sardines

Seeds

Sewing kit

Scissors

Skillet or griddle iron

Snare materials -small animals

Soap -laundry, bar soap, dish soap, shampoo. Waterless soap if possible.

String and rope

Tarp, plastic

Thermometer

Thermos

Tire repair kit

Toilet -5-gallon bucket, with kitchen garbage bag as liner.

Toilet tissue

Toothbrushes and toothpaste -toothpaste can be put on burns

Trash bags

Washtub

Watches

Water and water filters

Whistle and code for warning others. 

LET'S UPGRADE OUR FIRST AID KIT 

Buy yourself a standard first aid kit -they are filled with band aids, scissors, antibiotic ointment, tape, gauze and usually a one-time use hot and cold pads. This kit is obviously missing a lot. Some things you might want to add to your kit are:

Buy lots more band-aids, gauze and at least two tubes of antibiotic ointment. Purchase some sports tape to adhere gauze or to tape sprains, three rolls should do it. Add some Visene/eye drops for treatment of eye trauma or cleansing.

Extra hot and cold pads and ace bandages are a good idea. Get some good stainless steel scissors and have them sharpened before putting them into your kit.

Make sure to include a good medical book

.

Finally add some sealed bottled water, Pedialite and some oral antibiotics.

Extra: If you use herbs add them to your first aid kit. If you take prescriptions, get extras and put them in the kit so you know where they are. It might also be a good idea to put in an extra bottle of multi-vitamins and Vitamin C. 

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF 

Disasters can place a lot of stress on people. Remember to take care of yourself -how can you take care of others if you are ill?

Don't be afraid to share your anxieties with your family and friends. This is a natural response and a good way to release pent-up emotions.

Make a list and do just one job at a time. Establish a schedule. Rest often and eat well. 

Try to encourage your children to talk about their fears and anxieties. Listen to what they have to say. Try to be understanding as everyone is going through a rough time.

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