I just picked up my annual order of Girl Scout cookies & it always reminds me of the great times I had as a scout. Of course, our main credo was, “Be Prepared”.
Those words are even more pertinent today, with all the crazy weather we’ve been having -- tornados & earthquakes – in addition to the customary hurricanes & lightening storms. While I sincerely hope none of us is ever involved in a disaster (weather or other), it is probably a good idea for all of us to Be Prepared! Here’s a quick checklist of things we should do & have to ease our way should the unexpected happen
Disaster preparedness checklist
1. Enough food and water for at least three days for an emergency evacuation, or two weeks' worth of food and water if you are confined to your home.
The Red Cross recommends at least one gallon of water per day per person (and take into account extra for toilet flushing & washing). Include easy-to-prepare food items that do not require refrigeration. Canned goods, dehydrated fruits, nuts and vacuum-packed foods are good choices.
Also, be sure to remember baby formula, bottles or any other special needs anyone in your household may have. Stock up now. If you don't use the food, you can give it to your local food bank and take a tax deduction.
Furthermore, be sure you have knives, a pair of scissors, and an old-fashioned can opener that doesn't require electricity. Don't forget to include eating utensils for each person.
2. At least $500 to $1,000 of cash on hand in case you are unable to access an ATM and have to evacuate to a safer area.
If the power is out, chances are that your Internet service may be down, as well. This means that your credit cards and your local ATM will probably not be working. Even if food and other supplies are available after the disaster, you may have to pay cash.
3. A first-aid kit, medications, and personal hygiene items for each member of your household. A smart way to prepare these items is to pack a backpack for each member of your household, including your pets.
If someone in your household requires refrigerated medications, make sure you have an ice chest with cold packs ready to go. Be sure to include glasses, hearing aids, contact lenses and solution, syringes, and any other necessity. For children, include games and activities to keep them occupied.
Also, remember to include personal hygiene items such as diapers, soap, shampoo, baby wipes (in case there is no water), pillows, and blankets or sleeping bags. For your animals, include a collar, leash, ID tag, carrier, and food and water bowls.
4. A way to keep the lights on. While a generator may not be a practical option, a flashlight, candles, matches and extra batteries are within everyone's reach. Even if the power is out, you can use a solar charger for your cell phone or a battery-charged recharging station.
It's also smart to have a battery-powered radio or crank radio so you can hear details about disaster response and aid while the emergency is taking place.
In terms of your computer or other devices, be sure you have all the cables, the charger, and any other hookups necessary to run your computer from a remote location.
5. Your personal documents stored in a single place. The Red Cross recommends that you pull all critical personal documents together in one place so you can quickly grab the package if you need to evacuate on a moment's notice.
Items to include: proof of address, insurance policies, medical ID cards, credit cards, deed/lease to your residence, passports, birth certificates, and pertinent medical information and medications. To be doubly safe, scan these documents and back them up in the cloud.
6. Specialized survival items for your home. Surgical-style masks can prevent inhalation of dust after a major quake or building collapse, for example. It's also smart to have sturdy shoes, rain gear, plastic sheeting, duct tape, and household bleach for water purification.
7. Items you can't replace should be stored so you can quickly access, pack them. Whether it's family heirlooms, junior's golf trophies, or grandma's favorite quilt, decide which items are irreplaceable and have those stored in a single place where you can quickly reach and pack them, if need be.
8. A plan for being in touch or going to a safe place. It's smart for your household members to have two or three options as to where they can go in an emergency. The Red Cross also offers a way to notify friends and loved ones through their organization, even if the power is out. Also, does your town have an evacuation plan? Do you know what it is & can you easily get that information? You’ll also need a plan for your pet should you need to leave your home.
So, while I’m munching on these cookies, I’m going to be checking my supplies, listing items I need & deciding where to store them & gathering all my paperwork (including phone numbers of family & loved ones) so I’ll have a plan. The biggest obstacle to preparedness is procrastination. The smart move is simple: Prepare now -- don't wait.
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