Hurricane Katrina highlighted the individual and nations vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters. During and after an emergency many individuals learn that they have taken for granted the availability of their basic needs. Families can lessen the blow of those events by taking some steps to gather emergency supplies and developing a plan of action.
A basic emergency supply kit should contain:
- Water, at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days, stored in a plastic container.
- Food, at least a three day supply of nonperishable food. Recycle the items every 6 months to year. Make sure the containers are easy to open and will not require refrigeration or heating.
- A first aid kit
- Prescription medications –watch for expiration dates
- Battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries
- Can opener
- Bedding for each person
- Personal hygiene items
- Dust mask or cotton t-shirt for each person to help filter the air
- A whistle to signal for help
- A waterproof container-to store important documents such as a drivers license, birth certificates, copies of medical prescriptions, credit card and loan information, phone numbers of family members, vehicle titles, and a supply of cash.
The supply kit should be stored in an accessible location that is known by all family members.
Develop and practice a family evacuation and communication plan. Select a location outside where everyone should meet if there is a fire or other damage to your home. Select a family member in another community who can coordinate communication if family members must leave their home community and become separated. Make arrangements for family pets, they often are not allowed in shelters.
Prepare a portable document with personal health records, education and employment information, checking and savings account numbers, stocks, investments, insurance policies, titles, credit card and charge account information, advance directives, wills, and phone numbers of family advisers or businesses that you may wish to contact. Complete an inventory of your property. Extension publication PM 1121 Getting Organized is a workbook with step by step directions for gathering and recording this data.
Additional information to help families prepare and cope with emergencies can be found in the Department of Public Health handbook, Protect Iowa Health: Iowa Guide to Keeping You Safe, available from Extension and other public offices. You will also find resources available at http://www.fema.org. and http://www.operationhope.org .
Prepared by: Joyce Lash
Resource Mgmt. Field Specialist
08/17/06
11/29/2006