Emergency Preparedness Basics
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작성자 angelica 댓글 0건 조회 1,202회 작성일 13-11-24 01:10
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When disaster strikes, will you be ready?
Now is a great time to start—or continue—to plan, collect and organize what you need to survive in case of an emergency. Bonus: Many outdoor gear items you may already own can be quite useful in such instances.
This article discusses the 4 basic concepts of emergency preparedness:
- Storage and retrieval of supplies
- Survival food and gear
- Copies of important documents
- Maintenance of your supplies
Note: REI stores occasionally offer free emergency preparedness seminars (conducted with a fun and popular zombie-preparedness theme as Halloween approaches). Check the classes at your local REI store for upcoming dates.
Shop REI's selection of survival kits.
Storage and Retrieval of Supplies
Natural or human-made disasters can occur with little to no warning. So it’s important to keep everything you need in one place, protected from the elements and easily accessed. Retrieving your supplies should be as easy as grabbing a bin, backpack or other container—a 1-step process that’s crucial when every second counts.
Storage tips:
- Use plastic bins or similar containers, or use a backpack or duffel bag wrapped in a clean garbage bag.
- Store the container in your basement, outside in a storage shed, in your garage or even buried in your backyard.
- Make sure everyone in your household knows where and how to retrieve it.
- Water, 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First-aid kit (see below for details)
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cellphone with charger, inverter or solar charger
Next, consider adding the following:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first-aid book or free information from the (see the FEMA website's publications page)
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person; add more bedding for cold-weather climates
- Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes; more clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper*
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
* When diluted—9 parts water to 1 part bleach—bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use bleaches that are scented, color safe or have added cleaners.
Nonprescription drugs:
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid
- Laxative
Other first-aid supplies:
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Copies of Important Documents
Stash your important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) (PDF - 977Kb) developed by Operation HOPE, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.
Tip: A sealable plastic bag tucked into a wide-mouth water bottle works great. Your important documents are protected and—voila!—you’ve secured an extra water vessel as well.
Maintaining Your Supplies
Every 6 months, check your food and emergency supplies. Refresh your water supply, consume and/or replace foods that will expire within the next 6 months, dispose of expired or damaged food, and add any items that may be needed. An addition to the household or changing medical needs may require different or additional supplies. Refer to the following list as you survey your stash:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend the shelf life.
- Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented or corroded.
- Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh supplies.
- Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
- Change stored food and water supplies every 6 months; be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
- Rethink your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
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