Disaster Preparation: Preparation for any type of Local, Regional or National Disaster
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- If you have a small children, plan for special infant needs - diapers, bottles and formula, medicine, etc.
- If you have a charcoal grill, keep and extra full bottle of propane and charcoal outside for emergency use
- If you do not have a charcoal grill, acquire Sterno fuel and cooking/heating unit.
- Keep plenty of extra drinking water in storage or obtain a high grade water filtration system.
- Acquire First-aid kit and manuals. Medications and specific medical information.
- Acquire Fire extinguisher and emergency fuel of you have a generator.
- Acquire several flashlight or lanterns, battery powered radion and plenty of extra batteries.
- Acquire raingear, change of clothing; heavy/sturdy boots or shoes; work gloves. If the season is at or near winter, have plenty of cold weather clothing available in case heating is limited.
- Have plenty of personal hygiene items that may not be readily available later.
- Keep extra cash and small amount of disaster money like gold or silver for extreme situations
- Pantry well stocked: canned goods, dry milk, dry cereals and baby food, powered drinks, bread; non-electric can opener; plastic utensils; garbage bags.
- Complete a family emergency plan and share it with all family members. Have back-up plans, including an agreed-upon place to meet if separated. Tell at least two family members/friends outside the threatened area of your plans.
- Collect and move, if necessary, important documents. You may want a videotape record of valuables.
- Check medical supplies and visit the pharmacy for extra prescriptions if necessary.
- Check all battery-powered TVs, radios and flashlights. Scrub plastic water containers, swab with bleach, dry, then fill with fresh water. Freeze bags or bottles of water.
- Make provisions for pets or other animals in case of evacuation, including food and water.
- Start to mentally think out and write out your evacuation route in case you have to leave the area.
- Fill your car with gas, check oil and battery. Evacuate if you are told to and take non-perishable food and water.
Emergency Supplies
You'll also want to store or pick up the following in advance. If you wait until a warning or the disaster strikes, most of these things will sell out in a matter of hours.
- Fresh batteries for flashlights, radios, and televisions
- A one week supply of canned food for the family (in case you lose electricity)
- Bottled water (there will be a run on it if you wait until a disaster Warning)
- Everything you need to take care of infants and small children (diapers, formula, food, etc.)
- Manual can opener (amazing how many households don't have one of these)
- Small AM Radio. You're going to find that the boom box will really eat up the batteries.
- First Aid Kit. Be ready to handle small cuts, scrapes, and bruises, as well as things a bit larger.
- Candles and matches, in case you lose power. Save flashlights for going outside, etc.
- Games, books, puzzles, and other non-electric activities for the kids, in case you lose power.
For More Details About Disaste/Emergencyr Supply Kits .. Click Here
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For Specific Planning Ideas for Specific Disasters such as as hurricane, flood,tornado,fire,etc. go to the American Red Cross Disaster Planning Center here