Emergency Preparedness Guide

Home Emergency Kit Essentials

Prepare a backpack or duffle bag with these key items:

• Important Documents: Photocopies of ID, credit cards, deeds, insurance policies, and a home inventory.

• Cash: A small amount of cash or traveler’s checks.

• Medical Needs: Medications, wheelchair and hearing-aid batteries, contact lens solution, etc.

• Pet Supplies: Food, leash, carrier, and vet records.

• Food and Water: Three days’ worth, including pet supplies. (One gallon of water per person per day is recommended.)

• Cooking Essentials: Can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils.

• Tools and Safety: Flashlight, extra batteries, portable radio, first-aid kit, matches, whistle, and a fire extinguisher.

• Other Supplies: Extra clothes, blankets, hygiene items (toilet paper, moist towelettes), pliers or a wrench, local maps, and garbage bags.

 

Store these items in a cool, dry place in a portable container (like a backpack, duffle bag, or container with a lid). Review and update your kit yearly.

 

Knowledge Checklist

In addition to supplies, being informed is critical. Here’s what you should know:

• Disaster Awareness: Understand the types of disasters likely to occur in your area (e.g., floods, earthquakes, fires).

• Learn Key Skills: Know first aid, CPR, and how to use a fire extinguisher.

• Utility Shut-Offs: Learn how to safely turn off gas and electricity. Consult a professional for guidance specific to your home.

• Family Emergency Plan: Create a plan with your family, including escape routes, meeting points, and contact methods. Ensure everyone knows where the emergency kit and utility shut-offs are located.

 

Water Preparedness

In emergencies, water may be unavailable. Here’s how much to store:

• Basic Needs: At least one gallon of water per person per day.

  • Half a gallon for drinking, half a gallon for cooking and cleaning.

  • Children, nursing mothers, and people with health conditions may need more.

  • Store extra water for medical needs and hot weather.

 

Water Storage Tips:

• Use sealed, commercially bottled water or food-grade storage containers.

• Store water in a cool, dry place, replacing non-bottled water every six months.

• For reusing large plastic bottles, clean, sanitize with bleach (one teaspoon per quart of water), rinse, fill, and add two drops of bleach before sealing. Label with the date and store in a dark place.

 

Emergency Water Management

If there’s a water emergency, follow these steps:

• Shut Off Water: If you hear of broken water lines or tainted water, turn off your house valve (not the valve at the street).

• Water Use Tips:

  • Don’t ration water unless advised; drink at least a quart per day.

  • Avoid drinking untreated water from faucets, streams, or ponds unless necessary.

  • Access water in pipes by opening the lowest faucet in the house.

  • For hot water tanks, turn off electricity/gas, open the drain, close the intake valve, and open a hot water faucet. Refill before turning the tank back on.

 

Avoid drinking water from radiators, boilers, water beds, pools, or spas.

By preparing in advance and staying informed, you can better manage in an emergency and protect your family’s health and safety.