Are you prepared?

Are you prepared?: "

By Jeff Gurney

Are you prepared for an emergency? Well most people are not, or they are under-prepared. Only about 7% of the households in the United States are Prepared. What does it mean to be Prepared. It's easy, Get a Kit, Make a Plan, And Be Informed. We are going to work on the first item, Get a kit. Here are the minimums you should have for your kit:

Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

•Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

•Flashlight

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

•Extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items

• Multi-purpose tool

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

The following items are best kept in a waterproof Ziploc bag to keep them dry and protected:

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

•Emergency blanket

• Map(s) of the area

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:

• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes,cane)

• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

• Games and activities for children

• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

• Two-way radios

•Extra set of car keys and house keys

•Manual can opener Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

•Whistle

• N95 or surgical masks

•Matches

• Rain gear

• Towels

•Work gloves

• Tools/supplies for securing your home

• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes

• Plastic sheeting

• Duct tape

• Scissors

•Household liquid bleach

• Entertainment items

• Blankets or sleeping bags.

These things are best kept in a medium backpack or a duffle bag that can be grabbed quickly.

Remember these are the minimums that you should have on hand. You can add things that you think you may need. It is never wrong to be over prepared. Just remember that you might have to carry your survival bag.

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