How to prepare for an emergency

WHY SHOULD I PREPARE?  Disasters come in many forms; explosions, flooding, tornadoes, and others. Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, hardship and loss that accompany these disasters. Individuals, families, and communities should know what to do in the event of a fire and where to seek shelter during a tornado. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare makes any crisis more manageable.  One important step towards getting prepared is to assemble an emergency supply kit.

Here are Some Basic Items to Consider when putting together a Home Emergency Kit:

• Water - at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days.
• Nonperishable food for at least three days.
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
• Food, water, other supplies and documents for any pets.
• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, hearing aid batteries and filter mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air.
• Personal sanitation supplies, like moist towelettes, garbage bags & plastic ties
• Manual can opener and a whistle (to signal for help).
• First aid kit and manual.
• Cash in the local currency.
• Hand-crank or battery operated flashlight, radio and all hazards weather radio.
• Cell phone with chargers, inverters, or solar charger, extra batteries.
• Local maps and your family emergency plan.
• Brightly colored plastic poncho (can be used as shelter, clothing, or a marker).
• Any tools needed for turning off utilities.
• Important documents, including will, medical, and financial power of attorney, property and insurance documents.
• Your command reporting information – know the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (AFPAAS).

Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers, re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.  Being prepared is sometimes a difficult process because we don’t see it happening in our neighborhood.  Don’t wait until you experience a disaster to prepare for one.