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31 Jul 08 Disaster Survival Kit

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You’ve read this in lots of places, I’m sure, but it never hurts to read it again.

Getting a Survival kit together.

Get the following items together. Preferably put them into a large box or crate that you can transport to your vehicle easily and quickly. Check all the items every six months to make sure that they’re all still good, wholesome, and not expired.

The most important thing is probably fresh water. Minimum recommendation is one gallon person for a minimum of three days.

If you take any prescription drugs make sure you have at least a weeks worth on hand to take with you.

A first aid kit with bandages, some aspirin and some antibacterial wipes or cream is a good idea.

Toilet paper and soap. Nothing worse than being caught short without at least one roll!

Some food that is non-perishable, such as canned vegetables, fruit juice, spam, etc. Foodstuffs that have a long shelf life without refrigeration, and require no cooking are best. Remember to pack a can opener!

Take a radio, some screwdrivers, and a wrench, duct tape, a flashlight, and a stock of batteries.

Have some cash put aside. ATM networks will often be down, and also you may have to pay in cash, as the banking system may well be down too, and unable to process cards.

Work out a plan. Have an emergency contact – someone preferably out of the local area, that you can each call, if you get separated.

Make sure you know the evacuation routes from your area. A knowledge of CPR can be useful. Get a weather radio.

If you have a pet don’t forget to pack a survival kit for them too. Find out where you leave a pet safely if you can’t take them with you to a shelter.

Studies have shown that those folks that have a plan in place, are better able to weather the storm should it arrive.

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09 Mar 08 In Emergency

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This is what you’re recommended to get together, in case a major emergency strikes, such as a hurricane. It can be assembled over a period of time, but it’s a good idea, in the south-eastern US, to have such a kit in place before the start of the hurricane season on June 1st.

Essentials

  • Battery-operated radio
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Do not include candles, which cause more fires after a disaster than anything else

Water

  • 3 gallons/person, minimum, in a food-grade, plastic container
  • Additional water for sanitation

Food

Minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration or preparation and little or no water.

  • Dry cereal
  • Peanut butter
  • Canned fruits
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned juice
  • Ready-to-eat canned meats
  • Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated)
  • Quick energy snacks, graham crackers

First Aid Kit

One for your home and one for each car.

  • Scissors
  • Thermometer
  • Tweezers
  • Needle
  • Sunscreen
  • Cleansing agent/soap
  • Latex gloves (2 pairs)
  • Tongue blades (2)
  • Moistened towelettes
  • Assorted sizes of safety pins
  • 2″ sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  • 4″ sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  • 2″ sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
  • 3″ sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
  • Triangular bandages (3)
  • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
  • Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

Non-Prescription Drugs

  • Laxative
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
  • Antacid (for stomach upset)
  • Activated Charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
  • Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Tools and Supplies

  • Whistle
  • Crowbar
  • Paper, pencil
  • Medicine dropper
  • Needles, thread
  • Signal flare
  • Assorted nails, wood screws
  • Plastic storage containers
  • Cash or traveler’s checks, change
  • Non-electric can opener, utility knife
  • Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
  • Tape, duct and plumber’s tape or strap iron
  • Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tires
  • Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
  • Aluminum foil
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Compass
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Pliers, screwdriver, hammer
  • Heavy cotton or hemp rope
  • Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

  • Disinfectant
  • Soap, liquid detergent
  • Feminine supplies
  • Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels
  • Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
  • Household chlorine bleach
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Plastic bucket with tight lid

Clothing and Bedding

  • Sunglasses
  • Hat and gloves
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • One complete change of clothing and footwear per person
  • Rain gear
  • Sturdy shoes or work boots
  • Thermal underwear

For Baby

  • Formula
  • Bottles
  • Powdered milk
  • Diapers Medication

For Pets

  • Food
  • Leash, harness or carrier
  • Records of vaccinations
  • Non-tippable food and water containers

Important Family Documents

  • Important telephone numbers
  • Record of bank account numbers
  • Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
  • Inventory of valuable household goods
  • Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
  • Record of credit card account numbers and companies
  • Copy of passports, social security cards, immunization records

Family Medical Needs

  • Insulin
  • Prescription drugs
  • Denture needs
  • Extra eye glasses
  • Contact lenses and supplies
  • Heart and high blood pressure medication

Entertainment

  • Games and books

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