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Ian May

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What’s Your Poison?

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I prepared a pasta dish for a dinner party I was giving. In my haste, however, I forgot to refrigerate the spaghetti sauce, and it sat on the counter all day. I was worried about spoilage, but it was too late to cook up another batch.

I called the local Poison Control Center and voiced my concern. They advised me to boil the sauce again.

That night, the phone rang during dinner, and one of my guests volunteered to answer it.

I nearly fainted as my guest called out, “It’s the Poison Control Center. They want to know how the spaghetti sauce turned out.”

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