Are
You Prepared?
Build Your Disaster Supply Kit
Updated:
01/13/10
The following information provided by
The City of Salem
Illinois Department of Emergency Management,
(D.O.E.M.)
EARTHQUAKES-TORNADOES-ICE
STORMS-WINDSTORMS-FLOODS
(HAITI EARTHQUAKE, COULD
HAVE BEEN HERE)
(HURRICANE
FORCE WINDS IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ON MAY 8, 2009 COULD HAVE BEEN HERE IN SALEM /
MARION COUNTY)
The City
of Salem Department of Emergency Management would like for you to be prepared
for a Disaster....Remember, it may take time to get help after a disaster
occurs, so have a Emergency Supply Kit available for such an event. You
may need to survive on your own for three or more days. (72
hrs) This means
having your own water, food and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks,
duffel bags or medium size luggage
on wheels to keep your supplies together.
Assembling
the supplies you might need following a disaster is an important part of your
disaster plan. You should prepare emergency supplies for the following
situations:
*
A disaster supply kit with essential food, water, and supplies for at least
three days---this kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready
to "grab and go" in case you have to leave your home quickly because
of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make
sure all household members know where the kit is kept.
*
Consider having additional supplies for
sheltering or home confinement for up to two weeks.
(EARTHQUAKES, TORNADOES, ICE STORMS, WIND STORMS)........NOW IS THE TIME TO
PREPARE!
*
You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one
container, ready to "grab and go" in case you have to evacuate the
building.
*
A car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water, to keep stored in
your car at all times. This kit would also include flares, jumper cables,
and seasonal supplies.
The
following checklists will help you assemble disaster supply kits that meet the
needs of your household. The basic items that should be in a disaster
supply kit are water, food, first-aid supplies, tools and emergency supplies,
clothing and bedding, and specialty items. You will need to change the
stored water and food supplies every six months, so be sure to write the date
you store it on all containers. You should also re-think your needs every
year and update your kit as your household changes.
WATER:
the absolute necessity
1.
Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in
emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to
store adequate amounts of water for your household.
*
Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and
climate. A normally active person needs at least two quarts of water daily
just for drinking. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need
more. Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
*
Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes and, possibly, for
cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day.
2.
Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal
containers. Don't use containers that can break, such as glass
bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Sound
plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also
purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.
*
Containers for water should be rinsed with a diluted bleach solution (one part
bleach to ten parts water) before use. Previously used bottles or other
containers may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals. Do not rely on
untested devices for decontaminating water.
*
If your water is treated commercially by a water utility, (such as the City of
Salem Water Treatment Plant) you do not need to treat water before storing
it. Additional treatments of treated public water will not increase
storage life.
*
If you have a well or public water that has not been treated, follow the
treatment instructions provided by your public health service or water
provider. In the Salem area, contact the Marion
County Public Health Department.
*
If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or
state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice.
In the Salem area, contact the Marion
County Public Health Department.
*
Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark
place.
FOOD:
preparing an emergency supply.
1.
If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food
intake for an extended period or without any food for many days. Food,
unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.
2.
You don't need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food
supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your
cupboard shelves. Canned foods do not require cooking, water or special
preparation. Be sure to include a manual
can opener.
3.
Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is fairly cool. To
protect boxed foods from the pests and to extend their shelf life, store the
food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
4.
Replace items in your food supply every six months. Throw out any canned
good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded. Use foods before they go
bad, and replace them with fresh supplies. Date each food item with a
marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in
front.
5.
Food items that you might consider including in your disaster supply kit
include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices,
milk, and soup: high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium
crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on
special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered
milk.
AS WE
MENTIONED AT THE BEGINNING, YOU MAY NEED TO SURVIVE ON YOUR OWN AFTER A
DISASTER. LOCAL OFFICIALS AND RELIEF WORKERS WILL BE ON THE SCENE AFTER A
DISASTER, BUT THEY CANNOT REACH EVERYONE IMMEDIATELY. YOU COULD GET HELP
IN HOURS, OR IT MAY TAKE DAYS. BASIC SERVICES, SUCH AS ELECTRICITY, GAS,
WATER, SEWAGE TREATMENT AND TELEPHONES, MAY BE CUT OFF FOR DAYS, EVEN A WEEK OR
LONGER. OR YOU MAY HAVE TO EVACUATE AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE AND TAKE
ESSENTIALS WITH YOU. YOU PROBABLY WON'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOP OR
SEARCH FOR THE SUPPLIES YOU'LL NEED. YOUR
HOUSEHOLD WILL COPE BEST BY
PREPARING FOR DISASTER BEFORE IT STRIKES.
FIRST AID SUPPLIES
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and for each
vehicle:
* The basics for your first aid kit
should include:
- First aid manual
- Sterile adhesive
bandages in assorted sizes
- Assorted sizes of
safety pins
- Cleaning agents
(isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide) /soap/germicide
- Antibiotic ointment
- Latex gloves (2
pairs)
- Petroleum jelly
- 2-inch and 4-inch
sterile gauze pads (4-6 each size)
- Triangular bandages
(3)
- 2-inch and 3-inch
sterile roller bandage (3 rolls each)
- Cotton balls
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Moistened
towelettes
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer
- Tongue depressor
blades (2)
- Tube of petroleum
jelly or other lubricant
- Sunscreen
* It may be difficult to obtain prescription
medications during a disaster because stores may be closed or supplies
may be limited. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing
prescription medications. Be sure they are stored to meet instructions on
the label and be mindful of expirations dates-be sure to keep your stored
medication up to date.\
* Extra pair of prescription glasses or
contact lens.
* Have the following nonprescription
drugs in your disaster supply kit:
- Aspirin and
non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea
medication
- Antacid (for
stomach upset)
- Syrup of ipecac
(use to induce vomiting if advised by the poison control center)
- Laxative
- Vitamins
TOOLS AND EMERGENCY
SUPPLIES
It will be important to assemble these
items in a disaster supply kit in case you have to leave your home
quickly. Even if you don't have to leave you home, if you lose power it
will be easier to have these items already assembled and in one place.
* Tools and other items:
- A
portable, battery-powered radio (WJBD Radio 1350 AM / 100.1 FM ) and extra
batteries (also have a NOAA weather radio, it works in the Salem area)
NOAA weather radio will broadcast emergency messages other than weather.
-
Flashlight and extra batteries
-
Signal flare
-
Matches in a waterproof container (or waterproof matches)
-
Shut-off wrench, pliers, shovel and other tools
- Duct
tape and scissors
-
Plastic sheeting or (shower curtain will work nice)
-
Whistle
-
Small canister, A-B-C- type fire extinguisher
- Tube
tent
-
Compass
- Work
gloves
-
Paper, pens, and pencils
-
Needles and thread
-
Battery-operated travel alarm clock
* Kitchen items:
- Manual
can opener
- Mess kits or paper
cups, plates, and plastic utensils
- All-purpose knife
- Household liquid
bleach to treat drinking water
- Sugar, salt, pepper
- Aluminum foil and
plastic bags
- Re-sealing plastic
bags
- If food must be
cooked, small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel
RECREATION
EQUIPMENT
Hey, we have a lot of these items in
our camper! Do you have a camper trailer that is supplied? Your
camper could be a big help in time of a disaster.
Do you have camping equipment, other
than a camper trailer? tent, cots, cook/heating stoves, lanterns, these supplies
are of importance after a disaster.
* Sanitation and hygiene items:
- Washcloth and towel
- Towelettes, soap,
hand sanitizer, liquid detergent
- Tooth paste,
toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorants, comb and brush, razor, shaving cream, lip
balm, sunscreen, insect repellent, contact lens solutions, mirror, feminine
supplies
- Heavy-duty plastic
garbage bags and ties-for personal sanitation uses-and toilet paper
- Medium-sized
plastic bucket with tight lid
- Disinfectant and
household chlorine bleach
- Consider
including a small shovel for digging a latrine (I have a small fold up army
shovel)
* Household documents and contact
numbers:
- Personal
identification, cash (including change) or traveler's checks, and a credit card
- Copies of important
documents: birth certificate, marriage certificate, driver's license,
social security cards, passport, wills, deeds, inventory of household goods,
insurance papers, immunization records, blank and credit card account numbers,
stocks and bonds. Be sure to store these in a watertight container.
- Emergency contact
list and phone numbers
- Map of the area and
phone numbers of place you could go
- An extra set of car
keys and house keys
CLOTHES AND BEDDING
* One complete change of
clothing and footwear for each household member. Shoes should be sturdy
work shoes or boots. Rain gear, hat and gloves, extra socks, extra
underwear, thermal underwear, sunglasses.
* Blankets or a sleeping
bag for each household member, pillows.
SPECIALTY ITEMS
Remember to consider the needs of infants,
elderly persons, disabled persons, and pets and to include entertainment and
comfort items for children.
* For baby
* For the elderly
* For pets
* Entertainment: books,
games, quite toys and stuffed animals.
It is important for you to be ready,
wherever you may be when disaster strikes. With the checklists above you
can now put together an appropriate disaster supply kits for your household:
* A disaster supply kit
kept in the home with supplies for at least three days;
* Although it is unlikely
that food supplies would be cut off for as long as two weeks, consider storing
additional water, food, clothing and bedding other supplies to expand your
supply kit to last up to two weeks.
* A work place disaster
supply kit. It is important to store a personal supply of water and food
at work; you will not be able to rely on water fountains or coolers. Women
who wear high-heels should be sure to have comfortable flat shoes at their
workplace in case an evacuation require walking long distances.
* A car disaster supply
kit. Keep a smaller disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car. If
you become stranded or are not able to return home, having these items will help
you be more comfortable until help arrives. Add items for severe winter
weather during months when heave snow or icy roads are possible-salt, sand,
shovels, and extra winter clothing, including hats and gloves.
Yes, you may print this information!
It could save your life!
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