PREPARING A DISASTER KIT

With the natural disasters and power outages we’ve experienced over the past several years, we recognize it’s important to be ready considering it may take a while for help to occur and things to return to normal.

To prepare for such an event, create your own disaster supply kit, something you can grab quickly and easily. The kit should contain enough food, water, and other vital supplies to help you for at least 72 hours.

Your disaster kit should contain:

• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days

• Food – minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Manual can opener

• Radio (hand-cranked or battery-powered – make sure you have extra batteries)

• Flashlight (hand-cranked or battery-powered – make sure you have extra batteries)

• Hand-Crank/Solar Charger

• First aid kit

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Any prescription medications

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Utility knife

• Matches

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

• Copies of important papers in a sealable, waterproof bag

• Whistle to signal for help

Store your items in a plastic bin or duffel bag and place them in an easily accessible place. If your work is far from your home, you may want to create a separate disaster kit for your car.

No one likes thinking about calamities, but giving a thought to a disaster prep kit now may save your life later. To get more helpful advice, go to www.ready.gov.