asheville, Are You Prepared in the Event of an Emergency?

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Are You Prepared in the Event of an Emergency?

While our attention has been on the disaster in Japan, let's not waste this opportunity to check our own preparedness. Do you have what you would need to survive on your own after a disaster or emergency? Get prepared now by taking three simple steps:

STEP ONE: Get or Make a Emergency Kit

- Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, with batteries if needed)
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (glasses)
- Tools (multi-purpose, wrench/pliers to turn off utilities, can opener for food)
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items (feminine hygiene products)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, - insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket and whistle to signal for help
- Map(s) of the area
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting to shelter in place

Additional items to consider include: Diapers, Pet Food, Sleeping Bags, Paper Plates and Utensils, Matches, Fire Extinguisher, Activities for Children, Change of Clothes, Chlorine Bleach and Medicine dropper and Emergency reference materials.

STEP TWO: Make a Plan

What if you�re at work, your husband is out to lunch and your child is at school? Decide where you and your family will meet if you are separated. Choose a relative or friend outside the area who you can each call to check in with if necessary. Be sure your child�s school has current phone numbers for you or emergency contacts.

STEP THREE: Be Informed

Listen to the radio, watch TV or check the internet to learn what�s going on, what areas are safe or how you can get emergency help. Identify an out-of town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

(Image provided by Wikipedia.)

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