3Keep kit ready
4 Assess situation
PLANNING FOR DISASTER
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3Keep kit ready
• Keep your disaster emergency kit in a safe, accessible place, such as in the garage, and ensure that all family members know where it is.
• Practice evacuating your home; loading the kit into the car, and leaving as quickly as possible.
• Replace your water supplies every 6 months and regularly check the sell-by dates of all foods.
• Test batteries regularly.
• Note the expiration dates of firstaid and prescription medicines. Replace those that have expired.
4 Assess situation
• If evacuating by car, load your kit into the trunk.
• If evacuating on foot, decide how much of the kit your family can carry.
• In the case of a mass evacuation, emergency shelter will be provided in local community buildings. In such situations you do not need to take food, water, or bedding.
• In situations where it may be some time before you can return home, take plenty of clothing and toys or games to keep children busy.
DISASTER EMERGENCY KIT
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Pack a first-aid kit and any over-the-counter or prescription medicines needed |
FLASHLIGHTS AND BATTERIES Have one flashlight per family member, plus plenty of spare batteries |
CANDLES AND MATCHES These are for backup lighting during a prolonged poweroutage |
BATTERY-POWERED RADIO Use this for news of the disaster and emergency radio broadcasts |
WATER Store 8 pints( 4.5 liters) of water per person per day |
FOOD AND CAN OPENER Store enough canned or dried food for 3 days |
FAMILY DOCUMENTS Keep passports and family documents in a waterproof wallet with emergency money |
BEDDING Keep one sleeping bag or blanket per person for sleeping outside |
BABY FOOD AND MILK Take jars, cans, formula mixes, bottles and spoons |
DIAPERS AND CREAMS Keep supplies of disposable diapers and diaper cream |
SHOES AND CLOTHES Keep a change of footwear and clothing for each person |
RAINWEAR Have a lightweight, waterproof jacket for each family member |