Timeless March 2020 | Page 45

will also have essential items if you need to evacuate.
• For your safety and comfort, have a disaster supplies
kit packed and ready in one place before a disaster hits.
• Assemble enough supplies to last for at least three
days.
• Store your supplies in one or more easy-to-carry con-
tainers, such as a backpack or duffel bag.
• You may want to consider storing supplies in a con-
tainer that has wheels.
• Be sure your bag has an ID tag.
• Label any equipment, such as wheelchairs, canes or
walkers, that you would need with your name, address and
phone numbers.
• Keeping your kit up-to-date is also important. Review
the contents at least every six months or as your needs
change. Check expiration dates and shift your stored sup-
plies into everyday use before they expire. Replace food,
water and batteries, and refresh medications and other per-
ishable items with “first in, first out” practices.
Here are some suggestions for building your disaster
supplies kit. Include any additional items that you feel
might be useful for your particular needs.
Basic Needs and Supplies checklist
• Water — One gallon per person, per day (3-day supply
for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food — It is a good idea to include foods that do not
need cooking (canned, dried, etc.) (3-day supply for evacu-
ation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs (do not use
candles)
• Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
Cold Climate Supplies checklist
It is possible that you will not have heat during or after a
disaster. Think about your clothing and bedding needs. Be
sure to include one set of the following for each person:
• Jacket or coat
• Long pants and long-sleeve shirt
• Sturdy shoes
• Hat, mittens and scarf
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket
Supplies for Your Vehicle checklist
• Flashlight with extra batteries and extra bulbs
• Maps
• First-aid kit and manual
• Tire repair kit
• Jumper cables
• Flares
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable foods such as granola bars
• Winter: Blanket, hat, mittens, shovel, sand, tire chains,
windshield scraper, florescent distress flag
• Summer: Sunscreen lotion SPF 15 or higher, shade
item (umbrella, wide-brimmed hat, etc.)
Note: Also make a checklist for other needed items.
To you, it’s about making the right choice.
To us... it’s personal.
2. Make a Plan
Whether you are looking for someone to
help an aging parent a few hours a week
or need more comprehensive assistance,
Home Instead can help.
The next time a disaster strikes, you may not have much
time to act. Planning ahead reduces anxiety. Prepare now
for a sudden emergency and remember to review your plan
regularly.
Learn more at
HomeInstead.com/809
or call 601.286.3242
PERSONAL CARE | MEMORY CARE | MEALS & NUTRITION
Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise is independently owned and operated.
© 2020 Home Instead, Inc.
• First aid kit and manual
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool (several tools that fold up into a
pocket-sized unit)
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items (toilet paper,
plastic garbage bags)
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and
pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth
certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with an extra battery and charger(s)
• Family and friends’ emergency contact information
• Cash and coins (ATMs may not be accessible)
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the local area
• Whistle (to attract the attention of emergency person-
nel)
• One change of clothing
• Manual can opener
• Pet supplies (including food and vaccination records)
• Extra set of keys (car, house, etc.)
• Pack of cards to provide entertainment and pass the
time
353558-1
Meet With Your Family and Friends
Explain your concerns to your family and others in your
support network and work with them as a team to prepare.
Arrange for someone to check on you at the time of a disas-
ter. Be sure to include any caregivers in your meeting and
planning efforts.
Assess yourself and your household. What personal abil-
ities and limitations may affect your response to a disaster?
Think about how you can resolve these or other questions
•45