Humanitarian
Aid International Consulting, Inc.
2501 Talbot Road Baltimore, MD 21216
Phone: 202.680.8213
E-mail: info@humanitarianaidic.org website: http://www.haic1.org/
Family
Preparedness Kit
When
preparing a family disaster kit, it is useful to divide
it into several categories. The first four deal strictly
with survival:
FOOD
/ WATER:
· At
least a 5-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per
day). Purchase water purification tablets in case you have
to evacuate, Hand a Sanitizer such as Purell. Also have
bleach for disinfecting items.
· Collapsible
water jugs (numbers depend on the size of your family)
· A
5-day supply of canned and non perishable packaged goods
(don’t forget the manual can opener) Rotate your
food through your non-perishables and canned goods so that
you have up-to-date food items
· Eating
utensils. Remember, you may not be able to wash them, so
disposables are a good idea
SHELTER
/ COMFORT:
· Blankets,
emergency blankets (silver reflective type), sleeping bags/bedding,
and a tarp
· Multi-tool
or basic tool kit, an ax
· Heat
sources. There are many small, lightweight personal heating
pads available on the market. Keep candles and matches
in Ziploc bags
CLOTHING:
· At
least one or two changes of clothing per person. Remember,
these must be seasonally appropriate, so check and update
your kit every 3 to 4 months
MEDICATIONS
/ medical
equipment:
· Keep
a 10 day supply of all vital medications in Ziploc bags
(one for each medication) and leave a copy of instructions
in each bag
· If
you depend on powered equipment, ensure you have spare
batteries and repair kits
· Have
a full first aid kit available and know how to use it
· List
all emergency numbers such as physicians, medical information,
and the make and serial numbers of things like pacemakers
· Keep
an extra set of glasses or contact lenses in a ziploc bag
The
next categories deal with other components of an emergency
kit that are not strictly necessary for survival, but can
be equally important for the well-being of your family
CHILDREN:
· Have
(non-electronic) toys, books, and a favorite object (teddy
bear, blanket, etc.) on hand. This will help to calm them
· Involve
them in the planning and family exercises. This will make
them feel more in control in an emergency
PETS:
· Have
a plan for your pet including food, water, and medication
reserves. Remember, having to abandon a pet may delay or
prevent you from leaving the danger area yourself
SUPPLIES:
· Battery
operated or manually powered (preferable) flashlights and
radio.
· Extra
cell phone batteries (charged), and extra batteries for other
equipment
· Waterproof
matches
· Trash
bags (can be used for a variety of things)
· Keep
passports and social security cards in one location; make
copies of important family documents such as mortgage, home
and, medical insurance, credit cards and emergency cash. All
of these items should be in waterproof bags
HAVE
A FAMILY PLAN:
Meet
with your family members and discuss how you will respond
in an emergency and practice, practice, practice! ALWAYS
HEED GOVERNMENT EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS!
1. Things
to discuss include:
§ Fire
evacuation
§ Choose
a meeting place near your home that all family members can
go to
§ Choose
a backup meeting place outside of your neighborhood if you
can’t reach the first location
Post
emergency numbers where everyone can see them
2. Teach
your children how to dial 911
3. Teach
your children what their last name, address, and phone number
is
4. Choose
a responsible friend or relative as the person your children
call when they cannot get a hold of you
5. Register
your minor children with a national children’s database
6. If
you have special needs family members register them with
the appropriate agencies including your local utility company
if your family member is on a ventilator
7. Know
your cities emergency radio station in the District of Columbia
it is WTOP 1500 AM
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