Most of us appreciate the concept of "being prepared" and perhaps many of us actually take steps to be ready for any emergency. Yet how often have you added "making a plan" or "creating an emergency kit" to your list of things to do…and, well, then life's daily events got in the way?
September is National Preparedness Month and a good time to make sure your personal emergency plan is ready if ever needed.
This year rolled in with the tsunami and, shortly thereafter, Barb Sadler published a "Senior Moments" column on how to be ready for "the unthinkable." This information is repeated below. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's unbelievable destruction and in memory of the unthinkable events of 9/11 - why not make your plan today?
Think About the Unthinkable
This column is about survival.
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. A reaction to this awareness is often to not dwell on it — as if by not personalizing the situation we could somehow ward it off. Obviously nothing will be gained by sticking our heads in the sand, and much could be lost.
Let's resolve to be ready.
Here are some steps you can take to set up a plan:
- Step 1: Get a kit of emergency supplies. Be ready to improvise and use what you have on hand for at least 3 days.
- Step 2: Make a plan for what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Make a family communication plan.
- Step 3: Be informed about what might happen.
You can go to www.ready.gov and click on Resolve to be READY in 2005 for detailed instructions on what you need to do to design and implement your plan. The United States Department of Homeland Security sponsors this site.
This may be one of the most important things you can do in 2005 — or, for that matter — in your lifetime.
Did You Know?
Here’s a very basic list of the supplies you should have on hand to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags or covered trash containers. Include:
- A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
- One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- A first aid kit that includes you family’s prescription medicines.
- Emergency tools including a battery powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card or traveler's checks.
- Sanitation supplies.
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
- An extra set of glasses.
Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.
Source: American Red Cross