Are you Prepared for an Emergency?

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning.  It can force you to evacuate your home or confine you to your home or car.  What would you do if basic services including water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut off?  Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.  Families can and do cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team.  Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

Emergency Supplies

Keep enough supplies in your home 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.

Items to 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 your family's prescription medications.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or travelers checks.
• Emergency tools, including a battery powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of batteries.  Remember you need to listen to a local radio or television.  A NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio is also a 24 hour source for emergency information.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container.
• Keep a smaller "Emergency Supplies Kit" in the trunk of your car.