As promised, here are a few things you might want to have on hand in case of emergencies, whether it be an earthquake, flood or power outage.
Have at least 1 gallon of bottled water per person per day on hand in case of an emergency. Be sure to have extra for your pets as well.
My husband, Hilory, actually put together the original Disastrous Preparedness Program for San Mateo County, California, after the horrific tragedy of September 11, 2001.
These are things to consider for the well-being of your family and yourself. Our families have put together most of these items. (I found out there are a few more things we need to do when I investigated this more thoroughly while writing this.) We also have a meeting place designated in case we aren’t able to communicate via phones and can’t stay in our homes for some reason.
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS KIT
WATER
- 1 gallon/person/day
FOOD
- Canned meats, soups, fruits and vegetables
- Dry milk and juice drinks
- Sugar, salt and pepper high-energy foods; peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix
- Comfort foods: cookies, candy, instant coffee, tea
- Vitamins
- Special needs: infants, special diet, pet food
- Avoid foods like rice and pasta that require more water to prepare
- Restock 1/year
Have a First Aid Bucket readily available in case of emergencies with the main items needed. Having a bucket makes sure everything stays dry in case of a flood or any type of water damage.
FIRST AID
- Band-Aids
- Gauze
- Roller bandages
- Scissors
- Antiseptic
- Soap/anti-bacterial
- Moist towelettes
- Petroleum jelly
- Pain reliever
- Other non-prescription medications
- Sunscreen
- Latex gloves
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Safety pins
You may want to have a 50 gallon barrel in case Hetch Hetchy pipelines break.
SUPPLIES
- Paper plates and napkins
- Plastic utensils
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio
- Batteries
- Cash
- Can Opener
- Tape
- Matches in waterproof container
- Foil
- Paper and pencil
- Needle and thread
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Signal flare
- Ponchos
- Blankets or sleeping bags/warm clothes
SANITARY
- Toilet paper
- Garbage bags
- Soap
- Feminine supplies
- Plastic bucket
- Disinfectant
- Household bleach
DOCUMENT COPIES
- Will/insurance
- Passport/Social Security cards
- Immunization records
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Contracts/stocks
- Best to store these items in a waterproof zip lock bag
Know where to turn off the water and gas to our home. Also, have a wrench at these locations in order to turn them off. You don’t want to be trying to find them in a shed or garage after an earthquake or during any type of disaster.
You might also want to consider a large 50 gallon water container for possible long-term water needs. Be sure to have extra medicines and prescription drugs on hand for yourself and family members including any pets.
Know how to turn off the water and gas lines to your home. Make sure there is a wrench handy to be able to do this. YOu don’t want to have to locate one in a tool shed or garage. You might not be able to even get to these due to the situation. Plus, it’s just peace-of-mind to know everything is right there where you need them.
If you need more information, go to: http://tinyurl.com/yfuhgbz for a complete list and tips.
