Making a disaster kit and plan
With hurricane season well and truly in swing, it is important to ensure that you and your family are protected and prepared for the events that ensue. Making a disaster kit containing essential items for safely navigating dangerous weather is an important step to take, in addition to formulating a well- made, practical plan for yourself and your family to familiarise yourselves with.
Below is an example kit and plan which can be modified to suit your individual needs.
Kit:
1. Water- one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
2. Food- at least a three- day supply of non- perishable food, e.g. corned beef
3. Battery- powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
4. Flashlight
5. Full First Aid Kit
6. Extra batteries
7. Whistle to attract attention/ help
8. Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
9. Plastic sheeting and duct tape to create an emergency shelter
10. Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
11. Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
12. Manual can opener for food (and spare to account for fault)
13. Local maps
14. Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
15. Plywood and nails (for repairs)
Individual needs- based items:
1. Prescription medications
2. Non- prescription medications, e.g. pain relief, anti- diarrhoeia medication, antacids/ laxatives
3. Glasses and contact lense solution
4. Baby formula, bottles, diapers,, wipes, rash cream
5. Pet food and extra water for pet
6. Cash/ traveler’s cheques
7. Important family documents, e.g. insurance policies, ID and bank account records, birth certificates, passports as an electronic copy or sealed in a waterproof container
8. Sleeping bag/ warm blanket for each person
9. Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
10. Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
11. Fire extinguisher
12. Matches in a waterproof container
13. Feminine hygiene supplies and personal hygiene items
14. Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
15. Paper and pencil
16. Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children which don’t require power/ electricity
Plan:
1. Identify hazards in the home such as leaks or loose wiring etc.
2. Obtain first aid supplies and familiarize yourself with CPR skills
3. Establish a disaster meeting point and family contact
4. Develop adequate storage
5. Prepare a food supply
6. Store emergency supplies (in watertight containers)
7. Develop an emergency evacuation plan
8. Bring loose outside furniture inside to a garage or similar
9. Move important items to higher locations in the house
10. Prepare for disaster whilst in a vehicle- avoid bridges, overpasses, electrical lines, signs and related objects
11. Prepare for disaster at work or school- ask about established protocol and identify emergency exits and how to reach them
12. Practice, modify and maintain the plan- stored food and water should be rotated every 6 months and fire extinguishers and smoke alarms require proper and regular maintenance
