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 Yet, most of us do very little to prepare ahead of
time for such events. No one can know for sure when disaster will
hit, but experts agree that having a plan and being prepared is the
answer for making it through emergencies successfully.
Launched in 2004, September is National Preparedness Month, an
outreach program sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency to encourage people to prepare for and respond to all types
of emergencies. FEMA desires that every family make an emergency
plan by talking about what disasters might occur, how to prepare an
emergency kit and where it will be located, and where to go or who
to call should you be separated from your loved ones. If disaster of
any kind strikes, will you be ready?
If your family is not prepared for a natural disaster, there is no
time like the present to get started.
Some basic steps for safety seem obvious: get to higher ground when
flooding is predicted, have warm clothing and blankets in the car
when severe winter weather is forecast, or wear sunscreen, stay
hydrated, and pace yourself during extreme heat.
Other steps, however, take time and can be painstaking. Food and
water are necessary when disaster hits but so are personal care
items like contact solution, hand sanitizer, and battery-operated
flashlights.
• A disaster can easily disrupt food supply, so be sure that you
have at least a 3-day supply of food on hand.
• Keep foods that have a long storage life, require little or no
cooking, and are not spicy or salty, which would require more
drinking water.
• Be sure to keep in mind any dietary restrictions of the family
members you will be feeding.
• Store the emergency food in a cool, dry, dark place, preferably in
airtight containers to protect from insects, rodents, and the
elements.
• Check expiration dates of canned foods and dry mixes, which should
be changed out on a regular basis.
• Throw away any food that is in swollen, dented, or corroded cans.
• Do not eat any food that smells rotten or looks abnormal, even if
the can is okay.
To prepare and serve the food quickly and efficiently one should,
also, have paper plates, plastic silverware, aluminum foil, a
propane or charcoal grill with fuel, a non-electric can opener, and
cooking utensils. Matches in a waterproof container should be in the
emergency kit to start the grill or light candles.
Use the fireplace or fondue pots during emergencies as an
alternative heat source for cooking. It is especially important to
wash your hands and cooking surfaces after a disaster to prevent any
food poisoning from happening; use the unscented liquid chlorine
bleach that you have stored in your emergency kit. Because the
amount of active chlorine in bleach decreases over time, consider
replacing the bottle at least once a year.
Along with food, store at least a 3-day supply of water for each
member of the family and each pet. It is recommended that you store
at least one gallon of water per day for each person and each pet.
Consider storing more water for cleaning and bathing. While unopened
commercially bottled water is the safest emergency water supply,
remember that store bought water jugs have expiration dates, so,
like the food, be sure to change out the bottled water regularly, at
least every 6 months. Dispose of any bottled water that has an odor.
Store water in a place with a cool temperature that does not receive
direct sunlight.
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Whatever your water source, be sure it is safe before
drinking, washing dishes, brushing your teeth, preparing food, or
using for personal hygiene. Follow recommendations of your local
health department for boiling or treating water in your area.
Contact the health department for specific instructions concerning
water that has been contaminated by toxic chemicals during a
disaster.
While food and water are staples that everyone needs
to survive, remember to pack in your emergency kit other necessities
to help you get through the hours or days after the disaster
attacks:
• Medications: prescription and non-prescription including pain
relievers (pet meds too,) anti-diarrhea medication
• Eyeglasses or contacts and solutions
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes
• Sleeping bags or warm blankets
• Personal hygiene items
• Change of clothes and shoes
• Books, games, and toys that can entertain without electricity
• Pet food
• Flashlights and batteries
• Important documents such as insurance policies, identification
records, and bank records
When disaster happens in Illinois our utilities may be interrupted
for hours or sometimes days, roads and highways might be closed,
homes, schools, or workplaces might be damaged or destroyed and
stores may have shortages of items that we need.
Every disaster is different, and no one can predict everything that
may or may not take place. However, being prepared can keep yourself
and others safe, strong, and healthy when something bad happens.
Preparation is the key to making it through emergencies
successfully.
[Lisa Ramlow]
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