Emergency Preparedness Program Part 1:

In the wake of the unfortunate tornado's that hit both Texas and Oklahoma recently, and the pending hurricane season fast approaching, I felt compelled to compile an emergency preparedness program for my fans. It is important that we think about possible emergencies, not just because of bad weather events, but also for economic events that possibly could hit your home. Therefore, when you think emergency preparedness, plan for both acts of nature and financial emergencies such as loss of job.

There are two things you must think about when creating and planning your emergency plan: disaster plan (twofold plan) and long term survival plan.  For those who have never endured a quick exit during an emergency, you must create a plan for a quick escape, or survival during a power outage plan. Both of these plans must be separate from each other. One plan will help you flee immediately with the proper items needed while you are away from home, while the other will help you and your family survive the long term effects of a local or state emergency.  Both will require you to have your own food, water and supplies to cover you for a minimum of 72 hours, maybe longer. No matter what your local and state officials might not be able to get you immediate assistance during an emergency, as all resources will be tackling infrastructure breaches such as downed electrical lines, blocked roads, or interruptions in water supplies. Not to mention other people who are more severely injured on the other side of town. Therefore, you must be prepared to fend for yourself until such time as services are restored. Please don't think you can survive without preparing just because you think your immune to such things, you're not, so heed the warnings here. Grocery stores will not be stocked, or even opened during an emergency. Most consumers don't realize that a grocery store only has provisions for 72 hours themselves, and your neighbors cleared off the shelves the day before, in preparation. It might take a minimum of a week before a truck can deliver needed supplies. Gas stations will be effected too.

Grab & Go Emergency Kit

Your Emergency Kit for quick mobility should contain not only food, but also first aid supplies, along with any medications you might need. Remember to include those family documents (copies of birth certificates, insurance papers, medical records, pet documents too. You should also have your passport and drivers licenses with you, should you flee quickly; so make sure you know where these are at all times.) If you have an infant, please include formula, diapers, etc. to care for that child.  Do not forget about the dog or cat, they need to be cared for too. The following list is just a suggestion, but it is up to you to determine what you should have in your kit based on your family needs and requirements.

Food - 3-4 day minimum supply per person - all non-perishable foods.

Water - 1 gallon per person for cleaning or 1 case (24 bottles) bottled water per person - 4 bottles for drinking per day and 4 for sanitation. 1 gallon of water per animal should cover 3 days.

Batteries - for both radio, flashlights.

First Aid Kit

Whistle so that you can save your voice to call for help, use the whistle

Painters mask -  3M Tekk Protection Particulate Respirator, 20 each/pack - you should calculate one mask per day, per person. Price for this package is about $20 each.

Can opener for canned food

Knife or scissors to open packages or for emergency cutting. Military Leatherman tool is perfect.

Personal hygiene - moist toilettes, female products.

Plastic bags: Large and Small Garbage bags for waste and sanitation, Large and Small Ziploc Bags for storing food and other loose items.

Personal closing and bedding: For cold weather climates be sure to have proper clothing attire.  Other extra clothing and foot wear should be considered. Short list for emergency get away. Think camping.

Coat or jacket

Jeans

Long sleeve shirt

Boots - hiking or work boots (ladies no heals)

Hat and gloves - heat prevention, warmth hat, and gloves to clear debris or keep hands warm

Sleeping bag and blanket per person

Temporary Housing items:

Basic Camping equipment can be used for a multiple of situations. Consider investing in a tent, camping stove, utensils, dishware, cooking items, folding chairs, etc. 

Rain Gear - Rain poncho (you can buy throw away rain ponchos at the dollar store and store conveniently)

Next: Emergency Preparedness Program Part 2: