Every region of the country has disasters. If you live on the east coast, you may have to deal with hurricanes, tornadoes, and tsunamis. If you live in the central states, you may have to deal with tornadoes. On the west coast, you will likely deal with wildfires and earthquakes. So preparing a disaster kit for your family may be the one thing that can help your family survive during a disaster.
The following are some basics you can put in your disaster kit:
- Weather radio: A weather radio broadcasts warnings from the meteorologists. These warnings can give you an idea the safest areas and whether you should stay in your home or evacuate. This information can be vital to your safety during a disaster.
- Flashlight: One of the first casualties to a disaster is the electricity. You should include batteries or at least have a wind-up flashlight.
- First Aid Kit: Many drugstores have a basic first aid kit that you can buy to put in your car and/or home. Make sure that you have plenty of bandages and antibiotic cream.
- Medications: During an incident, it can be hard to get vital medications. Make sure that you keep a supply of medications on hand and/or prescriptions.
- Blankets: Blankets can be used in various ways during a disaster.
- List of phone numbers: Even though you have numbers for special care needs for disabilities or for animals, remember that during a disaster the telephones may be down. If you need special care, contact your State before the disaster for available services.
According to disaster statistics, it can take up to 72 hours to get assistance into a disaster area. To keep your family healthy, here are a few essentials:
- Water: You need at least 72 hours worth of water such as one gallon per person per day.
- Food: Keep well-packaged high energy foods in the cupboard such as peanut butter.
- Clothing: Sturdy boots, etc.
- Sanitation: Toilet paper, garbage bags, and chlorine bleach.
Preparation for a disaster is important for the well-being of the family. Get the children involved with preparing the kit. Make them a part of this important project.
