ELKMONT ALABAMA: BUILDING AN EMERGENCY KIT IS JUST GOOD SENSE

Thursday, September 8, 2011

BUILDING AN EMERGENCY KIT IS JUST GOOD SENSE

Yes, these are the kits we used to call 72 hour kits. They were meant to be taken to a shelter or grabbed as you were evacuating to provide the necessities. Since witnessing the disasters over the past ten years it has become apparent that 72 hours just is not enough time for the government and relief agencies to meet the needs of disaster survivors. We must prepare to do that for ourselves for a minimum of 5 days and I would suggest seven. Start today to gather items from around the house or to purchase items you are in need of.

All great kits begin with a great back pack. Sales on backpacks are going on everywhere right now. It's a great time to buy but be sure you check out the stash in your closet first. Old packs which the kids are sick of will work just fine for children. Make sure your pack is large enough for everything on our list. You do not want to be forced to carry a second pack as the goal is to keep your hands free to care for children or pets, and to clear debris. Your pack should have padded shoulder straps for comfort and should be supported from the waist when it is carried, for optimum support. A pack with several compartments will allow you to separate items and organize your kit enabling you to find things quickly. Purchase a backpack that is a bright color which can easily be found in a cluttered closet or cupboard, for grab-and-go conditions. Packs should have a few outside pockets for easy access to items which are needed quickly when evacuating, such as keys, a flashlight or a whistle. Rolling backpacks are another option but be very careful when purchasing one. The metal bar on the back will often dig into your back when the pack is full making it very difficult to carry. If a flood or earthquake is a possibility in your area don't get a rolling pack. You will end up with it on your back and a good backpack is much more comfortable.
If you have a family member who is elderly or disabled and unable to carry a pack purchase a fishing vest with lots of pockets. You can balance the weight and create a pack with the most essential items, which will be comfortable and enable them to have control over items they will need. Be sure you include food, water, prescriptions, prescription glasses, ID card and emergency info, a whistle, mylar blanket and hygiene items in the vest.
All kits need a light source so collect all the flashlights from around the house and place them into your packs. Remember to store batteries in a plastic bag with the flashlights, but not in them.
Hygiene needs are important as even in a shelter they expect you to bring your own. Gather hand towels and place one in each kit. These will work to dry off after a shower or washing your face. Do you collect little soaps from hotel rooms? Place one or two in each kit. Check your cupboards and drawers for tooth brushes, tooth paste, combs, small shampoo bottles and other hygiene items. Make a list of any you still need to purchase.

MORE THINGS TO ADD:
1. Check your medicine cabinet and first aid kits and add first aid supplies. Add bandages of all sizes, thermometer, pain relievers, fever reducers, anti diahreal tablets, tweezers, antibiotic cream, antacid, burn cream and anything else you regularly use.

2. Add a roll of TP to adult kits. Evacuation centers do run out of TP. You don't have to let anyone know you have it. Just take your kit with you when using the facilities and put it back in your kit when you are done.

3. Add feminine hygiene products in the kits of all who may need them. Be sure to have enough for at least five days. Feminine pads are great to use for wounds as they are sanitary and very absorbent.

4. Add a large plastic trash bag to all kits. These can be used for dozens of purposes from protecting our pack as a rain cover to rain protection for yourself, to collecting trash, and separating soiled from clean clothing.

5. Hats are great in the sun, rain and snow providing protection and warmth. A distinctive or brightly colored hat can make it easier to spot family members in a crowd. Add a hat to all kits.