Disaster Preparedness

Prepare for the Unexpected: Make Disaster Preparedness a Part of Your Family’s Life

In today’s world, it is in your family's best interest to be as prepared as possible for the unexpected. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a terrorist strike, preparedness is the key to survival. But the key to preparedness, according to the American Red Cross Web site, is to establish simple and inexpensive plans that are easy to carry out.

If you’ve ever had the experience of going to the supermarket after the threat of a winter storm, you can only imagine how quickly the shelves would empty in your local market with a threat of a major crisis. Most communities only have two days worth of supplies, but by making simple preparedness plans you can ensure that your family will have all the supplies that you’ll need in case of an emergency.

It is important to have several types of food staples available for long-term storage including Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), dry cereal, and canned goods as well as foods for short or medium-term crisis consisting of portable, immediately edible foods that require no preparation. Purchase foods that have a long shelf life and can be periodically given to community food banks or thrown away if it becomes outdated.

Remember to stock up on batteries and have a radio on hand. Other items to have available include flashlights, candles, multivitamin pills, salt, soap and supplies for your pets. If you make emergency preparedness a part of everyday life, when emergencies do occur, your family will know how to respond.

Family Protection Supply List:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Nonperishable food
• First aid supplies
• Clothing and bedding
• Tools
• Battery powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlights and batteries
• Soap, water and bleach