During an emergency, you may lose power and water, or you may not be able to get what you need at the store. The items you should have in your kit will vary from family to family, but all kits should include enough supplies for everyone for at least three days time. Consider having two kits, one for when you are taking shelter at home, and one to grab and go in case you must leave your home or the area. Some items to have in your kit are:
- Water. Have enough for 1 gallon per person per day (number of people × 3 = number of gallons). For example, a family of 4 would need 12 gallons of water in their kit. Replace the water when you change the clocks for daylight savings time.
- Non-perishable foods. Keep food that does not need to be refrigerated and has an expiration date at least six months from now (e.g. cereal bars, dried fruit, dried meats and canned goods). Check expiration dates when you change the clocks for daylight savings time and use the food that will expire. Replace the food with new non-perishable foods that have an expiration date at least six months later.
- Clothes and blankets. A sleeping bag for each member of the family is recommended. Consider rain gear and practical shoes.
- Filter masks. These masks can be found at your local hardware store. Masks can be used in the event of a serious pandemic flu, other communicable disease or bioterrorist event.
- Battery operated radio and extra batteries.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- First aid kit.
- Whistle (to call for help).
- Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer.
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities).
- Manual can opener.
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape. Sheeting can be used to help make a seal around windows and doors to keep out contaminated air.
- Garbage bags and plastic ties.
- Toilet paper.
Some items to consider for unique circumstances:
- Infant formula or baby food.
- Diapers.
- Prescription medications (at least a three day supply).
- Prescription glasses.
- Three day supply of pet food and more water (3 gallons per pet).
- Cash and credit cards.
- Extra set of car keys.
- List of family physicians and emergency contacts.
- Passports.
- Birth certificates.
- Other important documents
Families respond more quickly and more effectively to emergencies when they have talked about what to do. Families should discuss the following:
- Develop a family communication plan with emergency contact information. Families may be separated in an emergency. Make a plan where each family member is to call the same friend or family member who lives in town and one who lives out of state. If an emergency is only local, it may be easier to contact someone in a non-affected area. Each family member should have the contact information for the designated contacts.
- After a family is assembled you may need to decide whether to stay and shelter-in-place, or to get away. Have plans for both options.
- Pick two meeting places. One should be near your home in case of fire, and one should be outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
- Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones. For families using only cell phones, designate places to keep the cell phones. Program cell phones with emergency numbers.
- Discuss with children the dangers of fire, severe weather, hazardous materials, and other emergencies. Discuss what to do in each type of emergency.
- Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
- Discuss how to handle your pets in an emergency.
- Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room. Practice your plan.
- Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
- Teach children how and when to use 911.
- Teach children how to make long distance phone calls.
- Take basic first aid classes.
- Keep family records in a water/fire proof box or safe.
- Ask your workplace and your children’s school/daycare about emergency plans.
For more help with making a plan visit www.ready.gov.
Stay informed about emergency situations to know if a disaster or disease is impacting your area and how serious the emergency is. Visit our home page and check the “Huron County Health News” block for updated local information and quick links to guidance and instructions. By listening to local radio stations for emergency broadcasts and reading local papers, community members can stay informed. Some incidents happening in other parts of the state, country or world can impact us locally. See the links below to stay current on emergencies outside of Huron County.
Get involved in protecting your community. Share with your friends and neighbors what you have learned and what you have done to prepare.
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is another way to help your community in an emergency. The MRC is a group of volunteers who are trained and willing to respond to local emergencies. MRC volunteers can also register to respond to state or national emergencies. Please visit the MRC page for more information on how you can help others in an emergency.
