If a hurricane, snow storm or other emergency occurs, are you ready? Here’s a basic checklist, along with some other ideas to help you plan for any emergency.
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation.
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food that does not need to be warmed.
- Land line phone with chord (Cordless phones need electricity to operate)
- Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Manual can opener for food
- Prescription medications and eyeglasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pets (Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times)
- Important family documents stored in a waterproof, portable container
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches (in a waterproof container)
- Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils, paper towels, moist towelettes
- Blankets, bedding and a change of clothes
- Hand tools such as a hammer, screwdriver; scissors; duct tape; plastic garbage bags; paper and pencil; waterproof matches; household bleach
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
- Prepare a Family Communications Plan (your family may not be together when an emergency strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in emergencies)
It’s important that you stay informed about what might happen and know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your area, as well as emergency plans that have been established by your state and local government. For more information about how to prepare, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.