Preparing your kit for disasters

Each week in October I am discussing a different aspect of being prepared. This week I am going to discuss the third component “Build a Kit”.

A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for 3 to 5 days. In the event of a large scale disaster such as an earthquake relief workers may not be able to reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take several days.

Store these items in something that is portable and easily carried, like a plastic tub with a tight-fitting lid. The container should be able to withstand moisture, insects, and some abuse when the quake happens. If you have a large family, several smaller tubs may be easier to carry than one large container.

Place items in plastic bags to protect against condensation, which causes mildew and rust. Locate these supplies as close to your primary house exit as possible. You may have to find it in the dark or after the upheaval of an earthquake.

Your basic kit should consist of at least these basic items in quantities to last 3 to 5 days:

• A copy of your family Communications plan in a Ziploc bag.

• Water one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.

• Non-perishable Food at least a three-day supply.

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• First aid kit.

• Whistle to signal for help.

• Filter mask.

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

• Manual can opener if kit contains canned food.

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.

• Important Family Documents.

• Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers.

• Cell phone and chargers or a prepaid calling card.

• Household chlorine bleach - You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

• Important Family Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

• Food and extra water for your pets.

Once you have created your kit, it is important that you bring it out and rotate the items in it at least once a year.

I really think of my kit as my comfort kit. As I select items to put in to my kit, I select the items that will help me pass the time or are items one would really want to eat or use.

It is the responsibility of every resident of Wahkiakum County to be prepared and be self supporting for at least three to five days after an emergency or disaster, whether it be an earthquake or flooding. Our county has a wonderful group of dedicated emergency responders, PUD, public works, deputies, fire and emergency medical services, but in a large scale disaster, it is possible that access to these services may be delayed.

I have scheduled a test of the Emergency Community Notification System for next Sunday in the evening. This test will consist of a call to everyone with land line telephones and also to any cellular telephones that have signed up to receive these important messages.

Next week I will be discussing the National Weather Services definitions for advisories, watches and warnings and the actions you should take.

If you have any question or for more information on the item I have discussed in this article contact me at 795-3242, 465-2202 or visit my website at: http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/dem.html.