Experience gained from past disasters has shown that it can take 72 hours or more to mobilize a significant relief effort during an emergency. Therefore everyone is encouraged to prepare to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours – that’s 3 days – of an emergency.
By being prepared ourselves allows emergency workers focus on people in urgent need. To support their efforts, the rest of us need to be prepared to look after ourselves.
The San Francisco area is exposed to a wide variety of hazards, both natural and man-made. The path of destruction that Hurricane Katrina left in its wake across the southern U.S. in August 2005 and the widespread flooding of 2007 – 2008 have provided a horrific reminder of the importance of being prepared for disasters. Unfortunately no part of our country is immune to natural or man-made disasters.
Earthquakes, power outages, floods, fires, severe storms and acts of terrorism are just some of the potential emergencies. Many of these emergencies have been deadly in the past. Being prepared can save lives and can help to reduce the impact of a disaster on you and your family.
Why prepare your family?
Imagine for a moment that you have no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service. Imagine that all the businesses are closed and you are without any kind of emergency services. What will you do until help arrives?
While governments at all levels are working hard to keep its citizens safe, individuals also have an important role to play in emergency preparedness. By being prepared to take care of yourself, you allow community resources to be used more effectively during an emergency and you help keep your own family safe too. Very simply put, emergency preparedness must begin at home.
Start to plan today!
Prepare your emergency kit and prepare your family – so in the case of a major emergency like a flood or blackout – you are ready to take care of yourself and your loved ones for at least 72 hours. You should be prepared to live without running water, electricity, gas, telephones and assistance from safety services for at least three days following a disaster.
Your family Emergency Kit is comprised of two separate parts; a First Aid Kit and a Go Bag.
Your own 72-Hour Emergency Kit should be tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family. Store your emergency supplies in an easily accessible if evacuation is required. Items may be stored in a trashcan, suitcase, duffle bag, backpack, footlocker or individual pack.
Your First Aid Kit
In any emergency situation, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Keep basic first aid supplies handy so you are prepared to assist when someone is hurt.
Some items that should be in your First Aid Kit:
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Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
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Butterfly Closure Bandages
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Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
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Elastic Wrap
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Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
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Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
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Burn ointment
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Sting Relief Pads (for insect bites)
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Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
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Scissors
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Two pairs of disposable gloves
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First Aid Instruction Guide
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Medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication
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The prescription medications you take every day such as insulin or heart medication.
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All prescribed medical supplies such as glucose or blood pressure monitors
Go Bag:
A major component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Every household should pack a Go Bag — a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation order.
Your Go Bag may be assembled or purchased as a ready-made kit for convenience. Your Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy backpack or suitcase on wheels.
The Go Bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year as an emergency evacuation can occur at any time.
Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each is tagged with the name of the person it was packed for. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work.
Remember that if you have to leave your house you may be living and sleeping somewhere else for a while. It is therefore a good idea to add some activity items to the kids Go Bag.
Some suggestions may be a couple of favorite books
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Crayons, pencils and plenty of paper
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A puzzle
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A favorite toy such as a doll or action figure
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One or two board games
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A deck of cards
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A Favorite stuffed animal or puppet
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Favorite blanket or pillow
Other items to add to your Go Bag are:
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Water and non-perishable food such as energy or granola bars
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Manual can opener
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Plates, utensils and other cooking supplies
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Flashlight and extra batteries or Hand-charged Flashlight
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Pocketknife or Multifunctional Tool
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Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
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Whistle
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Waterproof Matches
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A Dust mask
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Duct Tape, permanent marker, and paper
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Cable Ties
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Light Stick
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Rope or twine
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Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
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Heavy work gloves
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Disposable lighters
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Phillips Screw Driver
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Standard Screw Driver
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Folding Shovel w/Sheath
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Trash Bags
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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Personal Hygiene kit
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Shave Kit
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Maps
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Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, gloves and a warm hat
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Emergency Survival Sleeping Bag
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Rain Ponchos
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Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
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List of emergency contact phone numbers
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List of allergies to any drug or food
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Copy of health insurance and identification cards
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Extra prescription eyeglasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
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Prescription medications
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Extra keys to your house and vehicle
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Disposable camera
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Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities.
Don’t forget to make-up a Go-bag for your pets.
I sincerely hope that this article will provide the incentive for you to get prepared for an emergency now. Don’t put if off for another day. The safety and well being of your family is at stake.
Allan Wright
First Aid Kit Products
Posted by firstaidproducts 