Are you and your family prepared for the first 72 hours?
Experience from past disasters has shown that it can take up to 72 hours or more to mobilize a significant relief effort during an emergency. Therefore, everyone must be prepared to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours, that is, 3 days, of an emergency. Of course, common sense dictates that we should be prepared for any emergency situation, however the fact remains that only a few of us are prepared for even the smallest crisis, let alone one of major importance.
An obvious advantage of being prepared: it allows emergency workers to focus on the people who need their help most urgently. To support their efforts, the rest of us must be prepared to take care of ourselves for at least 72 hours.
The San Francisco area is exposed to a wide variety of hazards, both natural and man-made. The path of destruction left by Hurricane Katrina as it passed through the southern US in August 2005 and the widespread flooding of 2007 and 2008 have provided a dire reminder of the importance of being prepared for disasters. Unfortunately, no part of our country, or North America, is immune from a natural or man-made disaster.
Earthquakes, power outages, floods, fires, severe storms, and acts of terrorism are just a few of the potential emergencies. Many of these emergencies have been deadly in the past. Being prepared can save lives and can help reduce the impact of a disaster on you and your family.
Why prepare your family?
Imagine for a moment that you have no electricity, gas, water, or telephone service. Imagine that all the businesses are closed and you do not have any type of emergency service. What will you do until help arrives? What will you do if local authorities issue an emergency evacuation order? Remember, in such a circumstance there will be no stores open for you to purchase anything, the store staff will also be evacuated!
If you haven’t prepared for any of these events in advance, you and your family may have a very difficult time when disaster strikes in your hometown. While governments are working hard to keep citizens safe, we all have an important role to play in preparing for and responding to emergencies. By being prepared to take care of yourself, you allow community resources to be used more effectively during an emergency while helping to keep your own family safe. Simply put, emergency preparedness must start at home.
Start planning today!
Since neither natural nor man-made emergencies can be predicted; therefore, it is imperative that we all be prepared well in advance of the disaster.
I cannot overemphasize this point.
Prepare your and your family’s emergency kit so that in the event of a major emergency like a flood or power outage, you are ready to care for yourself and your loved ones for at least 72 hours. You should be prepared to live without running water, electricity, gas, phones, and assistance from security services for at least three days after a disaster.
What do you need?
You should have an “Emergency Kit” in your home, ready to use at any time.
The family emergency kit consists of two separate parts, a first aid kit and a travel bag.
Your own 72-hour emergency kit should be tailored to meet your family’s basic survival needs. Store your emergency supplies in a place that is easily accessible if an evacuation is required. Items can be stored in a 32-gallon trash can, suitcase, duffel bag, backpack, trunk, or individual pack.
Your first aid kit
In any emergency situation, you or a family member can be cut, burned, or otherwise injured. It is imperative that you have basic first aid supplies on hand so that you are prepared to help when someone is injured. Medical help may not be available during or immediately after a large-scale disaster.
My personal list of items that should be in your first aid kit:
Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
gauze and bandages
butterfly closure bandages
Sterile dressings to stop bleeding (Blood stopper)
stretch wrap
instant cold pack
Cleaning agent/soap and antibiotic wipes to disinfect
Antibiotic ointment to prevent infections.
ointment for burns
Sting relief pads (for insect bites)
sun protection packages
Eyewash solution for rinsing eyes or as a general decontaminant
cotton tips
· Pair of scissors
· Tweezers
At least two pairs of disposable gloves.
A first aid instruction guide
hygiene kits
flashlight or glow stick
Medications such as aspirin or other pain relievers, laxatives, anti-diarrheals
Your travel bag:
An important 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 can be assembled or purchased as a ready-to-use kit for added convenience. Your Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy backpack or rolling suitcase.
The Go Bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave the house in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year, as an emergency evacuation order can occur at any time of the year.
Prepare a go-bag for each family member, making sure each one is labeled with the name of the person it was packed for. You may not be home when an emergency strikes, so keep some extra supplies in your car and at work.
Items that should be in your Go Bag:
Prescription medicines you take every day, such as insulin or heart medicines.
All prescribed medical supplies, such as glucose or blood pressure monitors.
Drinking water
Non-perishable foods, such as food portion bars or Meal-in-a-Box
manual can opener
Dishes, utensils and other kitchen supplies
Flashlight and extra batteries or flashlight
Knife or multifunctional tool
Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
whistles
waterproof matches
water filtration bottle
masking tape, permanent marker, and paper
cable ties
light stick
rope or twine
Emergency cash in small denominations and rooms for phone calls
heavy duty gloves
disposable lighters
Phillips screwdriver
standard screwdriver
Folding Shovel with Cover
· Garbage bags
Toothbrush and toothpaste
personal hygiene kit
shaving kit
maps
Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, gloves and a warm hat.
Emergency Survival Sleeping Bag
rain ponchos
Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
List of emergency contact telephone numbers
List of allergies to any drug or food
Copy of health insurance and identification cards.
Extra prescription glasses, hearing aids, or other vital personal items
Prescription drugs
Extra keys to your house and vehicle
Disposable camera
· Any special needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities.
Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.
Remember that if you have to leave your home because of an evacuation order, you will be living and sleeping somewhere else for a while. Therefore, it is a good idea to add some activity items to the children’s travel bag.
Some suggestions may be a couple of favorite books.
Pencils, pencils and lots of paper
· A puzzle
A favorite toy, such as a doll or action figure.
One or two board games.
a deck of cards
A favorite stuffed animal or puppet
favorite blanket or pillow
I sincerely hope this article gives you the incentive to prepare for an emergency now. Don’t leave it for another day. The safety and well-being of your family is at stake.