As youngsters, the more serious-minded among us were vigilant about making the Scout motto "Be Prepared" a reality. Now with the latest round of fires, earthquakes and hurricanes, the old adage is more relevant than ever. Even in Virginia, we all have the potential to encounter the occasional unpredicted mishap. But few events can be as unpredictable, or devastating, as natural disasters: hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tsunamis, severe storms, tornadoes, and landslides, many of which we've been faced with lately.
Nature expresses herself in myriad ways, not all of them pleasant. A handy and well-stocked emergency supply kit, however, makes managing such situations much easier, and can significantly lessen the severity of nature's ill-effects. Since September is National Preparedness Month, there's no better time to assemble a complete and potentially life-saving emergency supply kit than now.
Start with a container that allows you to easily see the contents inside, such as a transparent plastic storage tub. You can use clear, resealable plastic bags to store the smaller, individual contents of the kit. According to the Red Cross, an emergency supply kit should contain the following items:
- Water - one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Food - nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit (visit redcross.org for advice on assembling one)
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multipurpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
- Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Games and activities for children
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Two-way radios
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Manual can opener
Depending on the types of disasters likely in your area, you may also want to include the following:
- Surgical masks
- Matches
- Rain gear
- Towels
- Work gloves
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Household liquid bleach
Store the emergency supply kit in a place that is easy to reach and free from humidity, which can shorten the shelf life of some of its contents. Make sure all family members know where the kit is located, and take the time to train everyone in the use of each item in the kit. Whatever nature brings, you'll be ready for it, and glad you made the effort to be prepared.
For any home insurance questions, call or contact Wilson, Timmons & Wallerstein, Inc. today.