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Preparedness Guides
Get Prepared
- Being prepared is the key to survival in any disaster.
- Create a plan as a family and work together to assemble a disaster kit.
- Make sure that each family member knows what to do in the event of a disaster.
- Knowledge replaces fear and pre-planning controls chaos.
Emergency Preparedness Guides for Business
NIOSH Business Emergency Management Planning
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Guides Published by NOAA & the American Red Cross
Basic Family Disaster Kit
By following the lists below you will be able to spread the cost of assembling your kit over a four week period. Make sure your kit contains enough provisions for each family member for 3 - 4 days. This Disaster Kit is intended for families that will shelter in place at home.If your family needs to evacuate you will need to modify your kit accordingly.
Week 1
- Containers to hold supplies; plastic totes, backpacks etc.
- Flashlights, (1 per family member)
- Toolbox with basic tools, (hammer, screwdriver, utility knife, etc.)
- Assorted nails
- Roll of Duct Tape
- Large tarp(s), (for covering roof if needed)
- Battery operated radio
- Spare batteries for flashlights and radio
- Blanket or sleeping bag and pillow for each family member
- Towels and washcloths
- Clothing for each family member, include shoes and rain gear
- Books, games, toys etc. for entertainment
- Local road map
Week 2
- Canned, ready to eat meat
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruit
- Can opener (hand operated)
- Zip-lock bags, assorted sizes
- Box of large trash bags w/ ties
- Paper plates, cups and disposable silverware
Week 3
- Toothbrush for each family member
- Toothbrush
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes or pre-moistened cleansing cloths
- Toilet paper (6 roll pack)
- Shampoo
- Bar Soap
- Feminine Hygiene products
- Basic over-the-counter medications, (pain reliever, cough/cold)
- Family First Aide Kit
- Bug Repellent
Week 4
- One gallon of water per person per day, include extra for pets
- Prepared snacks, energy bars, granola bars, raisins, nuts etc. (Make sure you seal them in zip-lock bags or plastic containers)
- Large jar of peanut butter, (great source of protein)
- Large cans of ready to drink fruit juice, not concentrated. (Avoid glass bottles.)
- Rolls of paper towels
- Dish washing soap
- Food and formula for infants/toddlers if applicable
- Disposable diapers and wipes
- Pet food, leashes, food bowls etc.
Additional Considerations When Assembling Your Supplies:
- Make sure you have plenty of prescription medications on hand, also have a list of medications, including dosing information, allergies to medications and Medical history printed clearly on paper and sealed in a zip-lock bag. This information should be with the individual it pertains to during a disaster, not packed in a bag that may become separated from them during an evacuation.
- All important papers, (birth certificates, financial papers etc.), should be sealed in a water proof container that can be easily carried with you in the event of an evacuation.
- All pets should have ID tags with their name as well as their owners name and contact information.