Be Prepared, Not Scared

September is National Preparedness Month, and the 2019 theme is “Be Prepared, Not Scared.”

In case of a wildfire or other disaster, you should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for up to three days by making an emergency kit and go bag.  According to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, an  emergency kit is for an extended stay at home, while a go bag is for an immediate evacuation and is a scaled down version of the emergency kit.  Keep the emergency kit and go bags stored in cool, dry, and convenient locations in your home and car.

Here are some items for an emergency supply kit or go bag that can be adapted for your family’s needs.

• One gallon of water per person per day.  Replace the water with fresh water every six months.
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food that does not require cooking and a can opener for any canned food.
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils.
• First aid kit and instructions.
• Copy of important documents in a waterproof container or sealed plastic bags.
• Recent photos of your children in a waterproof container or sealed plastic bags.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Medications, toys, infant formula, and diapers for infants.
• Medications, glasses, hearing aids and batteries, dentures and cleaner, and personal care items for seniors.
• Weather and season appropriate complete change of clothing for each person.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• Battery powered or hand crank radio.
• Extra batteries for radio, flashlights, etc.  (Be sure to check expiration dates.)
• Pen or pencil and paper in a sealed waterproof bag.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place.
• Whistle to signal for help.
• Cash. (ATM and credit card machines may be out of service during power outages).
• Cell phone power bank or car charger.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Matches in a waterproof container.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Paper copy of important phone numbers, since you may not be able to access them off your phone.

Here are some supplies to include in a first aid kit.

• Cleansing agent/soap and antibacterial towelettes.
• Disposable gloves.
• Sterile dressings and gauze.
• Antibiotic, burn, and anti-itch ointments.
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
• Eye wash solution.
• Scissors.
• Prescription medications.
• Over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, allergy, anti-diarrheal, and laxatives.
• Medical supplies, such a glucose monitoring equipment and blood pressure monitors.

And don’t forget a pet supply kit.

• Food and water.
• Collar with ID tag and leash or harness.
• Medications, first aid kit, and instructions.
• Current photo of your pet in a waterproof container or sealed plastic bag.
• Important documents, such as vaccination record, license information, microchip information, and veterinarian name and phone number in a waterproof container or sealed plastic bag.
• Crate or carrier.
• Bedding and toys.
• Sanitation supplies, such as waste bags, litter and litter box, paper towels, and cleaner.