Emergency kits - what to pack
Date: 10/18/2010
Oct. 18, 2010by Brian A. Falk
Chairman, East Longmeadow Local Emergency Planning Committee
EAST LONGMEADOW -- Since the article in the Sept. 13 edition of The Reminder, "Tips on how to get 'disaster ready' on a budget," I have been asked, "So what's in an emergency supply kit?" This article will tell you what is recommended as well as what else should be considered.
The recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit include:
Water, one gallon per person, per day, for at least three days.
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
A battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
A flashlight and extra batteries.
A first aid kit.
A whistle to signal for help.
Dust masks to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
A can opener for food, if kit contains canned food.
Local maps.
Additional items to consider including in your emergency supply kit include:
Prescription medications and glasses.
Infant formula and diapers.
Pet food and extra water for your pets.
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
Cash or traveler's checks and change.
Emergency reference material ,such as a first aid book or information from
www.ready.gov.
Sleeping bags or warm blankets for each person. Consider addi-tional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing, including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container.
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels.
Paper and pencil.
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
That's what makes up an emergency supply kit. Some of the items you may already own.
Remember, the food and water will have best use dates on them, so be sure to rotate them. Any of the items that use batteries should be checked. Make sure they work and the batteries have not corroded.
Once your kit has been assembled, make a plan and be prepared.
Brian A. Falk is Chairman of the East Longmeadow Local Emergency Planning Committee and Deputy Director of East Longmeadow Emergency Management.
