All Americans should prepare for potential threats, whether natural like storms, or manmade from terrorists. While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself, your neighbors, and your loved ones.
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or manmade emergency. With a little planning and common sense, we all can be better prepared.
Water
- One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
- Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
- If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.
- Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
- Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.
Food
- Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
- Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
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Choose foods your family will eat.
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegtables.
- Protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola.
- Peanut butter, dried fruit.
- Nuts, crackers, canned juices.
- Non-perishable pasteruized milk.
- High energy food, vitamins.
- Food for infants.
Covers
Sometimes storms and terrorists attack could send tiny microscopic "junk" into the air. For example, an explosion may release very fine debris that can cause lung damage. A biological attack may release germs that can make you sick if inhaled or absorbed through open cuts. A large hurricane could kick up many harmful particles. Many of these agents can only hurt you if they get into your body, so think about creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination.
If you don't have fitted masks available, be prepared to improvise with what you do have on hand to protect your nose, mouth, eyes and cuts in your skin. Anything that fits snugly over your nose and mouth, including any dense-weave cotton material, can help filter contaminants in an emergency. It is very important that most of the air you breathe comes through the mask or cloth, not around it. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children.
Medicine
Remember to include prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates. Don't forget extra supplies of medical items such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.
Remember the special needs of your family members. Infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be prepared for a terrorist attack and natural disaster.
For Baby:
- Formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk.
- Medications, moist towelettes, diaper rash ointment.
For Adults:
- Ask your doctor about storing perscription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medications, insulin and other perscription drugs.
- Denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eye glasses.
For Seniors:
- Plan how you will evacuate or signal for help.
- Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or workers.
- Tell others where you keep your emergency supplies.
- Teach others how to operate necessary equipment.
- Label equipment like wheelchairs, canes or walkers
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Additional supplies for seniors:
- List of perscription medications including dosage in your supply kits. Include any allergies.
- Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.
- Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment in your supply kit.
- A list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers in your emergency supply kits.
- Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards.
- List of doctors and emergency contacts.
For People with Disabilities:
- Create a support network to help in an emergency.
- Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.
- Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.
- Contact your city or county government's emergency information management office. Many local offices keep lists or people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in a sudden emergency.
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
- If you are dependant on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
- Show others how to operate your wheelchair.
- Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.
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Additional Supplies for People with Disabilities:
- Prescription medicines, list of medications including dosage, list of any allergies.
- Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.
- Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen.
- Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices.
- Medical insurance and Medicare cards.
- List of doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.
For Pets:
If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or terrorist attack depends largely on emergency planning done today. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency. Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets. Keep in mind important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets.