 Disaster Preparedness:
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If I break down in the snow on the way to a snowboarding trip to Mammoth Mountain, I'm covered.
At home, I put my disaster kit in a huge, heavy-duty trashcan with a lid.
I pray I never need it. But if I do, I'll be very glad to have it.
The 6 Essentials Items.
1 Water.If local water is contaminated or shut off, you'll need water not only to drink but for cooking and bathing.
Store at least one gallon, per person per day, for a minimum of three days. Refresh your water supply every six months. Water gets a little flat and tastes funny if stored too long.
2 Food. Stock a week's worth of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods.
Good bets included canned or powdered milk, canned fruits and vegetables, granola bars, and comfort foods such as candy or cookies. (You may be needing a little comfort when you break open this kit.) Avoid salty foods because you'll need to conserve your water.
3 First aid supplies.
You should have a first aid kit whether you have a disaster kit or not. Stock it with:
* a first-aid manual
* bandages
* adhesive tape
* scissors
* thermometer
* latex gloves
* sunscreen
* medications, including aspirin, acetaminophen, antacid, anti-diarrhea medicine, syrup of Ipecac and any prescription medications your family takes.
4 Cleaning supplies.
These include:
* liquid soap
* toilet paper
* antibacterial soap
* bleach
* garbage bags
* paper towels
5 Clothing. Pack at least:
* one change of clothing for each family member
* heavy duty boots or shoes
* gloves* blankets or sleeping bags.
6 Extras including:
* a flashlight
* a radio with extra batteries
* a can opener
* a camp stove
* aluminum foil
* matches
* fire extinguisher
* an extra set of keys
* a little spare cash
* extra eye glasses
* books or games for the kids.
Plan for the worst-case scenario.
In the best-case scenario, your efforts will have been the time spent to be prepared. Oh darn, we never had a disaster!
Who could complain about that?
If you'd prefer to have a ready-made kit for your family, check out these two great options:
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Safety Essentials: Fire and Smoke
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