Safety Preparedness 101

As the federal government declares September "National Disaster Preparedness Month", we must ask, are you prepared?

     Last Thursday's power outage was quite the ordeal and while traffic may have seemed like the biggest nuisance, our major issues may have actually been waiting for us at home. With most businesses shut down, many of us found ourselves at home scrambling for food and safety supplies. To help protect yourself and your family, Rural/Metro highly recommends that everyone should have a personal 72-hour emergency supply kit. 

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

-       Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

-       Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

-       Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

-       Flashlight and extra batteries

-       First aid kit

-       Whistle to signal for help

-       Dust mask, 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

-       Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

-       Local maps

-       Cell phone with chargers

Some additional items to consider adding include prescription medication and glasses, infant formula and diapers, pet food and extra water for your pet, weather appropriate clothing, important documents, matches, and activities for children. 

Don’t wait until disaster strikes to realize the benefits of a good emergency preparedness kit. Begin gathering the items you will need and develop an emergency preparedness plan with all family members.

For more information about National Preparedness Month or for a more extensive list, visit: www.ready.gov