Emergency Preparedness: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be informed, Stay Involved.
- The Basic Kit. Assemble a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you to survive at least three days in the event of an emergency. The kit should include basic items such as water, food, a radio, flashlight, whistle, moist toweletttes or hand cleaning gel, and a first-aid kit. Go to www.ready.gov for a complete list of recommended supplies.
- At Work. As a precautionary principle, always carry your keys when leaving the building, in case you are instructed to leave the campus immediatly or your office is declared off limits. Keep a change of clothes at work if you must stay overnight. Prepare an emergency kit suitable for the work place. For ideas, go to Ready Business
- On the Go. Keep your vehicle in good repair at all times. Don't let your gas tank run near empty. Check the batteries of your flashlight kept conveniently in the glove compartment. Carry a set of maps. Note that many of the items appropriate for emergency preparedness are not allowed in airports. Check the latest news with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before flying.
- Sheltering at Home. Stock your pantry with non-perishable foods. Keep a supply of bottled water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation. Keep cash on hand, in case credit/debit cards are not appropriate. Have on hand a set of face masks. See Homeland Security's Emergency Supply List.
- Caring for the Elderly. Additional items for emergency preparedness may include:
- 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
- Visit Ready America: Older Americans
- Caring for the Children. For babies, keep a supply of infant formula and diapers. Older children need the comfort of familiar toys and games. Web-savvy youngsters should check out Ready Kids
- Pet Care. Pets are part of the family, too. Keep an extra supply of pet food, water, and litter-box material for your animal companions. Train pets to be content in travel crates. The American Soceity for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (APSCA) site on disaster preparedness goes into details.
Every-day Common Sense strategies help stop the spread of harmful germs
- Wash hands frequently. Learn why at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site:
Clean Hands Save Lives! - Cover coughs and sneezes with sleeves or tissue
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Stay home when feeling ill