Welcome ward friends and others intrested in emergency preparedness, after much study and research on the topic, I have come to the conclusion that the topic is very confusing, unclear, and overwhelming. In creating this blog I hope this will be a helpful and easy way to prepared for future emergencies in just one year. The monthly post will focus on what to buy, study, and do along with helpful links and suggestions. I hope you enjoy it.

June

"We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with one week's food supply and gradually build it to a month and then to three months. I am speaking now of food to cover basic needs. As all of you recognize this counsel is not new. But I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all. Begin in a small way, my brethren and gradually build toward a reasonable objective." -President Gordon B. Hinckley.

72-Hour Kit Recommendations: small tent, or tube tents, (with nylon rope)*, sleeping bag (with straps) & ground pad, wool blanket (keep you warm even when wet), and rescue blanket* (small reflective type).

*Items should not be stored in child's pack.



Food Item Suggestion: 25-50 gallons of water per person.

One can live without water for 2-3 days while live without food about three weeks. In my opinion, water is the most important thing to have on hand. If you don't have water how are you going to cook your food?

Macey's sells the 55 gallon drum always at a discounted price of $46.99 but if there are enough people that want them they might be able to give us a bigger discount of around $42-$39. Please email me at amrt49@yahoo.com if you want a group discount and state how many you wish to buy.



Assignment: Learn about water storage and purification.

My recommendation: Buy several different types of water containers (food-grade but not milk jugs), some are more economical while others are easy to carry. The cheapest and easiest way to purify water is with pool supply bleach granules. It will not leach out of it's container like liquid bleach and is easy to store.

Kary Mikesell teaches how much water you may need to store, where to store it, containers to buy, and how to treat the water. Watch his video at: http://frostcpr.com/Lrn_Videos_Waterstorage.html

Conner Boyack goes into detail about various water containers and their pros and cons, plus the cost per gallon. Also discussed are different purificaiton methods. Read this at http://connorboyack.com/drop/water.pdf

A special thanks to the many people who have helped me with this blog and post, Shanna Barnhisel, Brian Rice, Rachel Rice, Jeremy Moyes, Connor Boyack, Charles Tiberius, and Diana Rice. The have been priceless to me in this effort.

Special Thanks

I would like to give a special thanks to Robynn Thiot, Art Osgatharp, and Gemie Martin who are responsibe for putting together this Emergency Prepareness Quick Reference Guide" that I have posted today. (All of todays postings came thier booklet.) If you would like a copy to print for your own use, email me at amrt@yahoo.com

Also the refernces they use to compile the lists are from:

American Red Cross (2003, January). “5 Actions for Emergency Preparedness,” (Pamphlet A-1800).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1978). Essentials of Home Production and Storage.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website: http://http://www.providentliving.org/

Federal Emergency Management Agency website: http://www.fema.gov/ Ririe, Stephen D. (1990).

72 Hour Kit, Emergency Preparedness Handbook. Ogden Utah, US: Nexco, Willow Cr. (1993). Handy Dandy Panic Preventer. (Much of the material for this booklet was taken from this source, but we were unable to locate the publisher or find any available versions.)


Their Final Notes: We suggest you visit the above websites to find more information.

The American Red Cross has an excellent website: http://www.redcross.org/ which we suggest you also visit.

To order Essentials of Home Production and Storage go to: http://www.ldscatalog.com/ click on “Gospel Study Resources” then on “Pamphlets, Booklets and Brochures.”)

EARTHQUAKES

BEFORE:
* Fasten shelves and bookcases securely to walls. Place large or heavy objects on lower
shelves.
* Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets
with latches.
* Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, sofas, and
anywhere people sit.
* Brace overhead light fixtures.
* Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire
risks.
* Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
* Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if you have
structural defects.
* Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets
with latches and on bottom shelves (lock to keep children safe).
* Prepare an emergency food and water supply.
* Keep other emergency supplies on hand. Include a portable radio, flashlight, extra
batteries, fire extinguisher, and a non-electric can opener.
* Know the safe places in your home: under heavy furniture, in door frames (only if
reinforced or on a load bearing wall), crouched at the base of interior walls, away
from windows, bookcases, and other objects that may fall.
* Pick safety spots outside away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
* Plan where family members will go for safety—conduct earthquake safety drills.
* Choose a family member or friend who lives outside your area to be your contact
person. Be sure every family member knows the person’s name, phone number, city
and state. After a major quake it may be easier to give and receive family
information through them.
* Teach all family members who old enough how to turn off gas, electricity and water.
* Discuss how your family will reunite after a disaster.

DURING:
* Inside: DROP to the floor. Take COVER under a desk, table or other sturdy piece of
furniture. HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If you are unable to get under a table
or desk, crouch in the nearest corner and cover your head with your arms. (Make
sure you are not in danger of falling objects.) If in bed—stay there unless there is
danger from falling objects (such as light fixtures). Protect your head with a pillow.
Use a doorway for shelter only if you know it to be a strongly supported load bearing
doorway. In office buildings stay next to a support. Do not use the elevator. Get out
only when it is safe to do so.
* Outside: Stay outside. Stand AWAY from buildings, trees, telephone poles,
streetlights and electric lines.
* In your car: Stop as quickly as time permits. Stay away from bridges, underpasses,
and overpasses that may be damaged. Stay in your car until the shaking stops.

AFTER:
* Check for safety. Check for gas, water line breaks, downed power lines; turn off
appropriate utilities; check building damage and potential safety problems during
aftershocks (such as cracks in chimney and foundation). If necessary take your
family to a safer place.
* Check for injuries. Provide first-aid.
* If you need to leave your home, take your emergency kit – turn on your portable
radio.
* Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
* Report injuries and damage to authorities.
* If trapped under debris, be careful not to stir up dust. Cover your nose and mouth
with fabric. Tap on pipes to get help. Shout only as a last resort (you may inhale
dangerous amounts of dust and debris). Do not light a match (or cigarette lighter).
* If you live in coastal areas, heed warnings of possible tsunamis—stay away from
beaches if warned.

NUCLEAR DISASTERS

The potential danger from an accident at a nuclear power plant is exposure to radiation. This exposure could come from the release of radioactive material from the plant into the environment, usually characterized by a plume (cloud-like formation) of radioactive gases and particles. The major hazards to people in the vicinity of the plume are radiation exposure to the body from the cloud and particles deposited on the ground, inhalation of radioactive materials, and ingestion of radioactive materials.

A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave, and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water, and ground surfaces for miles around. All nuclear devices cause deadly effects when exploded, including blinding light, intense heat (thermal radiation), initial nuclear radiation, blast, fires started by the heat pulse, and secondary fires caused by the destruction.
Even if individuals are not close enough to the nuclear blast to be affected by the direct impacts, they may be affected by radioactive fallout. Fallout from a nuclear explosion may be carried by wind currents for hundreds of miles if the right conditions exist. This fallout material decays over a long period of time, and is the main source of residual nuclear radiation.

Before:
* Obtain public emergency information materials from the power company that
operates your local nuclear power plant or your local emergency services office.
* Find out from officials if any public buildings in your community have been
designated as fallout shelters. If none have been designated, make your own list of
potential shelters near your home, workplace, and school. These places would include
basements or the windowless center area of middle floors in high-rise buildings, as
well as subways and tunnels.
* Have at least a two week supply of food, water, medical, and other supplies so you can
remain indoors.

During:
* Take shelter as soon as you can, even if you are many miles from ground zero where
the attack occurred - radioactive fallout can be carried by the winds for hundreds of
miles. Remember the three protective factors: Distance, shielding, and time.
* If you are told to evacuate: Keep car windows and vents closed; use re-circulating
air.
If you are instructed to shelter in place:
* Turn off the air conditioner, ventilation fans, furnace, and other air
intakes.
* Go to a basement or other underground area, if possible.
* Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary.
* Keep food in covered containers or in the refrigerator. Food not previously
covered should be washed before being put in to containers.
If you suspect you have been exposed to nuclear radiation:
* Change clothes and shoes. Put exposed clothing in a sealed plastic bag and
place it out of the way.
* Take a thorough shower, shampooing your hair.

After:
* Keep listening to the radio and television for news about what to do, where to go, and
places to avoid.

Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away from areas marked “radiation hazard” or “HAZMAT.” Remember that radiation cannot be seen, smelled, or otherwise detected by human senses.

WINTER STORMS

BEFORE:
* LEARN THESE WINTER WORDS OF WARNING:
Winter storm warning (a winter storm is approaching), snow flurries
(intermittent snowfall that may reduce visibility), sleet (small particles of ice
usually mixed with rain—may make roads slippery), heavy snow (four or more
inches expected within a 12-hour period, freezing rain (likely to freeze as soon as it
hits the ground, making roads slick), ice storm (ice expected to accumulate from
freezing rain), blizzard (heavy snow accompanied by strong winds—severely reduced
visibility), frost/freeze warning (below freezing temperatures are expected), wind
chill factor (wind makes the temperature feel colder that it actually is—makes the
cold more dangerous).
* Arrange for an emergency heat and light supply in case of power failure.
* Add rock salt and/or sand to your emergency supplies. Purchase a snow shovel if
needed.
* Keep your car stocked with winter supplies all winter. Have a 72-hour car kit, first
aid kit, maps, jumper cables, tow chain, florescent distress flag, tire chains, shovel,
windshield scraper, sack of sand, asphalt shingles, flares, high energy foods, compass,
blankets, and emergency blankets. (A supply of diapers is a good idea even if you
have no small children.) Keep your gas tank at least half full.
* Have your car checked for winter readiness. Check antifreeze (and all other fluid)
levels, make sure the battery is in good shape, the windshield wipers work, the heater
is working, the exhaust system is in good shape, etc. Have good snow tires if needed.
* Get your home ready for winter. Protect outdoor faucets. Insulate pipes. Cut tree
branches away from roof areas and power lines. Caulk and weather-strip around
doors and windows. Have your roof checked if you live in an area where large
amounts of snow are likely. Clean out rain gutters.
*Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.

DURING:
* In your car: Your car will help you keep warm, visible and alive should you be
trapped in it during a winter storm. Run the car and heater ten minutes every hour.
Keep a window cracked for ventilation while car is running. Keep snow from
accumulating in exhaust pipe. Make sure someone is awake at all times. Leave the
car only if you are very near a building. You can easily become disoriented in a
winter storm.
* At home: Open the cabinet doors under basins located on outside walls, keep a small
drip going if the temperature is likely to get very low. Be prepared for isolation. Keep
appropriate activities going for children. Protect your family from the possibility of
fire and/or carbon monoxide poisoning if using space heaters.
* Outdoors: Dress warm and keep dry. Wear multiple layers of protective, loose-
fitting clothing, scarves, mittens and hoods. Cover the mouth and nose to protect
lungs from cold air. Change wet clothing.
* Avoid over-exertion. Heart attacks are a major cause of death during and after
winter storms. Shoveling snow or freeing stuck vehicles can be extremely hard work.
* Do not walk through blizzard winds. You can suffocate or lose your direction.
* If trapped outdoors, keep moving. Do not lie down and go to sleep.
* Watch for signs of frostbite (loss of feeling, white or pale appearance in fingers, toes,
earlobes and nose tip), and hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering, memory loss,
disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and exhaustion. Get medical
help.

72-HOUR EMERGENCY KITS

Have a basic emergency kit that can be used for evacuation or taken into an internal room of the home (for sheltering in place). The kit can be all in a large container stored in an easily accessible place to take; divided up into individual back packs for each family member to take their own; or a combination of the above two methods. For example, each family member can have their individual packs with food, clothing, and supplies, while the large communal container can have tents, portable toilets, shovels, extra water, larger lanterns, cooking equipment and etc. Suggested supplies include:

WATER:
64 oz. (more if able), portable water
Water filter or purification tablets*

FOOD:
3-6 MRE meals
Other food: Pouch or pull top cans of tuna, meat, fruit, hard candy, energy bars, instant hot chocolate, artificially sweetened drink mix (flavors disguise water flavor), etc. No dehydrated foods including jerky-watch salt

CLOTHING:
Winter gloves or mittens
Winter hat
Lightweight jacket &/or coat (grab as you leave)
1 Pair thermal underwear
Summer hat (with brim)
Bandanna (can be used to shade neck, etc.)
Rain poncho* (if has grommets, can also be used for shade)
Chang of underwear, clothing, & shoes (more for infants and small children)

FIRST AID:
Medicines*: (child and adult strengths) aspirin and non aspirin painkillers, Benadryl, medicines for colds, coughs, & diarrhea, Dramamine, Potassium Iodide (optional-for nuclear disaster), electrolyte tablets, prescription medicines, inhalers
Topical medicines*: anesthetic ointment or spray, burn cream, antibiotic ointment, anti-sting medicine, sun block, lip balm, mosquito repellent, antiseptic cleanser, alcohol preps, poison ivy, oak, & sumac soap, anti-itch medicine
Bandages: assorted adhesive bandages, butterfly bandages, gauze, 1st aid tape, triangular bandages(s)
Supplies*: Consecrated oil, 1st aid booklet, moleskin, tweezers, snake bite kit, tongue depressors, cotton balls, Q-tips, clear nail polish (for chiggers), hand warmers, ice pack, thermometer, safety pins, medicine spoon, and small scissors

COMMUNICATIONS:
Cell phone & charger (grab as you go)
Emergency radio (batteries* separately)
Whistle with lanyard*
Signal mirror* (non glass preferred)

HYGIENE AND SANITATION:
Basic kit: toothbrush, toothpaste*, hand sanitizer* &/or bar soap, deodorant*, shampoo, disposable razor*, wipes, feminine hygiene, comb &/or hairbrush, ear plugs, eye contacts & solution* (if needed), etc.
Hand towel &/or roll of paper towels (flattened)
Camp soap or dish detergent (trail size)*
Toilet paper &/or facial tissue, diapers for infants
Portable toilet and enzymes (for wastes)

SHELTER:
Small tents or tube tents (with nylon rope)*
Sleeping Bag (with straps) & ground pad
Rescue Blankets* (small reflective type)

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS:
Camp shovel*, camp axe*, camp saw*, camp stove* (1-2 per family of each of the above)
Small roll strapping tape or duct tape
Travel sewing kit*
Pocket knife* (Swiss-army type preferred)
Mess kit, drinking cup or tin cup (tin can be use for cooking in fire), eating utensils
Compass
50 ft nylon rope, clothes pins
Carabineers (at least 2)
Rubber bands (assorted sizes)
Roll aluminum foil (flattened) (opt.)
3 garbage bags* (small, medium, large)
Fish hooks*, line*, sinkers*, and lures*

LIGHT AND FUEL:
Flashlight & batteries* (store separately)
Canned fuel* &/or Buddy Burner
Waterproof matches*, small lighter*, flint stick

OTHER:
Money (cash-including quarters and $1.00 bills)
Notebook, pen*, pencil, permanent marker*
Entertainment: Small toys, books, card games, travel games, ipod*, etc. Extra keys: (home, vehicle, safe deposit box)
Copies of documents in waterproof bag or on a flash dive: birth & marriage certificates, medical records (immunizations, blood types, special medical conditions), insurance information (homeowner, car, life, medical) deeds and titles, bank account and credit car info. will and trust, passports, drivers licenses, social security cars, phone numbers of emergency contacts, maps, home inventory, current family picture, etc.


* Keep out of reach of small children. Store in adult kits only.

HURRICANES

These tropical storms are prevalent along the east coast and the Gulf of Mexico, and in the Caribbean. They are typified by winds above 70 miles per hour whirling counter-clockwise. They are accompanied by heavy rains, flooding both along the coast and inland. They can also be accompanied by tornadoes. The normal time of occurrence is from June to November, with August and September being most likely. There is usually advanced warning, but it is best to plan ahead and prepare “in the event of.”

Before
* Call the Red Cross or Sheriff’s office to check the area’s risk of hurricane.
* Find out if there is the possibility of flooding during or following a hurricane.
* Keep an emergency kit equipped and in a handy place. This should include
flashlight, NOAA radio, batteries, water, food, required medications, insurance
policy numbers, and first aid kit.
* Have a contact person out of the area and a family meeting place.
* Be sure the family knows how to turn off utilities.
* Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full.

When there is a Hurricane Watch (A Hurricane is possible in your area)
* Listen to the local radio and TV
* Secure your home. Board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit. Lock
doors. Put “loose” sports equipment, outdoor furniture, garbage cans, toys, and
anything which could blow away, inside. Brace and secure external doors.
* Be sure you have food and fresh water in your survival kits.
* Fill up the gas tank on your car.
* Be prepared to evacuate in case you are instructed to go. Evacuate if you live in a
mobile home, high rise, on the coast, in a floodplain, or near a river or inland
waterway.

When there is a Hurricane Warning (A Hurricane is approaching)
* If told to, evacuate immediately.
* If not told to evacuate, stay inside and away from windows.
* Close all internal doors.

During the Hurricane:
* Go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest level of your home or building.
* Lie on the floor under a table or desk.
* Stay away from windows.
* When the eye of the hurricane is passing it will be calm. Stay inside. The worst part
will come after the center has passed.

After the Hurricane:
* If you have been evacuated, stay put until told it is safe to return home.
* Wear shoes.
* Use your flashlight to check for damage.
* Be Careful of falling debris and downed power lines.
* Get a qualified inspector to evaluate your home and utilities if you suspect damage.
* When you are safe, help your neighbor.
* Do not go to areas where you know there has been damage.

WILDFIRE

BEFORE A WILD FIRE:
* Learn about the history of wildfire in your area. Be aware of recent weather. A long
period without rain increases the risk of wildfire. Consider having a professional
inspect your property and offer recommendations for reducing the wildfire risk.
Determine your community's ability to respond to wildfire. Are roads leading to your
property clearly marked? Are the roads wide enough to allow firefighting equipment
to get through? Is your house number visible from the roadside?
* Remember, all vegetation is fuel for a wildfire, though some trees and shrubs are
more flammable than others. To reduce the risk, you will need to modify or eliminate
brush, trees and other vegetation near your home. The greater the distance is
between your home and the vegetation, the greater the protection.
* Keep your yard, deck (and under your deck), and patio clear of garbage and
flammable materials.
* Avoid flammable roofing materials such as wood, shake and shingle.
* Install spark arresters in chimneys and stovepipes. Keep chimneys clean.
* Always be ready for an evacuation. Plan several escape routes. Have an emergency
evacuation kit (see 72 hour kit in this booklet). Keep your car’s gasoline tank at
least half full.
Teach family members safe fire practices:
Build fires away from nearby trees, grasses, or bushes.
Always have a way to extinguish the fire quickly and completely.
Never leave a fire (even a candle) burning unattended.
Avoid open burning completely, especially during dry season.

SURVIVING A WILDFIRE:
* Evacuate when told to do so.
* In a Vehicle: This is dangerous and should only be done in an emergency, but you
can survive the firestorm if you stay in your car. You are safer in the car than on
foot. Roll up the windows and close air vents. Drive slowly with your headlights on.
Watch for other vehicles and pedestrians. DO NOT drive through heavy smoke. If
you stop, park away from trees and brush. Turn headlights on and ignition off. Get
on the floor and cover up with a blanket or coat. Stay in the vehicle until the main
fire passes. Air currents may rock the car. Some smoke and sparks may enter the
car. The temperature inside the car will increase. Metal gas tanks rarely explode.
* If you are trapped at home: Stay calm. As the fire front approaches, go inside the
house. The fire will pass before your house burns down.
* If you are caught in the open: The best temporary shelter is a sparse fuel
(vegetation) area. On a steep hillside, the back side is safer. Avoid canyons and
natural “chimneys.” If a road is nearby, lie face down along the road cut or in a
ditch on the uphill side. Cover yourself with anything that will shield you from the
fire’s heat. If hiking in the back country, seek a depression with sparse fuel. Clear
fuel away from the area while the fire is approaching and then lie face down in the
depression and cover yourself. Stay down until the fire passes.

FLOODS

BEFORE
* Know your area’s flood risks. Be aware of the water table. If yours is an area that
could flood, check on flood insurance availability.
* Avoid building in a flood prone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
* Install “Check valves: in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the
drains of your home.
* Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
* Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
* Keep insurance policies, documents, family pictures, and valuables in a safe-deposit
box. Keep copies available.
* Build storage units off the floor and away from walls.
* Prepare a family evacuation plan.
* Know where and how to turn off utilities.
* Keep a portable radio, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, canned food, and bottled
water on hand.
* Fill car’s gas tank with gasoline.

A FLOOD WATCH (Flooding is possible):
* Tune into NOAA Weather Radio or listen to local radio and TV stations for vital
information.
* Move furniture and valuables to higher ground. Include cleaning materials.
* Sand bag your home from flood-approach side. Tie down equipment outside the home
or bring it inside.
* Turn off utilities if your home is likely to be flooded.
* Evacuate if you are told to do so.

DURING A FLOOD:
* A FLASH FLOOD WARNING: Means you have only seconds to escape. Leave low-lying
areas immediately on foot.
* If driving in a canyon, get out of your car and seek higher ground immediately.
* DO NOT WALK OR DRIVE THROUGH FLOOD WATERS. Bridges and roads may be
out. Your car can easily be swept away by what appears to be a small stream of
water. Six inches of water will stall most vehicles.
* Avoid contact with flood water; it is highly contaminated.
* Stay on safe high ground until danger is past.
* Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

AFTER A FLOOD:
* Return to your home only when told it is safe to do so.
* Watch for downed electrical lines and weakened structure in your home.
* Disinfect or discard everything touched by the flood water.

TORNADOS

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TORNADOS:
* Tornados generally move from Southwest to Northeast but can come from any
direction. Once a tornado has touched down its path can become very erratic.
* A tornado “watch” indicates that weather conditions are right for tornados to
form.
* A tornado “warning” means a tornado has been sighted—TAKE COVER
IMMEDIATELY!
* Determine where your family would be safe through a tornado (see below)
* The following are signs of tornados:
A dark greenish (often teal colored) sky.
Large hail.
A large dark low-lying (wall) cloud often with a rotation.
A loud roar (often compared to a freight train).
Swirling debris.

BEFORE A TORNADO:
* Have a flashlight, portable radio, extra batteries, emergency supplies and first aid
kit on hand.
* Teach family members the name of your county for radio information.
* Have an NOAA radio on hand to warn your family, (especially if you live in an
area prone to tornados).

IN THE EVENT OF A TORNADO WARNING:
* If you have a basement, go to SW corner away from windows, under protective
furniture, or crouch low in a corner. Take your survival kit and important items
with you.
* With no basement, go to small interior room on main floor. Go into a bathroom,
closet, or interior hallway in the center of the building. A reinforced area like a
closet under the stairs will work as well.
* Abandon trailers or automobiles for a safer spot.
* Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
* If caught outside, seek a low, protected culvert or ditch. Shelter your face from
debris and winds.
* BE IN THE SAFEST PLACE AND STAY THERE UNTIL DANGER IS PAST.

AFTER A TORNADO:
* Listen to the radio for information. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Wear
sturdy shoes and protective clothing.
* Watch out for power lines that have fallen.
* Do not venture into damaged areas, as you may interfere with the emergency
operations.
* Board up windows and roof and make other temporary repairs if necessary.

FIRST AID KIT

A tackle box with fold-out trays works well to store first aid items. Medicine boxes such as allergy medications can be flattened and stored (along with the medication) in sandwich sized zipper bags to save space. At least once/year you should go through your kit to replace expired medications. Smaller kits with travel-sized individual packages can be stored in a bag in your car for travel.

The following are suggested items for your first aid kit:

MEDICATIONS (Internal Use):
*Get child and adult strengths where needed
Aspirin (not for under 12 years)
Son-aspirin pain relievers*
Benadryl*
Cold, cough, & sinus medications*
Anti-diarrhea medication
Electrolyte packets
Laxatives*
Dramamine &/or Bonine
Oral analgesics* (gum & tooth pain)
Eye drops
Nose drops or spray
Throat lozenges (for pain)
Cough drops (smooth dry throat)
Ipecac syrup &/or activated charcoal (for poisoning)
Potassium Iodide* (optional-for nuclear disaster, use only when told)

TOPICAL MEDICATIONS (External):
Petroleum &/or KY jelly
antibiotic ointment
Hydro cortisone cream (1%)
Topical anesthetic spray
Burn cream or gel
Anti-itch spray, cream or lotion
Aloe Vera gel (minor sunburns)
Clear nail polish (for chiggers)
Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac soap
Rubbing alcohol (or alcohol preps)
Small bottle hand sanitizer
Antiseptic cleanser &/or wipes
Sun block (SPF 15 or higher)
Lip Balm (with sun block preferred)
Earache drops

IMPLEMENTS AND TOOLS:
Small pair of scissors
Tweezers (both types)
Magnifying glass (small)
Travel sewing kit
Safety pins (assorted sizes)
Medicine dropper and spoon
Thermometer and protective sleeve covers
Mouth barrier devise (optional-for rescue breathing)
Tongue depressors
Finger splints (optional)
Razor blades (in a safe container)
Bulb Syringe

BANDAGES AND DRESSINGS:
First aid tape (2-3-assorted sizes and types)
Adhesive bandages-assorted sizes and types
Butterfly bandages &/or steri-strips
Assorted sizes sterile gauze pads
Ace bandages
Sterile gauze rolls (2-of different sizes)
Eye Patch-sterile, in package
Triangular bandage (a 36-40" square piece of muslin fabric cut in half diagonally makes two)

OTHER:
First Aid Manual
Consecrated oil
Latex gloves (2 pair)
Chemically activated heat pack
Chemically activated cold pack
Q-tips
Cotton balls or squares
Smelling salts (optional)
Mole skin (for blister prevention and blister)
snake bite kit (optional)

* Keep out of reach of small children. Store in adult kits only.

WATER STORAGE

Store a two week supply of water for each member of your family (14 gallons per person).
Store 64 ounces per person in 72 hour emergency kits.
STORING WATER:
Purchase water (for emergency storage) only in containers with the “PET” or “PETE” (#1 recycling symbol). Check the expiration date on the bottles. Store water only in food grade containers. Do not use milk containers. If possible, use containers that are BPA (a harmful chemical) free. You can sanitize containers (e.g. empty juice bottles) by using a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to each quart or liter of water. Make sure you sanitize the lid as well. Empty the sanitizing solution and fill with clean water. Empty and refill stored water at least yearly.
Stored water will loose oxygen and taste flat. Pour water from one clean container to another to re-oxygenate.

PURIFYING WATER:
Boiling: The safest method. Boil for 5 minutes at sea level; add 1 minute for each additional 1000 feet above sea level. Boiling does not destroy radioactivity or remove chemicals. Boiled water may taste “flat.” See above instructions to re-oxygenate.
Bleach Method: Any household bleach solution that contains hypochlorite as its only active ingredient will purify water. Bleach solutions with 5.2% sodium hypochlorite are most common (check bleach expiration date). Add 8 drops of bleach to one gallon of clear water and 16 drops to bleach to one gallon of cloudy water. Use only regular (not ultra) bleach that has no added fragrances.
Filters: There are a number of filters on the market. Filters can also reduce and/or remove chemicals. Make sure it can filter to at least .2 microns to remove giardia and cryptosporidium. The Lifesaver brand will filter out viruses as well. It will filter to .015 microns (considerably smaller than most portable systems).
MIOX method: Used by the military. Uses salt to make mixed oxidants which inactivate organisms. A small unit can treat a lot of water. It will take up to 4 hours to eliminate all microorganisms. Store extra batteries.
Ultra violet light method: UV light can be used to inactivate organisms. The SteriPEN from Emergency Essentials is such a devise. It will inactivate all organisms including giardia and cryptosporidium. Water must be very clear or the light will not be able to get to all the microorganisms. It works very fast as apposed to the MIOX. Water treated this way must be completely free of debris. If you choose this method, stir the UV pen around in the water to make sure all the molecules have been treated and have not been shaded by debris.
Iodine method: Ordinary household 2% tincture of iodine can be used to purify small amounts of water. Add 3 drops of tincture of iodine to each quart of clear water, 6 drops for a cloudy quart. Be sure family members are NOT allergic to iodine.
Because it is impractical to store a year’s supply of water in most places, it may be wise to store water purifying agents. There are a number available on the market. A pinch of salt can improve the taste of treated water.

HOUSE FIRE

BEFORE:
* Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Place on ceiling or on the wall between 4
and 12 inches of the ceiling. Check batteries twice per year. Replace detectors every ten yrs.
* Remove Fire hazards. Clean out storage areas. Do not let flammable trash, rags, and etc.
accumulate.
* Have your chimney inspected and cleaned as often as needed. Clean your dryer vent out as
often as needed (depending on use). A qualified chimney sweep can do both.
* Never use gasoline, benzene, naphtha, or other highly flammable liquids inside.
* Have working fire extinguishers handy. (Do not store where they can become overheated and
explode).
* Plan at least two ways to get out of every room in your home. Have escape ladders for 2nd
floor.
* Teach family members fire safety. Have fire drills.
* Close bedroom doors each night, but do not sleep with bedroom doors locked.
* Make sure windows are easily opened from inside.
* HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO MEET OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME. Teach family members not to
re-enter the home (or building) once they are outside.

DURING:
* If you are inside, alert the others, crawl low under the smoke.
* If the door is hot, do NOT open, go out another way.
* Should you catch fire, do NOT run. Roll on the floor or ground.
* Get out quickly, then call 911 from a neighbors phone if necessary. Give name, address and
type of fire. Listen to and follow instructions.
* If you are outside, do NOT return for anything.
* Report to the family meeting place.
* Turn off electricity and gas from outside house if possible.

AFTER:
* Do NOT re-enter the building until authorities have given permission.
* Contact your homeowner’s insurance agent as soon as possible.
* Arrange for temporary structural repairs, covering holes in roof, boarding windows, etc.
(Your insurance company may do this for you.)

CHEMICAL TERRORISM ATTACKS

Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids, and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals, or plants. They can be released by bombs or sprayed from aircraft, boats, and vehicles. They can be used as a liquid to create a hazard to people and the environment. Some chemical agents may be odorless and tasteless. They can have an immediate effect (a few seconds to a few minutes) or a delayed effect (2 to 48 hours). While potentially lethal, chemical agents are difficult to deliver in lethal concentrations. Outdoors, the agents often dissipate rapidly. Chemical agents are difficult to produce.
A chemical attack could come without warning. Signs of a chemical release include people having difficulty breathing; experiencing eye irritation; losing coordination; becoming nauseated; or having a burning sensation in the nose, throat, and lungs. Also, the presence of many dead insects or birds may indicate a chemical agent release.

Before a Chemical Attack:
* Have a disaster kit that includes duct tape, scissors plastic sheeting to seal off doors, windows,
and vents for use if you shelter in place. Ideally the plastic could be pre-cut and ready to seal
off an interior room in the highest level of your home.
* Have a two week supply of water and food to take with you into the room. Take your 72-hour
kit into the room with you. Make sure you have a radio to use for information. Have a plan to
deal with personal waste if you should need to shelter in place.

During a Chemical Attack:
* Close doors and windows to your home, turn off ventilation (heating and air conditioning
systems including fans), and close any other openings to the outside such as fireplace dampers.
* Take disaster kits, food, water, and first aid supplies to the shelter room. Seal the room with
duct tape and plastic sheeting.
* Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

If caught in or near a contaminated area:
* Move quickly away upwind from the source of contamination.
* Seek shelter as quickly as possible

THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING

PROTECT YOURSELF:
* When a thunderstorm or lightning threatens, get inside a home or building, or inside your car
(except a convertible). Follow the 30/30 rule. Go indoors if you can’t count to 30 between
seeing lightening and hearing the thunderclap. Wait 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of
thunder to go outdoors.
* Stay away from open doors, windows, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks and
appliances.
* Don’t use plug-in appliances—hair dryers, electric blankets or electric razors during the storm.
* Except for emergencies don’t use a corded telephone. Cordless phones and cell phones are
fine to use. If outside, with no time to reach safe cover: Don’t stand beneath a tall isolated tree
or other natural lightning rod. Avoid standing above the surrounding landscape. If no
buildings are available, get in a canyon, ditch (beware of possible flooding), cave, or under
head-high clumps of trees or shrubs. If only isolated trees are nearby, the best protection is to
crouch in the open.
* Get out of the water and off small boats.
* Get off and away from motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, golf carts, tractors, and etc.
* Don’t use metal objects like fishing rods or golf clubs.
* Stay away from wire fences and anything high that could conduct electricity.
* IF YOU FEEL AN ELECTRICAL CHARGE—IF YOUR HAIR STANDS ON END OR YOUR
SKIN TINGLES—LIGHTENING IS ABOUT TO STRIKE! IMMEDIATELY crouch low to the
ground on the balls of your feet, place your hands over your ears and your head between your
knees. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND!

FIRST AID:
* Persons struck by lightning receive a severe electrical shock and may be burned, but carry no
electrical charge and pose NO electrical danger to those who may handle them.
* Prompt CPR can often revive a person who appears to have been” killed” by lightning.
* In a group struck by lightning, the apparently dead should be treated first; those who show
vital signs will probably recover spontaneously, although burns and other injuries may require
treatment.

PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

Date Completed
We have a three-month storage of food __________________
We updated tetanus and other immunizations. __________________
We assembled our 72-hour survival kit. __________________
We updated our first aid kit. __________________
We have water stored for emergency use (min. 14 gal. per person). __________________
We have practiced different ways of evacuating our home. __________________
We have an NOAA radio and know how to use it. __________________
We established a meeting place outside our home. __________________
We have made sure our house number is highly visible both day and
night so that emergency personnel can easily find us. __________________
We planned two emergency meeting places away from home. __________________
We picked a person out of state to phone for coordinating family
messages and memorized their phone number. __________________
We know how to turn off utilities (gas, water, and electricity). __________________
We have Emergency numbers by our telephone. __________________
We have practiced making emergency phone calls. __________________
We have working smoke detectors in our home (check every 6 months).________________
We have installed carbon monoxide monitors throughout our home. __________________
We have a working fire extinguisher. __________________
We have an inventory of home valuables with photos and serial numbers._______________
We have important legal papers in a safe place with copies to take
with us in the event we need to prove who we are and what we own.__________________
Mark on the calendar to review this checklist every six months

BIOLOGICAL THREATS/PANDEMIC ILLNESS

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock, and crops. The three basic groups of biological agents that would likely be used as weapons are bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Most biological agents are difficult to grow and maintain. Many break down quickly when exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors, while others, such as anthrax spores, are very long lived. Biological agents can be dispersed by spraying them into the air, by infecting animals that carry the disease to humans, and by contaminating food and water.

Before a biological attack or pandemic illness outbreak:
* Make sure all immunizations are up to date.
* Teach all family members to cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow instead of into their
hands.
* Consider getting a HEPA filter installed on your home central heating and cooling system.
* Have enough food, medications and other supplies to last three months. Have at least a two
week supply of water on hand.

During a biological attack or pandemic illness outbreak:
* If you have a central heating and cooling system in your home with a HEPA filter, leave it on
or turn the fan on (if it is not running). Moving the air in the house through the filter will help
remove the agents from the air. If you have a portable HEPA filter, take it with you to an
internal room, gather your family into that room and turn the HEPA filter on.
* If you do not have a HEPA filter on your system, turn the system off to reduce circulation of
air.
* When sheltering in place due to a biological threat, be sure all family members stay out of
contact with other people if the harmful agent is people borne (for example, small pox).

POWER OUTAGE

BEFORE
* Learn location of fuse box or circuit breaker.
* Store candles, flashlights, lanterns, extra batteries and glow sticks.
* Have food and water supplies on hand.
* Know the exact location of all camping equipment (stoves, lanterns, sleeping bags, etc).
* Keep an adequate supply of fuel on hand. (Only a fireplace, properly installed wood stove or
new style kerosene heater should be used inside (with the room vented).
* Defrost your freezer and clean your refrigerator frequently.

DURING
* Unplug all appliances and computers. Turn off all but one light switch.
* Use refrigerator or freezer sparingly and quickly to avoid food thawing and spoiling. If dry ice
is available, put it in a cardboard box and then on top of food.
* Report any downed power lines.
* Do NOT allow children to carry lanterns, candles or fuel.

AFTER
* When the power is restored, plug in appliances one by one, waiting a few minutes in between
each. This may prevent an overload on the system.
* Examine frozen food. If it still contains ice crystals it may be refrozen.

HIGH WINDS

BEFORE:
* Survey your home and or property. Take note of materials stored, placed, or used, which
could become missiles in the event of high winds. Devise methods of securing these materials
where they will still be accessible for daily use. Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, tools
and so forth.
* Keep radio or television on and monitor for advisories.
* If possible, board up, tape or shutter all windows, leaving some ventilation
* Draw some water for emergency use.
* Have supply of flashlights, batteries, candles, first aid equipment, medicines, etc available.

DURING:
* Take shelter in hallways, closets, and away from windows.
* Stay out of areas where flying objects may hit you or destroy your place of refuge.

AFTER:
* Inspect for structural damage.
* Check all utilities for damage and proper operation.
* Monitor radio and television for instruction from local authorities.
* Report damage to your community leader.
* Watch for power lines that have fallen.

IMPORTANT PAPERS

Assemble your important papers and place in a fireproof, waterproof container. Put a copy of your property deed in a zip lock bag in your 72 hour kit to be used to prove to officials you belong in your neighborhood (should a disaster happen). Other documents may be copied onto on a flash drive for a computer. (Protect from thieves who may steal your identity—you may wish to omit some of the items below, storing this information in a safe deposit box only.) Include:
* Insurance papers (homeowner, car, medical, life)
* Social security numbers
* Birth, marriage, and other important certificates
* Deeds, titles
* Current family picture – in case someone is missing (You may wish to keep this photo in kit.)
* Medical information on each person (immunization records, blood types, medical conditions)
* Your advanced directive (medical) in case you become incapacitated
* Family history records (disc or flash drive)
* Wills, trusts
* Bank account numbers, savings bonds
* Credit cards (you may wish to include only the telephone numbers to contact in case these are lost)

BASIC FOOD STORAGE

Acquire a three month supply of foods your family will eat.

When able expand on the above, obtain a supply of longer term storage items that will last for a year.
Wheat and other grains (with a grinder if possible) 300 pounds per person
Powdered milk 75-100 pounds per person
Sugar and/or Honey 60 pounds per person
Salt 5 pounds per person
Fat or Oil 20 pounds per person
Dried Legumes (Beans, lentils, soybeans, etc) 60 pounds per person
Vitamins and Minerals (short shelf life) 365 per person
Garden seeds, Sprouting seeds (make sure the latter are not “seed crop” but are produced to be eaten.)
Foods of your choice to be added to these basics: Suggested items include pasta, peanut butter, tomato juice, canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, and dehydrated foods.
In addition to food, store sufficient for one year:
Bedding, durable clothing, soaps, cleaning supplies, toilet tissue, personal items, infant needs, medications, etc.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Police - Fire – Ambulance _________________________________________________________________ 911
Poison Control ________________________________________________________________ 1-800-222-1222
Hospital ___________________________________________________________________________________
Ask a nurse ________________________________________________________________________________
Doctor ____________________________________________________________________________________
Dentist ____________________________________________________________________________________
Elementary school ___________________________________________________________________________
Middle school ______________________________________________________________________________
High school ________________________________________________________________________________
Neighborhood captain ________________________________________________________________________
Home teacher ______________________________________________________________________________
Visiting teacher ______________________________________________________________________________
Relative or friend out of our area ________________________________________________________________