Recent Community Posts

How To Build An Emergency Survival Kit

9/1/2018 (Permalink)

How To Build An Emergency Survival Kit 

When you are creating your survival kit for your home, consider the supplies you might need to last you and your family for a minimum of three to seven days. In case of emergencies that require you to leave your home quickly, like a wildfire, prepare your kit well in advance, and store it in an easily accessible location. For emergencies that will require you to stay in place, you should gather supplies in advance and monitor the weather, to ensure you have everything you need. Having the proper supplies and plans in place can help make difficult scenario safer for you.

Below are some key considerations for a survival kit to fit an emergency situation. Consider how each could suit an emergency situation and prepare yourself appropriately.

  • One gallon of water, per person, per day
  • At least a three to seven day supply of any daily medication for family members and pets
  • Non-perishable and canned foods, along with a non-electrical can opener
  • Pet food and extra water for your pets
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Pen and notebook to keep notes such as important phone numbers in case the power goes out and electronic devices aren’t working.
  • Flashlights with extra batteries
  • Battery powered or hand crank radio with extra batteries if needed
  • Extra clothing and blankets
  • First aid Kit
  • Emergency cash and checks
  • Charges for devices, including car chargers
  • A whistle
  • Duct tape
  • Copies of personal documents, including insurance policies and other important legal and financial documents.

How To Build An Emergency Preparedness Kit

Eight Disaster Preparedness Tips

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Eight Disaster Preparedness Tips

When disaster strikes having and using a preparedness plan can ensure you and your loved one's safety. Below are eight tips to help secure your safety when disaster strikes. 

  • Communicate Where You Will Be: Be sure to contact someone outside of the affected area. Let them know where you will be during the disaster. Business owners should remind their employees of how they will be notified when the facility reopens. 
  • Know The Warning Signs And Alert Signals For Your Area: Frequently check your local tv stations, radio stations, or community alert systems to stay up to date on emergency information. 
  • Check Your Emergency Survival Kit: Your emergency survival kit should be stocked with essential survival items and should be kept in an easily accessible place.
  • Collect Emergency Building Materials: It is a good idea to have extra plywood, sandbags, and waterproof tarps. 
  • Fuel Up Your Vehicles And Equipment: Make sure you have a supply of fresh fuel for emergency generators. It's a good idea to have an extra fuel supply and to store that extra fuel in an approved container in a safe place. 
  • Be Sure You Have Car Chargers For Your Cell Phone, Smart Phone, And Other Portable Devices: Having car chargers can help you connect with contacts if the power goes out. Don't forget to fully charge all devices before the storm. 
  • Secure All Outdoor Objects Or Move Them Inside: Common household items can become airborne in high winds. Business owners should secure signage, benches, and equipment to minimize potential damage. 
  • Know How To Shut Off All Utilities: It is a good idea to know how to turn off your gas, electricity, and water. However, you should consider utilities that could minimize damage to your home and leave them on. 

8 Disaster Preparedness Tips

Preparedness on a Budget

6/8/2016 (Permalink)

 

It Doesn’t Cost a lot to be Prepared

It is no secret that many families and individuals are looking to cut back on spending. But with the frequency of disasters, both natural and manmade, can you afford not to be prepared? Preparedness doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. September is National Preparedness Month, and we are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever may come. Here are a few tips* on how you can protect those that matter to you without spending a fortune.

• Make a Plan. Work with you family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

• Update Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace.

• Check Your Policy. Review your insurance policy annually and make any necessary changes – renters, too! When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.

• Make a Ready List. You may not need all of the items in ready-made preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget. Don’t forget to keep supplies at work and in your car. Sample Ready Lists can be found at www.ready.gov/document/family-supply-list

• Plan Your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don’t buy preparedness items just before a storm when they’re expensive and supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.

• Shop Sales. Shop at sales and used goods stores. Buy preparedness items throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won’t notice the cost as much.

• Make Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe, containers. You don’t need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight

• Request a Gift. We all get things we don’t need. Suggest preparedness supplies as gifts from your friends and family. It just might save your life.

• Trade a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night staying in could fund your Ready kit.

• *The best tip: start now. Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready!