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Now lets discuss some of the items you may need to get yourself and your family prepared for an emergency. Be prepared to use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air. Put together two kits. In one, put everything needed to stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a portable version you can take with you if you have to get away. One of the most important things to have on hand during an emergency is cash. In an emergency you may not be able to access an ATM or use a credit card. You may not be able to get to your bank or it could be closed. For example, if you had to evacuate your town rather quickly, you probably wouldn't have time to stop and make a withdrawal, even if you could find easy access to an ATM. some experts suggest having about $100 US dollars on hand for each person in your family. Its also a good idea to have it in smaller bill, as you may have difficulty using larger denominations in certain types of situations.
1. Water &
Food In any emergency, a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other
injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help
your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life
threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to
treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider
taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help
you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in
decontamination. Two pairs of sterile gloves 3. Other
Items 4. Clothing and
Bedding A jacket or coat Special Needs Items Remember the special needs of your family members. Infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be prepared for a terrorist attack. 1. For Infants Make sure to keep the following in your emergency supply kit:
2. For Adults Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication and insulin. Consider the following for your emergency supply kit: Denture
needs 3. For Seniors and People with Disabilities Plan how you will evacuate or signal for help. Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or workers. Tell others where you keep your emergency supplies. Contact your city or county government's emergency information management office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in an emergency. Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability. If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility. Teach others how to operate necessary equipment. Label equipment such as wheelchairs, canes and walkers. Additional supplies include: A list of prescription medications
including dosage and any allergies Portable Emergency Supply Kit Food (at least a three-day supply
of non-perishable food) You will need to have two kits available, one for home that will provide for the needs of all household members and one for your vehicle. Again, this kit should be sufficient for all members of your household in the case of an evacuation. You should also consider preparing a kit to have in your workplace should you have to evacuate from there and can not get to your vehicle. It should be sufficient and have the needed supplies for you for 3 days. You should also ensure that each of your children have an Emergency Supply Kit available for them at their school. Many schools provide this kit however you should check with the school and ensure that they have the needed supplies and that your children know how to get to them in the case of an emergency.
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