Global Sports: Have An Emergency Preparedness Kit

Monday, September 30, 2013

Have An Emergency Preparedness Kit

By Paulette Short


Have an emergency preparedness kit and you will be ready for natural and man-made disasters. They are not difficult to put together and store easily. Just a little planning ahead can save you and your family stress, discomfort, and maybe lives.

Most often the disasters experienced are due to acts of nature. These include, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. All over the world there have been volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes and acts of terrorism. Everyone of these events can lead to a halt in traffic, no electricity, and no forms of phone communication.

If you live in an area where nature can cause hardships, educate yourself and family members on warning signs and what to do. Have at least one person trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first-aid. Also have an evacuation plan and meeting place set up before hand. Be prepared and make certain everyone knows where to meet and what to do.

It is vital to have a kit prepared. In it you must have at least one gallon of water for each person per day. Have regular household chlorine bleach to sanitize water if it is needed. If water is unsafe, you can add sixteen drops of liquid bleach to one gallon of water to make it safe for drinking. Do not use the type that is scented, color safe or have any added cleaners. It can also be used as a disinfectant by mixing one part bleach to nine parts water.

Food is the next item that you must have stored. A three day supply is the minimum amount to have in your kit. Military Ready to Eat packets are the easiest to store, pack, and carry. They come as one complete meal per packet and the packages are able to withstand rough handling and exposure to the elements. Also, stock up on some protein bars and a few non perishable 'goodies' to keep spirits up.

Be sure to include plenty of fresh batteries for use in flashlights and a portable radio. As far as lighting goes, there is also the option of using glow sticks that are either made for use one time or the type that uses daylight and intense light, such as your flashlight, to charge. It is an option to consider because you will be able to save your batteries for other use.

Do not forget to pack a first-aid kit. You should have plenty of bandages, sterile gauze and dressings, cleansing agent, burn ointment, antibiotic ointment, and sterile gloves. Also include aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicine, any and all prescription drugs being used, scissors, petroleum jelly, and tweezers.

The essentials for an Emergency preparedness kit is easy to put together. Every household, apartment, and work space should have one. Other items that you might want to include are a pocket knife, blankets, large garbage bags, sleeping bags, and heavy clothing. Have enough water and food to last at least three days for each person.




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