Tuesday, October 30, 2012

How Prepared Are You For Hurricane Sandy?

Does your home have a disaster supply kit ready to go in case of an emergency? If it doesn’t, it should. Being equipped with the necessary items can ease some of the fear and anxiety that accompany waiting out a hurricane.

According to the FEMA and the Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management, every Maine household should have these items in a kit.

A basic supply kit should include:
3-day supply of nonperishable food that does not require cooking
3-day supply of water (1 gallon of water per person, per day)
Portable, battery powered radio with extra batteries
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit
Cash 
Telephone that works if the electricity is off
A safe way to heat food and water: camp stove, etc.
A way to keep warm if the power is off: sleeping bags, extra blankets, etc.
3-day supply of your medicines on hand at all times
Items for infants: formula, diapers, etc.
Food and water for pets
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilites
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional items can include:
Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler's checks and change
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) (PDF - 977Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes.
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pen
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on how to properly disinfiect drinking water should you need to. Visit their website for more information: http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/safe_water/personal.html

Visit http://www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/index.shtml for more information on shelters and for daily updates on Maine’s preparedness for Hurricane Sandy. 

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