Emergency Tips

Make your own emergency disaster kit

The Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend families keep on hand a disaster kit with supplies for at least three days.

• Water: One gallon of water per day. Replace bottles every six months.
• Food: Choose foods that do not need to be refrigerated or cooked and require as little water as possible. Rotate food out every six months.
• First aid kit: The more comprehensive the better. Don't forget prescription medications that will be needed. Be sure to check expiration dates.
• Tools and other emergency supplies: items such as a knife, pliers, or a flashlight that will come in handy if stuck in one place for a long time.
• Sanitation: Things such as disinfectant, bleach, and hygiene products that are needed to keep clean.
• Clothing: At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person, plus sturdy work shoes and gloves that could come in handy.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.

Develop a family communication plan

• Contact person: Pick someone who lives out of state that everyone can call to get in touch with. The contact person should have everyone's number and live far enough away so it's unlikely he or she will be affected by the same event.
• Meeting places: Designate two meeting places to be used in an emergency - one right outside the home and one further away if the home is no longer an option.