Are You Prepared?

Sep 22, 2015

In order to ‪‎Live Well‬, you need to ensure you are ready for disasters and health hazards, such as influenza, infectious disease, natural disasters and other emergencies.

Here's a great infographic from the American Public Health Association with 5 Steps to Get Ready.

Family Communication Plan
You may not have all of your family members together when emergency situations happen, so plan for how you will communicate in different situations.

• Have each family member keep a contact card in their wallet, purse or backpack with important family and emergency phone numbers. 
• Identify one or more friends or relatives who live out-of-state for household members to notify they are safe. They can then help with communication among separated family members. Put those names and numbers on your contact cards. Be sure to let them know you've listed them as an emergency contacts.
• Make sure family members know how to use text messaging, which can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.

​Basic Disaster Kit List (Recommendations from Ready.Gov)
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional supplies you should consider adding as needed:

• Prescription medications 
• Dentures and supplies
• Glasses (extra eyeglasses, contact lens supplies, etc.)
• Infant formula, diapers and other supplies for infants
• 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. 
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if the weather is cold.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if the weather is cold.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• 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 pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

​Car Safety
Plan car trips carefully if bad weather is possible. Tune in to the radio or television for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions. If bad weather is likely, drive only if absolutely necessary. Before you leave, check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

• Keep your gas tank full - in case evacuation is needed.
• Do not drive through a flooded area - Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control and possibly stall. A foot of water will float many cars.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded - Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• If a power line falls on your car you are at risk of electrical shock, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
• Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
• Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
• Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
• Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
• Install good winter tires - Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Make an Emergency Kit for Your Car. In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car including:

• Jumper cables: might want to include flares or reflective triangle
• Flashlights: with extra batteries
• First Aid Kit: remember any necessary medications, baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
• Food: non-perishable food such as canned food, and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars
• Manual can opener
• Water: at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days
• Basic toolkit: pliers, wrench, screwdriver
• Pet supplies: food and water  
• Radio: battery or hand cranked
• Cat litter or sand: for better tire traction
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Clothes: warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Charged Cell Phone: and car charger 

Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed. Learn more at www.Ready.gov.