Be Prepared to Create “A Lasting Legacy” – Cache Valley Daily

It’s well known that being prepared can help overcome fear, and since September is National Preparedness Month, it’s a great time to assess your preparedness supplies and plans. This year’s theme, “A Lasting Legacy,” means that the life you’ve built is worth protecting, and preparation can help you do just that.

The website: https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit has the ability to download a printable Basic Disaster Supplies Kit. The list also has suggestions for “unique needs” which include pets and the elderly.

Recommendations for the Basic Disaster Supplies Kit include:

• Water – 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days for drinking and sanitation
• Food – at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery or crank radio and NOAA weather radio with audible alert
• Flash light
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air as well as plastic sheeting and tape to seal windows and doors if shelter-in-place becomes necessary
• Wet wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal hygiene
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities such as natural gas
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Mobile phone with chargers and backup battery
• Cash
• Prescription drugs

Other items may be included, but adding size and weight to the kit may require additional portable bins or backpacks. Things to consider include pet supplies, a change of clothes, and sleeping bags. A full list can be found at the link above.

Remember that assembling a kit is not a one-time job; it requires regular maintenance. You may consider placing a recurring reminder in your calendar to update and restock the kit. Canned and packaged foods will expire, batteries will lose power, and you may think of things to add or adapt to better suit your current situation.

The link also describes where to store your kits – namely in three places:

• House: Keep the kits in a designated place and have them handy in case you need to leave quickly. Make sure all family members know where they are kept. Consider including a list of pre-determined additional valuables that can be located and loaded in 5-15 minutes if time, space and transportation are available. The list can be stuck to the top of the container or stored in a backpack pocket.

• Work: Be prepared to shelter in place at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water, and other essentials like medicine and comfortable walking shoes. These should be stored in a “grab and go” container in an easily accessible location.

• Vehicle: In case you get stuck, keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle. This can be similar to your work kit, but you can also include some form of shelter and a heat source if you need to leave your car.

The key to dealing with potential disasters is to be prepared and informed. Being proactive and preparing now will help reduce the fear of being hungry, cold or injured in the future.