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Are you Ready for a Storm?

One of the biggest lessons of the April 27 tornadoes that raved the state was that you can never be too prepared for an emergency.  Many people had to go days without electricity, gas, telephones, and/or water.  The Department of Homeland Security recommends that you have an emergency plan in place.  You plan should include an emergency kit with essential survivals items.  Here are some handy tips that can help your family prepare for emergencies. 

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival:  fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. 

Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit:

• 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 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
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers

Additional items to consider adding to an emergency supply kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler’s check and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.  Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate
• Complete change of clothes, including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.  Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to on 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 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 and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Book, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

For more details on preparing an emergency plan for your family, go to www.ready.gov

(Provided by State of Alabama Real Estate Commission)