| The recent earthquakes in Haiti remind us that we | | | | Always check the gas meter dials to determine a |
| must be prepared. This impoverished country had | | | | leak. As most leaks will be in the walls or attic of |
| little to no preparedness in place. We must take | | | | the home and you may not smell gas til it is to |
| steps to become more self reliant and capable of | | | | late. Look for a non-sparking metal tool that will |
| taking care of our own families in an emergency. | | | | turn off both your gas and water meters. |
| I have been involved professionally in emergency | | | | 3. Fire Extinguisher- Since all fires start small, |
| response since 1982. In that time I have | | | | having an extinguisher handy is a great advantage |
| responded to thousands of emergencies. Mostly | | | | for preserving life and property. Purchase an ABC |
| of the daily 9-1-1 nature. Some were of a | | | | dry chemical extinguisher. This type will extinguish |
| catastrophic nature, including large earthquakes, | | | | all three classes of fire (ordinary combustibles, |
| wild fires and floods. I have also been training the | | | | flammable liquids and electrical. Keep a fire |
| public in disaster preparedness since 1987. What I | | | | extinguisher in the home and car. Periodically |
| have come away with is a pattern of | | | | check the gauge for pressure. |
| unpreparedness by civilians. This led me to create | | | | 4. Water storage- Even though you may not |
| this list of the top 5 things one should do to | | | | need water in the next hour. It will become critical |
| prepare in the order of importance. | | | | to your families survival in the following hours and |
| 1. "Real" First Aid Kit- This is number one because | | | | days. This not something you can get later. Store |
| injuries don't and can't wait. They must be | | | | enough Water- a minimum of one gallon per |
| addressed immediately. You must have a kit that | | | | person per day for 7-14 days for drinking and |
| can handle problems even when you do not have | | | | hygiene. Store tap water in approved barrels and |
| immediate access to 9-1-1. A "Real" first aid kit is | | | | treat with "Water Preserver" for five-year |
| a kit that is more than a owie or boo, boo kit. | | | | storage. Keep "Water Purification Tablets" on hand |
| More than just band-aids and wipes. What you | | | | to treat any untreated or questionable water. One |
| need is a kit with at least CPR barrier mask, | | | | tablet will treat one quart of water. Never store |
| trauma dressings, multiple 4x4 gauze dressings, | | | | water in old bleach bottles, milk type plastic |
| gauze rolls, paramedic scissors, a real splint (not | | | | containers (as they are made from breathable |
| popsicle sticks), sterile water, burn dressing, etc. | | | | plastic) in the garage because any fumes from |
| This is a kit that can manage serious and minor | | | | vehicles, paints, solvents, pesticides will |
| injuries. The ability to stabilize and sterilize can be | | | | contaminate your supply. |
| lifesaving when outside sources become limited or | | | | 5. Car Survival Kit- Since we take our cars |
| unavailable. | | | | everywhere, place one in each family members |
| 2. Utility shutoff tool- The ability to control your | | | | car. You will always be prepared. Store 3-day |
| gas and water meters is extremely important to | | | | Food Bar, Sterile Water Pouches, Medical, Warmth |
| minimize property damage and risk to life safety. | | | | (thermal blanket) & Lightsticks and flashlight |
| To reduce the risk of fire and explosions | | | | in your kit. |
| immediately following an earthquake is critical. | | | | |