| The ability to survive an emergency disaster | | | | · A first aid kit |
| situation does not depend as much on luck, as it | | | | · A whistle to signal for help |
| does on being prepared. There are several simple | | | | · A dust mask, to filter contaminated air |
| steps that you can take immediately to increase | | | | and plastic sheeting (like a painters tarp) and duct |
| your preparedness for an emergency disaster | | | | tape to create a shelter-in-place |
| situation. | | | | · Moist towelettes, garbage bags and |
| The first thing you need to consider is if there | | | | plastic ties for sanitation |
| are any disaster situations that may be specific to | | | | · A suitably sized wrench and /or pliers to |
| where you live. Do you live in a flood plain, an | | | | shut off utilities |
| earthquake zone, or a region that is prone to | | | | · Local maps |
| hurricanes or tornados? Each of these events will | | | | It is important to remember that this is not an all |
| require you to customize your basic emergency | | | | inclusive survival kit, but more of a basic |
| survival kit. | | | | emergency preparedness kit. You will also need to |
| Your basic emergency survival kit should contain | | | | account for unique family needs such as |
| the following items: | | | | prescription medication, eye glasses (or contact |
| · Water - At least 1 gallon per person, | | | | lenses), infant formula and diapers, and pet food, |
| per day, for at least 3 days. This will be for both | | | | just to name a few. |
| drinking and sanitation | | | | To insure you have the ability to evacuate at a |
| · Food - At least a 3 day supply per | | | | moments notice, your emergency disaster |
| person of non-perishable food | | | | survival kit should be stored in a portable |
| · A can opener, if your emergency supply | | | | container, and its contents should be reviewed |
| contains canned food | | | | yearly as your family's needs change. |
| · A battery powered radio or weather | | | | Your emergency disaster survival plan should not |
| radio with extra batteries | | | | be based on luck. It is important to be prepared, |
| · A flashlight or lantern with extra | | | | and a little advanced planning can go a long way |
| batteries (or fuel) | | | | to improving your chances for survival. |