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Planning, Preparing, Protecting
The key to good emergency preparedness includes the three P's: planning, preparing and protecting, according to the Emergency Preparedness Workbook, from the city of Sunnyvale. The following is a basic checklist of how to practice the three P's:
Planning
Store vital documents in a safe place.
Make an inventory of household items.
Create a family emergency plan.
Teach children about disasters and what to expect from them.
Make provisions for the elderly and disabled.
Preparing
Store one gallon of water per person per day in a sturdy plastic container.
Maintain a three- to five-day supply of food.
Assemble emergency supplies for your family.
Prepare portable disaster supply kits for the car and workplace.
Store supplies in a safe, accessible location, preferably outdoors.
Make provisions for pets.
Protecting
Identify, secure and correct any potential hazards in your home. Large, glass pictures over beds? Heavy bookcases, entertainment centers and appliances unsecured?
Examine the structural safety of the home.
Locate utility shut-off valves.
Store hazardous household products in a safe location.
Install smoke detectors and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
Stock Up
A few of the items that residents should keep handy in case of a natural disaster:
Emergency Food
Store enough canned and packaged food for three to five days. Canned meat, soup, drinks, fruits and vegetables are good; so are peanut butter, cereals, crackers and dried foods like pasta, beans and rice. Foods that require little or no cooking, as well as little or no water, are best, in small enough portions so there are no leftovers to refrigerate. Remember to have foods for family members on special diets.
Date the food and rotate it out of emergency supplies for regular use once or twice a year to prevent spoilage and waste. Store the food in a cool, dry, dark place. A sturdy plastic garbage can works best. Experts advise finding a cool spot in the yard, since collapsed structures may prevent getting to emergency supplies inside a garage or closet.
Emergency Supplies
Aluminum foil
Barbecues, camp stoves, hibachis, sterno stoves, etc.
Fuel for cooking
Manual can and bottle opener
Matches (waterproof or stored in plastic container)
Paper plates and cups, plastic eating utensils
Paper towels
Storage containers
Utility knife
Flashlights (remember batteries and bulbs)
Lanterns (remember fuel, related supplies)
Candles
Lightsticks
Other supplies to remember
Tools and clean-up supplies
Blankets, sleeping bags, tents and other items for shelter
Personal hygiene supplies
Toilet paper
Plastic garbage bags
Household chlorine bleach
Personal items like books, or games
Medications, extra glasses or contact lenses
Money
Clothing, at least one change of clothing for each family member. Don't forget extra socks and shoes.
Items for pets like food and water bowls, pet food, medications, carriers, leashes, etc.
Writing supplies
First Aid Supplies
Medications
Antacids
Antiseptic solution
Diarrhea medicine
Laxatives
Hydrogen peroxide
Individually wrapped alcohol swabs
Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting)
Antibiotic ointment
aspirin and non-aspirin tablets
eye drops
vitamins
Bandages/dressings
Ace bandages
Bandages
Butterfly bandages
Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
Rolled gauze
adhesive tape
Plastic strip bandages
Other First-Aid Supplies
Instant heat packs and instant cold packs
Latex gloves
Sunscreen
First-aid book
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle and thread
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
