Emergency Preparedness - 14 tips to Help You Prepare

September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Most disaster preparedness experts recommend having enough supplies to sustain yourself, family and pets for a minimum of 72 hours - and more is better. The reason is this: Gas, water, electricity and phone service may be gone and not available for several days - you'll be on your own.

Plan and prepare now, so you're ready. Remember to follow the manufacturer's directions for the storage and use of all equipment. Here are some tips to get you started:

Clouds and Mountains in San Luis Obispbo, by Carole Jakucs, 2015. Image subject to copyright.

• Bottled water: The recommendation is to have on-hand at least one gallon per person per day. And don't forget to have extra for your pets.

• Maintain a supply of non-perishable foods such as MRE's  (Meals Ready to Eat) and protein bars.

• Learn CPR and First Aid. 

• Get First Aid kits for your home and car.

• Keep any prescription medications you use on a regular basis handy and in one location if possible so if you if you have to leave your home quickly - you can grab them on your way out the door.

• Have plenty of flashlights and batteries on hand - at least one set per person.

• Know where your water and gas shut off valves are located, know how to shut them and when to shut them - in the event of leaks/broken lines.  Keep the tools you need to shut them in a specific place.

• Get an ABC fire extinguisher, keep it handy and learn how to use it.

• Consider getting an emergency generator and again, learn how to use it in advance if needing it. You'll need extra fuel to operate it so bear in mind all safety precautions for storage.

• Important legal documents should already be stored in a waterproof/fireproof container that is easy to grab if you need to evacuate your home quickly.

• Review your emergency supplies on a regular basis, checking expiration dates and to confirm all equipment still works. 

• Plan ahead for communications: Have a battery operated radio on-hand for access to public safety announcements. Try to keep your cell phones charged as much as possible. Remember to keep a charger in your car too. 

• Create a plan to contact and reunite with family members

• Create plans for escape routes from your home, neighborhood and town. Plans for this will vary depending on what type of home you're in and where you live (near the beach or in the mountains, for example).

Review the CDC and Red Cross websites for more information.