|  We're having some severe weather threats and it makes me think about emergency weather kits. We don't have on in my house, it's standard practice to have on in this area as we get severe storms, hurricanes and tornadoes. I always mean to get one together then get lazy or short on cash and forget about it until the next big weather scare. It makes me so nervous not to have one and while it's too late of this weather warning, I'll get one together this weekend without fail.
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Anyhow... this is what a weather kit should contain:
Emergency Plan: (see below this list)
Essentials: Battery-operated radio, Flashlight(Do not include candles, which cause more fires after a disaster than anything else), Extra batteries
Water: 3 gallons/person, minimum, in a food-grade, plastic container Additional water for sanitation
Food: Minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration or preparation and little or no water, Dry cereal, Canned juice, Peanut butter, Ready-to-eat canned meats, Canned fruits, Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated), Canned vegetables, Quick energy snacks, graham crackers
First Aid Kit: Scissors, Assorted sizes of safety pins, Thermometer, 2" sterile gauze pads (4-6), Tweezers, 4" sterile gauze pads (4-6), Needle, 2" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls), Sunscreen, 3" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls), Cleansing agent/soap, Triangular bandages (3), Latex gloves (2 pairs), Petroleum jelly or other lubricant, Tongue blades (2), Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, Moistened towelettes
Non-Prescription Drugs: Laxative, Anti-diarrhea medication, Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, Antacid (for stomach upset), Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center), Syrup of ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center),
Tools and Supplies: Whistle, Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water, Crowbar, Aluminum foil, Paper, pencil, Plastic sheeting, Medicine dropper, Compass, Needles, thread, Matches in a waterproof container, Signal flare, Pliers, screwdriver, hammer, Assorted nails, wood screws, Heavy cotton or hemp rope, Plastic storage containers,Non-electric can opener, utility knife, Cash or traveler's checks, change, Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, Tape, duct and plumber's tape or strap iron, Map of the area (for locating shelters), Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tires
Sanitation: Disinfectant, Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses), Soap, liquid detergent, Household chlorine bleach, Feminine supplies, Personal hygiene items, Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels, Plastic bucket with tight lid
Clothing and Bedding: Sunglasses, Hat and gloves, Blankets or sleeping bags, One complete change of clothing and footwear per person, Rain gear, Sturdy shoes or work boots, Thermal underwear
For Baby: Formula, Bottles, Powdered milk, Diapers, Medication
For Pets: Food, Water, Leash, harness, carrier, Records of vaccinations, Non-tippable food and water containers
Important Family Documents: Important telephone numbers, Record of bank account numbers, Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates), Inventory of valuable household goods, Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, Record of credit card account numbers and companies, Copy of passports, social security cards, immunization records
Family Medical Needs: Insulin, Prescription drugs, Denture needs, Extra eye glasses, Contact lenses and supplies, Heart and high blood pressure medication
Entertainment: Games and books
This is what you need to do for an emergency plan:
BEFORE THE STORM:
Compile a disaster supply kit.
Discuss with your family: Where your "safe room" is (basement or interior room), Where you will meet if separated, Who your out of town contact is, Where your Disaster Supply Kit is located.
Take pictures or videos of your Home Contents for insurance purposes and store at a friend's or relative's house.
Locate gas and water shut-off valves.
Get cash (without power, credit cards are unusable).
Fill up the gas tank in your vehicle.
Plan for your pets: Contact emergency shelters to find out if they accept pets, Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date.
Listen to emergency announcements and follow directions.
AFTER THE STORM:
Call your out-of-town contact or other family members to let them know you are OK.
Listen to emergency announcements: Wait for "all clear" to know it is safe to return home.
Check for damage in your home.
Contact your insurance provider to report any damages.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasolines, and other flammable liquids immediately.
If you have pets: Confine your pets during the clean-up period, Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home. If pets cannot be found, contact local animal control office.
Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
Repair or block access to anything in your home that is damaged and could cause injuries.
Stay away from downed power lines.
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This list is from www.weather.com
Wow... that is a whole lot of stuff!!! Where am I going to store it all? Well at least now we can all be safe!
Related Resources: disaster kits, home security, home medical supplies, insulin needles, medical office supplies
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