Preparedness Tips in Difficult Economic Times



Are you ready if an emergency or disaster disrupts your daily lifestyle? Everyone talks about being prepared for disasters whether from nature or caused by man. What does that really mean? One definition is: Prepare - to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity; to work out the details of; plan in advance, to put together.

Everyone has a different routine and lifestyle. Some concerns for one person, may not be a concern for another. This is why planning ahead is important. Practice your plan before something happens. This gives you an opportunity to practice under calm and normal conditions.

With the challenging and difficult economic times for most citizens, here are some thoughts on how to develop your plan and items in case of an emergency without spending a lot of money on special items that you do would not use on a regular basis.

Know where essential important items are such as identification card, money, credit cards, and keys if you would need to leave quickly. Keep a small amount of money set aside for emergencies such as bus or taxi fare, and other necessities that you may not have on hand. Keep a small bag of clothing with the other essentials. A canvas shopping bag is small and fits in a closet corner. Keep of list of medications you are taking along with a list of your medical history and include any allergies. Have important telephone numbers, addresses, and people written down.

Here are some things to think about in your planning. Determine what is specific to you, your household, and your needs. Recommendations on how much of an item to have on hand varies from 3 days to 14 days. Your planning should be based on what storage you have available, however try to have the minimum of 3 days worth of items.

If you buy food items in bulk, share with another person or family member. This helps with expiration and keeps items fresh. Have someone from your family help you shop and carry heavier items. Purchase plastic food baggies or storage containers in quantity to help with storage for appropriate food items. This helps with the amount of space needed to store the emergency supplies.

Rotate items by expiration date. Buy a gallon of drinking water - it is less expensive than individual bottled water. A minimum of 2-3 gallons is a good start. If you have a large number of people living in your residence, perhaps a 5 gallon water container is an option. Keep a plastic gallon container such as an empty milk jug full of water to help flush toilets if you lose your water source. Powered milk is an alternative form of milk when fresh milk is not available due to lack of electricity or a cooling method.

Buy food items that you can eat out of the package without heating or cooling. Canned tuna, chicken, and fruit are good examples. If you buy foods that are considered comfort foods such as potato chips, candy; buy and store in small amounts. These types of food typically do not have much nutritional value.

Again be sure to rotate food items. If you use canned tuna or chicken as a regular part of foods you eat, use the can you have set aside for emergencies when you buy a new can. Put the newly purchased can in the emergency food supplies. Use this type of rotation for any of your foods.

Buy cans that have the pull off lids just in case you do not have a manual can opener. Manual can openers may be purchased for less than five dollars.

Rotate items like batteries too. Batteries have a shelf like which means just because they are not used, it does not mean they will work after setting on the shelf for a long time.

Some may think that candles may be used as a light source. Be careful with this idea. If you do not have an alternative source for light and need to use candles, use candles that are in a glass container. Candles that are not enclosed in a glass container are fire hazards with the melting wax and open flame.

Medications - ask your physician if you can get a thirty day supply along with your regular prescription. Keep this 30 day supply set aside - however rotate the medication so it does not expire. Another option is to ask your doctor for a written prescription that you may keep on hand - those are usually good for a year before the paper prescription expires.

BASIC SUPPLIES:

  • Personal hygiene items such as toilet paper and moist wipes (these would be helpful if water source is low or depleted).
  • Food supply
  • Water supply
  • Medications including non-prescription such as pain relievers for headaches, temperature
  • Small first aid kit - bandages, antibacterial ointment
  • Emergency contacts list - include emergency meeting place
  • Batteries - know what size is needed for the flashlight, radio beforehand
  • Weather radio - crank style or battery operated
  • Flashlight
  • Extra blankets
  • Waterproof matches may be found at stores that carry camping supplies
  • Pet supplies

    • For more information on emergency planning, see websites such as:

  • www.ready.gov
  • www.fema.gov
  • www.redcross.org

    • ----------------------------
    Deborah Fulk, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, District Field Coordinator
    Dfulk@dhs.in.gov
    ----------------------------

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