Showing posts with label emergency kits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label emergency kits. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Three Categories of Home Storage

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Basic Storage:

Included in basic storage are life sustaining foods and nonfood items that will store reasonable well for long periods. These include such basic food items as grains (wheat, rice, corn, or other cereal grains), nonfat dried milk, dried fish, legumes (beans and peas), sugar salt, oils and water. Store a year's supply of garden seeds to plant and to supplement the diet. Where garden space is limited a multiple vitamin pill for daily use by each person may be stored as a safety measure. However vitamin pills deteriorate so must be replaced within two to four years.

For country dwellers fresh taro or sweet potato, live pigs, chickens, fish might be considered as basic items in areas where it is difficult to store food, Regular use of whole grains is vital to build a digestive tolerance for roughage. Basic storage should also include fuel, bedding, clothing and medical supplies. In addition a grinder electric and hand powered for preparing flour if wheat is stored, recipes for using stored foods, and other such items are necessary.


Nitro-Pak Ultimate Pak Freeze-Dried Food

Emergency Storage:

Each family or individual should have portable containers with emergency supplies such as the following: water, food requiring no refrigeration or cooking (graham crackers, canned fruits, canned meats), medications and critical medical histories required by family members, change of clothing, including two pairs of stockings, sanitary supplies, first aid booklet and equipment, candles, matches, ax, shovel, can opener, and blanket. The container should be placed where it can be picked up at a moments notice.

Expanded Storage:

This type of storage would include goods and other daily essentials to supply total nutritional needs and allow for variety and personal preferences in diet and living. This would include items normally used each day, such as baking powder, soda and spices. Many foods that are adaptable for long-term storage, such as grains and legumes, lack certain essential nutrients; therefore they need to be supplemented with fruits and vegetables to supply adequate amounts of vitamins A and C (dark amounts of vitamins or orange fruits and vegetables and citrus fruits). These items may be stored in root cellars or they may be bottled, canned pickled, dehydrated or freeze-dried. Smoked, canned. Or freeze-dried meat and fish supply additional nutrients. Because these foods have limited storage life, they should be used and replaced regularly. Special provision should be made for infants or small children in the family. Soaps and cleaning supplies are also essential.

Water Storage:

Some water reserve should also be considered. The approximate requirement per person on a two-week basis is fourteen gallons (seven gallons for drinking and seven gallons for other uses). Storage may be in plastic bottles, to which sodium hypochlorite (bleach) may be added if the purity of the water is in doubt (generally ½ tsp per five gallons if the water is clear and one teaspoon per 5 gallons if the water is cloudy. Sterilized water may also be stored. To sterilize, boil water one to three minutes and pour into hot sterilized jars with sterilize lids or process bottles of water in a water bath – twenty minutes for a quart jar and twenty-five minutes for a two quart jar.

Because it is impractical to store a year's supply of water in most places, it may be wise to store water-purifying agents.

First Aid Supplies:

Basic emergency home storage should include first aid supplies. Store first aid supplies together in a metal, wood, straw, or plastic container with a rightly fitted cover. Supplies may be kept organized by dividing the box into compartments. Although you should check with your doctor for any specific medicines and supplies that your family might require for an emergency, the following items are standard first aid supplies.

Adhesive tape

ammonia

antibiotic ointment

Bicarbonate of soda

Calamine lotion ( for sunburn and insect)

Diarrhea remedy

Elastic bandages

Gauze bandages

Hot water bottle Hydrogen peroxide

Ipecaca syrup (induces vomiting)

Knife

Matches

Measuring Cup

Medicine dropper

Needles

Paper bags

Razor blades

Rubbing Alcohol

Safety pins

Scissors

Soap

Thermometer

Triangular bandages

Tweezers

First Aid and instruction book

Medications prescribed by physician

First aid kits and supplies should be checked and replenished regularly. Old or contaminated supplies are unsafe and should be replaced. Tubes or plastic bottles eliminate breakage. All supplies should be labeled and organized for fast use. Another important emergency precaution is to have tetanus immunizations regularly. At least every ten years. When deep or dirty woulds occur, a booster shot is recommended.

Clothing:

Sufficient durable clothing should be included in a home storage program to meet the family's requirements for at least a year. This clothing should accommodate seasonal needs.

Where possible and practical, it is wise also to store fabric, thread, needles, and other sewing items. The provident consumer takes advantage of sales of material suitable for clothing tha the family may require and will store these purchaes until needed. A family can also save money be keeping a supply of clean used clothing that can be used in making needed clothes. A reserve of bedding should also be included.

Fuel and Light:

If possible a reserve of fuel (oil, wood etc.) should be a part of the storage plan at least enough for cooking purposes. Various supplementary heating and cooking units – some portable – are available. The best types can be used in an emergency both for the preparation of goods and for warmth.


Nitro-Pak--The Emergency Preparedness Leader

Summary of Storage:

Basic

1. Food for one year

Grains (wheat, rice, corn or other cereal grains) 300 lbs per person

Nonfat dry milk 75 lbs per person

Sugar or honey 60 lbs per person

Salt 5 lbs per person

Fat or oil 20 lbs per person

Dried legumes 60 lbs per person

Garden Seeds

Also Fresh taro, sweet potatoes, pigs, beef, cows, chickens and fish if you live where you can produce them.


Nitro-Pak Ultimate Pak Freeze-Dried Food

  1. Water two week supply or water-purifying equipment
  2. Bedding – enough to keep each person warm if there were no other heating supplies.
  3. Clothing – enough to last one year or fabric to sew clothing
  4. Medical – first aid and cleaning supplies
  5. Fuel and Light a years supply of fuel at least enough for cooking

Coal or charcoal for BBQ, wood, sun oven, matches, candles flashlight and batteries.

Emergency Storage

  1. Three day supply of food requiring no refrigeration or cooking, such as canned tuna fish or pork and beans ½ lbs per person. Nonfat milk ½ lb per person, Graham crackers 1 lb per person, dried fruit 1 lb per person, canned orange juice or tomato juice 46 oz per person, peanut butter
  2. Water 1 gallon per person
  3. Bedding - blanket, cloth sheet, plastic sheet
  4. Clothing – one change for each person
  5. Personal Supplies and Medication – Toiletries, first aid supplies, cleaning supplies (tetanus immunization every 5 to 10 years)
  6. Fuel and Light – matches, Candle, Battery-powered light, signal flare,
  7. Equipment – Can opener, dishpan, dishes, utensils, matches, candles, flashlight and batteries, ax, shovel, bucket, radio battery-powered, paper and pencil.
  8. Infant Needs – if applicable
  9. Personal documents – scriptures, legal documents etc.
  10. Money - cash

Expanded Storage:

  1. Foods to give greater variety and nutrition, such as meats and cheese, and fruits and vegetables. Miscellaneous: baking powder, yeast, jello, spices, soups, canned and bottled goods, freeze-dried foods
  2. Water-purifying equipment or water tanks
  3. Bedding – sleeping bags, pillows
  4. Clothing – various kinds and sizes of clothing for all seasons to wear or trade.
  5. Personal supplies and medication – located in various places car, home, shed
  6. Fuel and Light – acquire a variety – paper logs, hurricane lamps, candles, etc.
  7. Equipment – tools, grinders, seeing machines, battery powered radio, gardening supplies, coal stove or BBQ, sun oven to cook with
  8. Paper and cleaning products – facial and toilet tissues, aluminum foil, plastic bags, soap and cleaning supplies
  9. Financial papers and resources – travelers checks, stocks and bond, mutual funds, real estate, checking account, savings account, cash, other resources, will and living wills. If you can think of more financial papers that need to be included post them and I will include them.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Emergency Preparedness Kits

Emergency Preparedness Kits

Emergency preparedness kits are one of the most essential items that should be in every household. But when you buy these kits, you should make sure to buy either a family pack or individual emergency preparedness kits for every member of the family.

We live in a world where everything is so uncertain. We could almost never sleep in peace while being reassured that we could wake up peacefully the following day. So much could befall within a matter of minutes to ruin our lifestyle and everything we've built up. So that is why you need to gear yourself with emergency preparedness kits that will allow you the bare minimal needed to survive if things go wrong.

Would you know when the next tsunami would hit and when the next earthquake would come up?. The typhoons, currents, floods, heat waves and even terrorist attacks do not come with pre-warnings in most cases. So there goes the reason behind why every house should hold emergency preparedness kits.

You should make sure that essential items are included in the package when you buy emergency preparedness kits. Buying emergency preparedness kits and storing it in the far corner of your basement will not do any good. Always store the emergency preparedness kits at an easy to access point where every family member can reach. One thing you need to make sure is that your kids can reach the storage place of the emergency preparedness kits. So you ought to assure that no ladders or any such things will be needed to take out the emergency preparedness kits from its storage place. Most importantly, make sure that every family member living in your house knows where to look for the emergency preparedness kits.

The second most important thing is to know how gadgets inside the emergency preparedness kits work. You need to try them out and be trained on using them before an emergency occurs.

If you are satisfied with the emergency precautions of your family, then maybe you should encourage your loved ones to keep a few emergency preparedness kits handy. Talk to them about the possible implications it will bring forth. If you live in an area that has a history of being victim to natural disasters, make sure that your emergency preparedness kits are customized to face the situation, be it floods, typhoons or tsunamis.

72-Hour Family Emergency Kit (Click here for a printer-friendly version)

The 72-Hour Emergency Kit should be individually tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family for three days to a week. Most families prefer to store their emergency supplies in one location that is relatively safe, yet easily accessible if evacuation is required. Items may be stored in a 32-gallon trash can, suitcase, duffel bag, backpack, footlocker, or individual pack.


AAA Explorer Road Kit


The items under Emergency Needs are recommended for your kit.

Emergency Needs


* Battery Powered Radio
* First Aid Kit & Manual
* Sleeping Bags & Blankets (wool & thermal)
* Manual Can Opener
* Waterproof/Windproof Matches
* Non-Perishable Foods
* Flashlight
* Water Storage (1 gal./day)
* Water purification tablets
* Utility Knife
* Emergency Candles
* Extra Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses
* Essential Medications
* Extra Clothing

Suggested non-perishable food items: Ready-to-eat goods in unbreakable containers, canned meats, juice, fruits & vegetables, powdered milk, infant care foods, crackers, peanut butter, freeze-dried & dehydrated goods.

Sanitation Kit

* Plastic Bucket w/Tightly Fitted Lid
* Plastic Bags & Ties
* Disinfectant
* Improvised Toilet Seat
* Paper Cups & Plates
* Personal Toiletries
* Baby Supplies
* Aluminum Foil
* Paper Towels
* Personal Hygienic Needs
* Plastic Utensils
* Soap

Other Emergency Needs

* Pen & Paper
* Money
* Address & Phone Numbers
* Work Gloves
* Basic Tools

Standard First Aid Kit

* First Aid Manual
* Aspirin or Pain Relievers
* Laxatives
* Rubbing Alcohol
* Diarrhea Medicine
* Petroleum Jelly
* Soap
* Salt
* Gauze
* Band-aid
* Triangular Bandage (36"x36"x52")
* Elastic Bandage
* Cotton Balls
* Cotton Swabs
* Safety Pins
* Scissors
* Thermometer
* Sanitary Napkins (Pressure Dressing)
* Disposable Diapers (Dressing/ Splint/Padding)
* Micropore Adhesive, Paper Tape
* Matches
* Needles
* Tweezers
* Small Splints, Popsicle Sticks
* Heavy String
* Syrup of Ipecac
* Individual Medical Needs
* Baking Soda (1/2 tsp. soda + 1 tsp. salt + 1 qt. water for shock)

Car Survival Kit

* Always Maintain at Least 1/2 Tank of Gas
* First Aid Kit & Manual
* Class ABC Fire Extinguisher
* Radio & Batteries
* Non-Perishable Food Stored in Coffee Can
* Bottled Water
* Bag of Sand, Shovel & Tools
* Blankets or Sleeping Bags
* Sundry Kit, Paper & Pencil, Map, Tissues, Pre-moistened Towels, Plastic
Bags,Essential Medications
* Flashlights & Batteries
* Reflectors & Flares
* Waterproof Matches & Candles
* Jumper Cables
* Short Rubber Hose for Siphoning
* Shovel

Make Copies of All Legal Papers


* Marriage License
* House Mortgage
* Vacation Home / Property Ownership
* Automotive Ownership
* Motor Home Ownership
* Wills
* Jewelry Appraisals
* Drivers Licenses
* Trailers, Snowmobiles, Boat Ownerships
* Insurance Policies
* Bank Accounts

When Assembling Emergency Supplies for the Household, Include Items for Pets

* Extra food (The food should be dry and relatively unappealing to prevent
overeating. Store the food in sturdy containers.)
* Kitty litter
* Large capacity self-feeder and water dispenser
* Extra medications

How to Store Water

Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances.

Emergency Outdoor Water Sources

If you need to find water outside your home, you can use these sources. Be sure to purify the water by:

* Boiling
* Disinfection (household liquid bleach: 16 drops/gal. of water, stir & let stand 30 min.)
* Distillation (boil 2 pot water & collect the vapor by tying a cup to the upside down pot lid - the cup shouldn't dangle in the water--it will condense back to water in the cup)

Sources:

* Rainwater
* Streams, rivers & other moving bodies of water
* Ponds & lakes
* Natural Springs

Establish an Out-Of-State 24-Hour Telephone Contact

* Calls out will not overload phone lines as will calls coming into a disaster area.
* All relatives should be informed now on procedures to call the phone contact, not after a disaster has occurred. Individual location and status should be requested.
* Take color pictures of every room plus pictures of valuables. Send one copy of legal papers and one copy of pictures to an out-of-state contact.

Plan How Your Family Will Stay in Contact if Separated by Disaster

Pick two meeting places:


1. a location a safe distance from your home in case of fire
2. a place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home

Other Considerations

* Stock supplies to last several days to a week for each family member.
* Be prepared to relocate to a shelter during a prolonged power outage.
* Have extra cash on hand in case electronic transactions (ATM card, credit
cards, etc.) cannot be processed.
* Work with your family in talking about the steps each needs to take to be
ready if disaster happens.

Meet with Neighbors

Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster. Know you neighbors' skills (medical, technical). Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans for child care in case parents can't get home.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Earthquake Preparedness and Kits

Earthquake Preparedness and Kits

Earthquake preparedness plans and kits can save your life when you least expect it. Since there is no way of predicting when an earthquake will strike, having earthquake emergency kits handy can spell the difference between life and death. Remember that in times of calamities and disasters, paramedics, police, firefighters, and other first responders cannot always arrive when you needed them so you have to be responsible for the safety and survival of yourself and your family until help arrives.

The staples of every earthquake preparedness and kits are first aid supplies, medicines, and several gallons of drinking water and enough food for your whole family that will last for at least three days. You should also include gadgets and tools such as battery operated lights and lamps, transistor radio, and mobile phone or other types of communication device that will help you survive even when there is no electricity and gas. Some people even recommend buying furniture-fastening straps, safety adhesive fasteners, and other implements that can keep your furniture, drawers, cupboards and other fixtures from falling off. Cutting tools and fire extinguishers must also be within easy reach so that you can cut off water and gas pipes and extinguish fire when it happens after the earthquake.

In order to increase survival rate, each member of your family should know where to get your earthquake preparedness supplies and know what to do when an earthquake strikes. Even if you have dozens of earthquake emergency kits scattered in your house, if you do not have any idea how to protect yourself from falling objects and other things that can harm you during and after the quake, your kits will be of little use. So you have to remember to discuss earthquake survival with your family so that they will know what to do wherever they may be. Also, since nobody can be sure what time an earthquake will hit, it is advisable to designate a meeting place for your family in case it is no longer safe to stay in your home.

Disastrous seismic activities are quite rare, but your earthquake preparedness gear can also be used during other emergency and disaster situations. Just make sure that you immediately replenish your supplies after using them for other purposes. Also, do remember to check your kits every six to twelve months to replace stored water, canned goods and other food items, and medicines.

Find More Calamity Preparedness Articles


AAA Explorer Road Kit