12 February 2008

Emergency Disaster Kit

“Most natural disasters involve water, so all items in your emergency kit should be waterproofed.”

The majority of natural disasters involve weather extremes.

• Floods/tsunamis
• Tornadoes/Hurricanes
• Volcanoes
• Earthquakes
• Wild fires
• Winter storms
• National security incidents

If you’re lucky, warnings will reach you in time to evacuate. This article explains the essential ingredients of a disaster kit. This list includes the bare minimum of items to bring, and is enough for one person. Don’t forget mini-kits for your pet(s).

Most natural disasters involve water, so all items in your emergency kit should be waterproofed. Put items like matches inside two zip lock bags zipped shut at opposite ends.

You need 30 to 60 ounces of water per day. Pre-sterilized water is best. Staying hydrated is your first priority; bathing and washing items is the second.

A makeshift shelter will be vital during inclement weather conditions. A rip stop nylon poncho can serve as a tent or a layer of protection against wind and cold.

Bring 2,000 calories of high-protein, very low sugar food per day. Protein bars, nuts, GORP and granola are best, as they provide energy without requiring preparation or utensils.

You’ll need warm bedding—either a sleeping bag or fleece blankets in summer, and wool in winter. Orange is an ideal color—it can double as a signaling device. If you have to keep your kit ultra lightweight, several foil blankets will serve as vapor and wind barriers, signal devices and blankets as well.

Take basic hygiene items:
• Face mask – either a bandana or an N95 dust mask
• Baby wipes and waste disposal bags
• Soap and washcloth
• Toilet paper
• Oral hygiene
• Feminine supplies
• Latex gloves

First aid essentials:
• Gauze roll and pads
• First aid tape
• Ibuprofen
• Sterile wipes
• Burn cream
• Petroleum jelly
• Cayenne serves as both a natural antiseptic and a blood coagulant
• Family identity, health and contact information

Pack the bare minimum of survival/rescue equipment, which consists of heat packs, whistle to alert rescuers and a crank flashlight or light sticks. If you can afford them, bring self-powered flashlights and radios, some of which will recharge cell phones. Don’t forget a week’s worth of cash—you can’t depend on ATM’s in an emergency situation.