Author: Keith Carlson
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1/1/1900
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This blog will address a variety of health-related subjects as seen through the eyes of a nurse on the front lines.
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Posted on 7:46 AM on 2/13/2009
Emergency preparedness is a hot topic among public health and public safety officials these days. In light of the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina, wildfires in the West, floods in various parts of the country, ice storms, tornadoes and other weather emergencies, many governmental and non-governmental agencies would like Americans to take emergency preparedness seriously. While there are many aspects of emergency preparedness, this blog post will focus specifically on the physical health and well-being of you and your family.
If you and your loved ones were to be without power for several days, what would you do? How would you cope? And what could you do in advance to prepare for such an event? We recommend putting together what is known as a "72-Hour Kit". While it may seem daunting and overwhelming, this kit can be put together over months---or even several years---so that the expense is absorbed over time.
First and foremost, consider having a three-day supply of water on hand for your family and pets. Every member of the household will need one gallon of water per day for basic needs. You should also have sufficient water set aside for your pets.
Next, have a stock of non-perishable food items which require neither cooking or water in order to prepare them. Choose foods and beverages your family would be most likely to enjoy, and make sure you have the implements---like a manual can-opener---that you might need to open and prepare them.
Next, have a comprehensive list of emergency numbers for neighbors, friends, and family. Also keep a list of family members' health conditions, medical providers, allergies, and medications. Have a copy of rabies and vaccination records for your pets, as well as vaccination and health records for any children in the home. You may also want to have an extra copy of your homeowner's insurance policy, bank account numbers, and credit card account numbers.
Make sure that you have at least one flashlight with the correct batteries, or perhaps a hand-cranked flashlight. Candles and matches may come in handy, if used safely, and a hand-cranked radio can also be a good way to keep in contact with the outside world in the case of a prolonged power failure.
When possible, purchase or put together a basic First Aid kit and a small stock of personal hygiene items that your family would most likely need. Feminine hygiene products, diapers, toilet paper and hand sanitizer are also potentially very useful items you would not want to leave out. You may also want to add over-the-counter medicines like aspirin, Tylenol, cough syrup, or allergy medications. A duffel bag filled with a few towels, several blankets, sleeping bags, or other material for keeping warm might be a nice addition to your kit.
If you have a disabled family member, make sure that you have the serial numbers, make and model number of all special equipment like wheelchairs and walkers, and you may want to have back-up batteries or a generator if your family member uses equipment that requires electricity.
Remember, if you and your family were going to be confined to your home for several days, preparing in advance for such an event will go a long way towards assuring your safety, health and well-being. When thinking about what to put in your 72-Hour Kit, consider your family members' and pets' medical conditions, chronic medications, special hygiene needs and dietary considerations.
Your 72-Hour Kit kit can be extensive or basic, based on your financial resources and individual needs. Beginning to put together a kit can be as simple as storing six gallons of water, a jar of peanut butter, a box of crackers, and an extra flashlight with batteries. What is recommended is that you begin to think about what you and your family would need in such circumstances, and consider beginning the process and planning which are essential to your family's health and safety in an emergency.
For further information, please visit the CDC's Emergency Preparedness website at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness/.
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