Sometimes, we may just have a few moments notice before we are forced to leave our home. In this case, here is a list of things you should have ready and grab on your way out of the door. *
· Medical supplies: prescription medications and dentures. · Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water
· Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
· Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend's or relative's home)
· If you own a laptop computer and cell phone, this is the time to take them with you. Make sure they are always kept in an easily accessible place in your home so you can just grab and go.
Supplies Needed:
Flashlight and extra batteries (at least one per family member)
NOAA Weather radio
Lanterns
Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries (Check that it works and that batteries are the right kind.)
Portable, battery-operated TV/extra batteries. You can find these for $20.00. (Optional)
First Aid Kit
Food (non-perishable) -- See Below
Water (one gallon of water per person per day) -- 2 week supply
Water -- Also full your bathtub for extra water for additional purposes. Water is so important. You can’t have too much!
Bleach -- For water purification
Ice
Non-electric can opener. Also, try and purchase most cans that have pop open tops.
Cash -- Get cash out in case the ATMs are down. Do this in advance. Often in times of crises the machines run out of money. This has happened in two hurricane preparations in my area. Temporary problem, but stressful.
Essential medicines -- Prescription and non-prescription. You should have at least a two-week supply. Keep this in a secure location. Make sure you have noted somewhere exactly what you take, dosage, time of day, etc. Also, note your doctors. We have this in the list.
Baby supplies (diapers, non-perishable milk, baby food, formula, diaper rash medicine, any medication, and cream for bug bites or cuts.).
Pet supplies (Food, liter, etc.). Make sure your pet has a tag on them with their name and address on it in case it gets lost.
Personal items, such as toilet paper, toothbrush, towel, soap, etc.
Bug Spray -- Good amount. Extremely important. I recommend at least two bottles. And also Avon’s Skin So Soft.
Generator if possible.
Rain Gear (for each person)
Fill the gas tanks in all cars. Put extra water and food in car. (I leave in my trunk a small box of can goods, and a jug or two of water all the time.) While preparing though, I’ll add a couple more in case I get stuck in traffic. With three kids, I have snacks.
Activities for kids. Age appropriate. You can be locked in your home for a couple of days. Get creative.
Sturdy shoes
Charcoal for grill. Buy extra even if you have a gas grill. In case something happens.
Charcoal Lighter Fluid
Matches.
Gas Grill -- Make sure it’s full and working.
Important telephone #s
Denture/Eye Glass Care
Clothing and Bedding - Have your clothing and beddings items protected by placing them in waterproof boxes, plastic bags or other suitable containers. Include at least one change of clothing and footwear per person. Some items to consider are work boots and gloves, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, towels, hat, sunglasses.
Food: -- If you are without power for a long time you will need some variety, especially with children. Peanut butter and jelly is great, but the kids will get bored fast. Variety is the key. Here we have included some of the basics to have and then some ideas as well. It’s recommended to have a three-day supply. Here in South Florida, they tell us a two-week supply. Know your kids and what they will eat. This isn’t the time to try something new on them, just because it’s in a can. (Believe it or not, I’ve seen a mom do this!).
You normally will be able to grill. Get several bags of charcoal and lighter fluid for the grill. Also, if you have a gas grill, make sure you have plenty of gas. For cooking on the grill, get the Reynolds Hot Bags. This will allow you to grill about anything. Also, Reynolds Wrap Release Non-Stick Aluminum Foil makes cooking sticky things over coals easier. No problem with cleanup.
Foods/Beverages Dry Cereal or Granola Protein or Fruit Bars Peanut Butter/Jelly Nuts Canned Juices Crackers Non-Perishable Pasteurized Milk Bread/Bagels/Dry Toast Canned Fruits Ready to Eat Soups Quick Energy Snacks Tuna Canned Foods--Kid’s Favorites White Chicken In Can Chips/Pretzels/Snacks Packages of Ketchup/Mayo, etc. Noodles for Cooking Velvetta/Cheese Fruits/Vegetables Coffee (Instant) -- Gotta have! Trail Mix Water / Juice Boxes for kids
Pet Food -- Not to eat naturally.
FOOD IDEAS
You will be able to boil water with a pan. So consider some of the following ideas. Also, many use a can of sterno. Again the thing is to be creative now!
Velveeta Cheese (Stores well) -- (Crackers/Tuna Sandwiches/Top of Rice & Vegetables/Mac & Cheese Noodles -- Spaghetti/Mac & Cheese Uncle Ben's Ready Rice (simmer the boil-in-bag 4 minutes) -- Different flavors Can Fruits/Pop Open Tops -- Can mix with Jell-O if you have plenty of water. Different dessert for kids.
Food safety: Food kept under minimal refrigeration (in an ice chest) is prone to food safety issues, so be very careful how you handle it. At a time like this, food safety rules are very important. Use the disposable food cutting sheets for preparing meats and vegetables. And wear disposable gloves.Rinse once: When using a variety of canned beans for one meal, place them all in a colander and rinse them all at one time instead of one kind at a time. This saves water.Buy cookies, chips, pretzels, crackers with processed cheese in single-serving snack packs so that they don't succumb to humidity and get soggy once opened. For a sweet treat, stock mini candy bars.To go with those chips, purchase pop-top cans of dip. They come in a variety of flavors including onion, bean, mild cheddar and jalapeno cheddar (Wise and Fritos). Sitting with the family enjoying these as you heat the grill for dinner is a good way to help everyone relax at a trying time.
FIRST AID SUPPLIES Sewing Needle Sun Screen Thermometer Tweezers 2” Sterile Gauze Pads Latex Gloves Moistened Towelettes Safety Pins 4” Sterile Gauze 2” Sterile Roller Bandages First Aid Cream Personal Items Hand Sanitizer Gel Pain Relief such as Tylenol
ESPECIALLY FOR MINORS
There are many things you need to have prepared in advance for your children.
In the unfortunate events of 9/11 and others we have seen many times where the children were left with no parents. Never would we want this to happen. However, if this were to happen, let’s make sure that you have done everything possible to secure their future.
First and foremost we need to know who to call. Let’s get information on your family.
Members of Family:
FATHER:
MOTHER:
GUARDIAN:
CHILD’S NAME (#1) :
AGE:
SEX:
SS#:
ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
CHILD’S DOCTOR:
CHILD’S NAME (#2) :
AGE:
SEX:
SS#:
ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
CHILD’S DOCTOR:
CHILD’S NAME (#3) :
AGE:
SEX:
SS#:
ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
CHILD’S DOCTOR:
CHILD’S NAME (#4) :
AGE:
SEX:
SS#:
ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
CHILD’S DOCTOR:
FAMILY MEMBERS NAMES
Grandparents Names & Phone:
Aunts and Uncles Names & Phone:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHILDREN:
Diana EnnenVirtual Word Publishing, Inc. http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com/
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