
The local emergency response planners charged with planning for our County response have stated that county residents need to be prepared to be on their own, at home, for up to thirty days. And, households with members who are elderly, disabled, medically fragile or have functional needs require additional planning and coordination. Due to our population and relative isolation, state and federal resources may be directed to more densely populated communities in a catastrophic event.
Fortunately, our county planners have an excellent webpage to help residents take action to prepare for such eventualities.
Having an emergency supply kit - a “grab and go bag” - is essential to making it through a disaster safely. A small kit contained in an easy to carry backpack or suitcase that can be snatched up in a moment's notice is an invaluable asset in an emergency.
Supplies and tools to support you for three (3) days is suggested for your go-bag. In addition, planners suggest that we have supplies on hand to last each person in your household for 30 days in the case of a major disaster.
Here are some suggestions as to what to include in these kits.
Basics.
Water - a gallon of water per person per day is recommended
Food
Flashlight
Extra batteries for all devices - including your phone
Radio (battery/crank)
Light Sticks
Whistle
Toiletries
Important documents
Cash/Money
First Aid Kit
Multi-purpose tool
Garbage/ziplock bags
Keep vehicles fully gassed up
Additional Items to consider
Personal Medications (at least several days supply)Personal First Aid Kit with medical gloves & Face Mask (N95)
Duct Tape
Rope
Pair Of Leather Palmed Work Gloves
Rain Poncho or Large Garbage Bag to use as a rain poncho
Jacket, Sweater, & Hat (Preferably a Rain Jacket)
Pair of Socks (Preferably Wool)
Emergency Blanket
Pen & Paper
Map of Region
Small Clean White Hand Towel
Food for 24 Hours (Energy Bars or MRE'S with Plastic Utensils)
Matches or Lighter
Insect Repellant
Metal Cup/Can for Cooking & Drinking
Extra Set of Keys (House & Car)
Pocket Radio
Out of State Contact People (List Addresses & Phone Numbers, in writing)
Small Plastic Bottle of Chlorine Bleach in a Ziplock Bag
Tag for Your Bag in Case You Get Separated from It or Are Injured.
Special Needs
Medications
Pet items
Baby items
Extra clothes
We all hope and pray such equipment will never be needed and that our go-bags will gather dust in our closet or the trunk of our vehicle. But there are many among us, your writer included, that can attest to the value of thinking ahead - and being prepared for just about any eventuality.
Not In My Backyard” isn’t really something we can ascribe to on the Peninsula - not with fault lines under our feet, the ocean practically at our back door, and volcanoes less than one hundred miles distant. We recommend taking the time to prepare now.
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