The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 and a recent power blackout in the eastern United States and Canada have brought the need for preparedness to the forefront. 

Disaster and tragedy can strike anywhere and anyone. This past summer a heat wave in Europe killed many people.  A few years ago an ice storm in Montreal closed down the city for weeks.  A tornado in the U.S. midwest killed 19 and destroyed many homes.  Floods, even sewer backups, can be devastating for individual families.

Whether the disaster is manmade or natural it is important that we be prepared.  Forest fires in British Columbia (Canada) this summer caused the evacuation of thousands of people, who left all their worldy goods as they locked their doors.  Those who were prepared were better off than the others who depended on families and the community.

One suggestion for preparedness is to have a 72-hour emergency kit that is portable. The kit includes water and food, clothing, and medical supplies for your size of family. A 72-hour emergency kit can mean the difference between disaster and and slight discomfort for your family.

The Davis School District in Farmington, Utah suggests that the kit be tailored to meet the needs of your family.  "Pack hobby and entertainment items that appeal to your family. Use foods that your family will eat.  Include any special medications that [are] required by family members."

The kit should be put in a large container and located near an exit so that it is readily available in an emergency.  Larger families can use a 32-gallon garbage can.  Other families may be able to use the plastic 5-gallon bucket that is recommended for sanitation.  You may choose to use backpacks, one for each family member to carry when you leave the home.

You also should have your car prepared. Keep the gas tank above half full.  Have a standard first aid kit, blankets, a tent, flashlights and batteries, a change of clothes, extra shoes and food and water in your car.  If you are traveling in the winter carry a candle and matches for warmth.  These items would be helpful if you were stranded while traveling.

An article (http://www.beprepared.com/Articles/check.htm) on emergency essentials  suggests that you consider the needs of elderly people as well as those with special needs.  For babies, you may need to store diapers, wipes, ointment, bottles, etc. 

The article also recommends you enclose clothing, matches, personal documents, and other items that could be damaged in plastic. The kit should be checked twice a year and items that expire should be replaced. 

Here is a modification of the list prepared by the Davis School District.

• Battery powered radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Water  (one gallon per person per day)
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Documents including credit card information, identification, phone numbers
  

Sanitation

• Plastic bucket with tightly fitted lid
• Plastic bags and ties
• Toilet paper
• Disinfectant
• Feminine hygiene needs
• Paper tools
• Soap
• Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils
• Can opener and utility knife

Food (that doesn't spoil)

• Canned meats
• Fruit cocktail
• Peanut butter
• Powdered milk
• Cans or cartons of juice
• Dried fruit (raisins, prunes, fruit leather)
• Nuts (could be combined with dried fruit in a trail mix)
• Crackers (drink lots of water)
• Stress foods (like cookies, candies, and cold cereals)

Standard first aid kit, including the following:

• Water purification tablets
• Table salt
• Baking soda
• Eye drops
• Safety pins
• Matches
• Duct tape
• Heavy string or rope

Families should have an emergency plan in place.  Know where you are going in case of a disaster.  Phone family members to assure them that you are safe.  Keep in contact with neighbors and members of your church or other groups.  An emergency could mean you use your kit in your home or that you live outside or in your car.  Consider the kinds of emergencies you might have and develop plans for each.   These few suggestions could make the difference between diaster, even death, and a little discomfort. 

Links:

Checklist http://www.beprepared.com/Articles/check.htm
Davis School District http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/emrprep/kit_72.htm
Denver Emergency Kit http://www.denvergov.org/OEM/template2280.asp
Gig Harbor 72-hour Kit http://www.pep-c.org/72hourkit/
Homeland Preparedness http://www.homelandpreparedness.com/
Kit for your home http://www.cityofdearborn.org/fire/firedocs/72hourkit.htm
Kit for 2 adults, 2 kids http://outlands.tripod.com/survival/72hrkit.htm
Lesson plan http://members.tripod.com/laugh_lines/activitease/72.htm
Orem Community Emergency Plan http://www.orem.org/emgt/html/community_emergency_plan.cfm
3-day kit http://frontiersurvival.com/basic3daykit.html

October 2003