Emergency Preparedness Kit

Disasters can strike at any time and cause extreme damage. These disasters,flash floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and can happen suddenly with very little warning. When something of this nature strikes, you need to be prepared in advance with anemergency preparedness kit. Preparing in advance for any type of emergency requires careful planning. You take into consideration all possible aspects of what it may take to for you and your family to survive possibly several days without assistance from potential rescuers. It must not only contain everything you need, but it also must be easy to grab and carry at a moment's notice.

Consider What Must Be Included

Every home's emergency kit is different, as it must be tailored to sustain you and your family’s needs for 3 to 7 days. You must consider the needs of eachindividual member of your family and include any special supplies they may need. The following items are necessary (and common) to almost every emergency preparedness kit:

Important Documents: include basic identification such as passports or birth certificates, medical information, financial information, copies of personal and residential insurance policies, and any other vital documents for your family.Place these items in a securable,waterproof and fireproof box or container.

Essential Medications: personalmedications for each member of your family must be added to your kit. This may not be possible to do in advance due to expiration dates, refrigeration requirements, and so forth. Other items such as spare eyeglasses, hearing aids, and etc.,should also be included.

Money: include an adequate amount of cash and add it to your waterproof/fireproof container.

In addition to the above, a first aid kit is another essential aspect of every household'semergency kit. Your first aid should include the following:

• Adhesive bandages
• Cloth tape
• Antiseptic or alcohol wipes
• Cold compresses
• Sterile gauze and gauze pads
• Burn medications
• Aspirin
• Scissors, tweezers, and an oral thermometer
• Latex gloves
• Saline
• Emergency first aid booklet

Make sure every item in this kit is up to date and maintained. Check the kit at least once a year to avoid items that will no longer function as designed. Every member of the family should attendand also be prepared to perform basic first aid.

Another important consideration is your geographic location. Find out which disasters your location is prone to and prepare accordingly. If you live in a high-risk earthquake zone, consider packing earthquake-related supplies. This typically includes an additional amount of first aid supplies.

Miscellaneous Additions

Although a kit must be customized to you and your family’s needs, there are a few recommended supplies you should include in your kit. Many disaster management and government websites recommend this standard list of supplies:

• One gallon of water, per family member, per day
• Non-perishable food
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable battery powered radio
• Flares/Whistle
• Multi-purpose tool and pocket knife
• Cell phone charger (possibly one that will work without electricity)
• Pet food if needed
• Baby food and supplies (diapers, bottles, etc.)
• Candles and matches in a waterproof box
• Sturdy rope
• Duct tape
• Blankets and towels

Every emergency kit should be customized based on your needs and the specific risks your geographical location may present.

Post-Disaster Restoration

Depending on the type of disaster, your house may have received damage. To ensure the safety of your family, assess the damage and address it as soon as it is safe to do so. Contact Water Mold Fire Restoration at 800-905-0277 for emergency disaster-related recovery and restoration. Or if you prefer, you can email us for a free, no=obligationinspection and estimate at help@watermoldfire.net.