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Be Prepared When Disaster Strikes
You never know when a disaster will strike. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Stock up your home in advance so you’re always ready for an emergency. Create your own disaster kit with this advice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Water. Stocking water is a top priority, according to FEMA. Store enough to last three days — one gallon per person per day.
- Save water in sealable plastic, fiberglass, or enamel-lined metal containers. Don’t use breakable containers or those that have held toxic chemicals.
- Thoroughly wash them out with a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water.
- Fill the containers with water, write the date on them, and seal tightly.
- If you have untreated water, like well water, you will need to treat it before storing it. Contact your water supplier, state health department, or agricultural extension agent for instructions.
- Keep this supply in a dark, cool place, and change the water every six months.
Food. You don’t need to buy special food for a disaster kit. Just check your cupboard.
- Canned foods are perfect since you can eat them without much preparation. Store them in a cool, dry place along with a manual can opener.
- Protect boxed and bagged food from bugs by putting it in sealed plastic or metal containers.
- Replace the food in your emergency supply every six months. Throw out old food and cans that have become dented, swollen, or corroded.
- Store a few paper plates, plastic utensils, resealable bags, and an all-purpose knife in your kit, as well.
First aid. Injuries or illness can make a disaster deadly. Make sure you have a first aid manual and these supplies in your emergency kit.
- cotton balls, needles, tweezers, scissors, latex gloves, a thermometer, and petroleum jelly
- cleansers, such as rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, soap, antibiotic ointment, and moist towelettes
- sterile bandages, including several pieces of gauze, adhesive bandages, and rolled bandages
- nonprescription drugs, such as aspirin and nonaspirin pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine, laxative, and syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting if necessary
- an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses or contacts
- If you take prescription drugs, ask your doctor which ones you should keep in your disaster kit. Store them according to the label, and watch their expiration dates.
Tools. The right tools can save your life in a tight spot. Try including these handy items with your emergency supplies.
- flashlight and extra batteries
- signal flare
- whistle
- duct tape and scissors
- waterproof matches, or regular matches in a waterproof container
- a shut-off wrench, pair of pliers, and other tools you think you might need
- small, battery-powered radio with extra batteries, and a weather radio if needed in your area
Round out your disaster kit with a few basic items like a change of clothes, toiletries, and a warm blanket. Slip a set of spare keys, some cash, a credit card, and copies of critical documents into a waterproof container.
Keep your emergency supplies together in a bag near an exit door in your home so you can grab it fast if you have to evacuate. You may also want to put a smaller version of this kit in your car.
© FCA Publishing
Excerpt from FC&A’s Personal Finance for Seniors.
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