Time to update emergency kit

September is National Preparedness Month and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign, Citizen Corps and The Ad Council are partners in a nationwide effort to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to work together and take action to prepare for emergencies.

Sixty percent of Americans say preparation for natural or man-made disasters is very important to them, yet only 17 percent claim to be very prepared for an emergency situation.

Readiness is a shared responsibility, and FEMA asks all Americans to make the pledge to prepare this month and help themselves, their neighbors and their communities be Ready. People can get started by visiting http://www.Ready.gov/today downloading a family emergency plan, emergency kit checklists, and getting information on how to get involved locally. Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area, and the appropriate way to respond.

National Preparedness Month is a good opportunity to update or create your emergency kit. Emergency supply kits at home and at work should contain:

• At least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and non-perishable food. Remember to change food and water every six months.

• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, extra keys.

• First-aid kit, extra prescription medications, copies of prescriptions, other special medical items.

• Special supplies needed for babies or older adults.

• Important documents and records, photo IDs, proof of residence.

• Cash, as power outages mean banks and ATMs may be unavailable.

• Battery-operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries.

• Phone numbers of family and friends.

• Road maps, a travel plan, hotel reservations, list of places between your town and your destination where you can stop if the highways are clogged.

• Coolers for food and ice storage, paper plates, plastic utensils.

• Manual can opener, booster cables, tools.

• Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and extra clothing.

• Toilet paper, cleanup supplies, personal hygiene products.

• Pet supplies.

During National Preparedness Month, and throughout the year, FEMA and the Ad Council invites everyone to prepare in advance for all types of natural disasters. The Ready Campaign’s websites (ready.gov and listo.gov) and toll-free numbers (1-800-BE-READY and 1-888-SE-LISTO) provide free emergency preparedness information and resources available in English and Spanish.

The Louisiana Serve Commission is the lead agency responsible for Spontaneous Volunteer Management in the event of a disaster or emergency. To view volunteer opportunities or donate toward relief and recovery efforts, visit http://www.volunteerlouisiana.gov.

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Posted by Graphic Designer 2 on Sep 22 2012. Filed under Editorial. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.