Disaster Planning

We all know we should be prepared for a disaster by doing some advance planning. We all know this - but few of us actually do it - always putting it off for some day in the future that never comes. A few weeks ago when much of central Ohio lost power for days due to hurricane force winds, I vowed to dig up a disaster list I had and get serious about getting a disaster kit together. Well, I found it today - it is quite a comprehensive list - and so I share it with you.

Water: Store water in plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break. A normally active person needs at least 2 quarts of water a day. Children, nursing mothers and sick people will need more.

Food: Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Suggested foods are: Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, canned juices, milk and soup; staples such as sugar, salt and pepper; high energy foods. including peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix; foods for infants, the elderly or people on special diets; comfort foods, such as cookies, hard candy and instant coffee. (Stored water and canned goods should be rotated every six months to stay fresh)/

First-Aid Kit: You should have a kit for the home and another for the car. A first-aid kit should have sterile adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, rolls of sterile bandages, scissors, tweezers, needle, moistened towelettes, antiseptic, thermometer, soap, latex gloves and sunscreen. There are some nonprescription drugs that should be included too. They are aspirin nor non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, syrup of Ipecac and laxatives.

Clothing and Bedding: You should include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. The supplies should include sturdy shoes or boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, hat and gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses. Pair of heavy work gloves in case you have to move debris.

Tools and Supplies: The inventory should include mess kits (forks, spoons, paper cups, etc.), battery operated radio, flashlight, cash (paper and coin) or travelers checks, manual can opener, utility knife, small canister fire extinguisher, tube tent, pliers, tape, compass, matches (in waterproof container), aluminum foil, plastic storage containers, signal flare, paper and pencil, needles and thread, medicine dropper, shut off wrench (to turn household gas and water off if needed), whistle, plastic sheeting, area map and extra batteries, candles, firewood if you have a fireplace, charcoal so you can cook whatever food you might have on hand.

Sanitation supplies: The list includes toilet paper, liquid detergent, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, plastic garbage bags and ties, plastic bucket with a tight lid, disinfectant and household chlorine bleach.

Special Items: Family members such as infants, the elderly and disabled persons might have special needs. Some items that should be considered are formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk and medications for infants; medications, insulin, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eyeglasses for adults; and games and books for entertainment, pet food.

Documents: Important family documents should be included in the inventory and should be kept in a waterproof portable container. They include a will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, passports, social security cards, immunization records, bank account/credit card numbers and companies, a list of valuable household items, important phone numbers and family records (birth, marriage, death certificates).

Mobility: Keep the items that you would most likely need during a hasty evacuation in an easy to carry container, such as a large and covered trash can, a backpack or a duffel bag. The kit should be stored in a convenient place known to all family members. Items should be kept in airtight plastic bags. You should plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster. Two meeting places should be picked - a location a safe distance from your home in case of fire, and a place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. And you should choose an out of state friend as a check in contact for everyone to call.