September is National Preparedness Month! The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network is encouraging everyone to make sure they are prepared for an emergency. Over the next few days, we'll be posting information about how you and your family can be ready for an emergency by taking a few simple steps, including 1) making a home emergency kit, 2) creating a grab-and-go bag and a car emergency kit in the event you need to leave your house quickly, 3) designing a family communications plan, and 4) creating a family evacuation plan.
During a disaster, it can be several days before help from the state or federal government arrives, so it is very important that people are prepared to take care of themselves for the first few days.
Today we’re sharing information on what should be included in your home emergency kit, in the event you need to “shelter in place” or stay in your home for an extended period of time.
Your home emergency kit should include:
- 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
- A 3-day supply of food (canned, dried or non-perishable)
- Non-electric can opener
- Battery-powered / hand-crank / solar radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert capabilities
- Flashlight (preferably hand-crank or solar)
- Battery-powered lantern
- ABC-type fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Moist towelettes
- Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Prescription medications
- Wired telephone (not cordless)
- If you have an infant: 3-day supply of baby food and formula
Stay tuned for more emergency preparedness tips!
Information for this blog post was collected from www.ready.gov and the NH “Preparing for an Emergency: The Smart Thing to Do” brochure
