Be Prepared

GO BAG

I live in a very safe place. But it was not always that way. So I learned to be prepared for emergencies. As a child I was a Girl Scout. As an adult I was a trained Red Cross disaster volunteer. I was raised in a traveling military family as well. All of things make me aware of emergency preparedness. To that end I want to share what you can do to prepare and keep your family safer in an emergency. You may be thinking this won't happen to me. You may be right, but also consider helping someone else and share this information with others who may need it. Below is a Go Bag List and and Evacuation List you may copy and print. You might also visit the Red Cross website for more information.

GO BAG LIST

Supplies

• Water and Food: At least three days' supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food like energy bars, dried fruit, and canned goods with a manual can opener.

• First Aid and Medications: A comprehensive first-aid kit and any necessary prescriptions.

• Clothing and Warmth: change of clothes, sturdy shoes, extra socks, an emergency blanket or sleeping bag. Poncho.

• Sanitation and Hygiene: Toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes/soap. Female pads.

Tools and communication

• Lighting: A flashlight with extra batteries or a hand-crank flashlight. Matches. Rope.

• Radio: An emergency crank or battery-powered radio.

• Multi-tool: A multi-tool, pocketknife, and duct tape are helpful for a variety of tasks.

• Communication: A phone, power bank, and extra batteries for all your devices. 

Documents and money

• Identification and Documents: Copies of important personal documents like driver's license, passport, birth certificates, and insurance information, stored in a waterproof bag.

• Cash: Some cash in small bills, as ATMs may not work after an emergency.

• Contact List: print list of emergency contact numbers. POLICE, AMBULANCE, RED CROSS family/friends. 

Special items

• For children: Diapers, formula, baby food, and a comfort item like a favorite toy. Crayons/paper or small game.

• For pets: Pet food, water, leash, and copies of veterinary records.

• For medical needs: Additional items like glasses or contact lenses, medical equipment, and copies of prescriptions. 

EVACUTATING:

Before you leave

• Dress appropriately: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes.

• Secure your home: Lock all windows and doors, turn off pilot lights; air conditioning. Secure outside items

• Leave information: Leave contact information for emergency services on your dining table.

• Take photos: Take pictures or a video of your home's exterior and interior for insurance purposes. 

During evacuation

• Use designated routes: Follow the evacuation routes specified by local officials.

• Stay informed: Tune into a battery-powered radio for official updates.

• Avoid returning: Do not return home until officials have declared it safe to do so. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES BEFORE GOING: 

·         Keep car fueled and in good condition. 

·         Let someone know where you plan to go.

·         Fill tubs and sinks with water in case local water gets contaminated

·         For longer trips, plan to forward mail and cancel news/magazine subscriptions