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Health & Fitness

Have the Right Supplies to Survive in a Disaster

September is National Preparedness Month. Over the next 30 days I'll provide 30 ways to assist residents to become better prepared for emergencies in order to protect themselves and their families.

I want to continue on with the goal of identifying 30 ways in 30 days for individuals and families to become better prepared for emergencies. Over the last several weeks I've written about making a specific Family Emergency Plan. If you have not yet downloaded the Family Emergency Plan Template; you can do so here:

http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Family_Emegency_Plan.pdf

In a emergency disaster environment recognize that first responders may be overwhelmed, and they have to prioritize critical needs will not be able to get to everyone right away. You need to plan to be largely self sufficient for 72 hours.

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You are your family’s first responder!

In the week ahead I'll be writing about building and maintianing and Emergency Supply Kit, which will include the basic tools you'll need to survive in a disaster environment. For today, I'll deal first with the most basic necessity:

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  • Water

 

Water is critical to survival and must be incliuded your emergency supply kit. Understand that in a post disaster environment clean drinking water may not be available. Your regular water source could be cut-off or unavailable due to  contamination. As a consequence a supply of water that will meet your family’s needs during an emergency.

How much water will your family need?

Your Emergency Supply Kit should include at least one gallon of water per person per day. Most active people will require at least one gallon of water daily just for drinking although individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.

As you develop your family Emergency Suppply Kit take the following under consideration:

  • At least one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
  • Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water.
  • Certain medical conditions might require additional water.
  • Warm weather season may require more water may be necessary because water needs can double in very hot temperatures.
  • Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

 

For a family of four, this means 4 cases of 24-16 oz. commercially bottled water for a three day supply. Be sure to keep bottled water in its original container and don't open it until you need to use it. Store your emergency water supply in a cool, dark place, and as you periodically check your Emergency Supply Kit be conscious of any posted expiration or “use by” date.

As I continue to outline items for your Emergency Supply Kit remember:

You need to plan for your family to be largely self sufficient for up to 72 hours.

 

 

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