Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime—even in someone’s own home. September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross is urging everyone to take three easy steps to get their household ready for emergencies: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.
BUILDING AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT
Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:
- Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
- Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Blankets
- Map(s) of the area
Consider the needs of all family members, such as children, the elderly and pets, and add supplies to your kit as needed. For more information on how to build your kit, visit redcross.org today.
Por AJ Suero, M.EB
Regional Communications Manager, Lehigh-Bucks and Tri-County Chapters
American Red Cross of Eastern PA
