While our region has shown incredible resilience in the face of this and other disasters, taking proactive steps now can make a critical difference for you and your family in the future.
ReadyNC.gov, the official source for emergency preparedness in the state, emphasizes that the time to put an emergency kit together is before a disaster. An emergency kit is a container of essential items your family may need to survive for three to seven days after a disaster. Most of these items can be found in your own home.
What to Put in Your Emergency Preparedness Kit:
In addition to regular items, ReadyNC recommends adding supplies to help avoid the spread of viruses.
Face coverings / masks
Hand sanitizer
Sanitizing wipes
Here is the comprehensive list of regular items to include:
Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days
Food: Non-perishable and canned food supply for 3 to 7 days
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with extra batteries
Cell phone with charger
First aid kit and a first aid book
Flashlight and extra batteries
Manual can opener for food
Wrench or pliers to turn off water
Blanket or sleeping bag – 1 per person
Prescription medications and glasses
Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies
Extra house and car keys
Important documents – insurance policies, a copy of your driver’s license, Social Security card, and bank account records
Fire extinguisher
Cash and change
Books, games or cards
Make a Plan
Every household also needs an emergency plan. You need to know where you will go if you have to evacuate, and how you will communicate.
Create your emergency plan by thinking about:
Communications: Plan how you will talk and connect with your family after an emergency. Fill out a contact card for each family member to keep with them. Identify an out-of-state contact, as it may be easier to make long-distance calls during an emergency. This person can help keep track of all family members. Be sure everyone knows the contact name and numbers. Also, have an “In Case of Emergency” contact listed in your cell phone.
Utilities: Learn ahead of time how to turn off your water, gas, and electricity safely. Do NOT try to turn the gas back on yourself; always call a trained expert.
Documents: Collect copies of key papers and records and keep them in a waterproof container with your emergency kit. This will help if you need to sign up for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after a disaster.
Being ready for an emergency helps you and your family to survive, and it also allows police, firefighters, and emergency medical workers to help those who need it most.
WNCTimes
Image: WNCTimes