10
D ISASTER P REPARATION • N OV . 2, 2016
E m er g e nc y k it c h ec k l i s t
A battery-powered radio
and extra batteries
Flashlights or battery pow-
ered lanterns, with extra batteries
Avoid using candles because of
the fire hazard
Water to last three days. At
least one gallon per person per
day
Manual can opener
Fully-stocked first aid kit
Extra prescription medica-
tions, eyeglasses and contact lens
solutions
Supplies for baby, elderly
or special needs
Non-perishable food,
including canned meat, vegeta-
bles, soups and fruit, crackers,
cereals, granola and energy bars,
peanut butter and nuts
Plastic sheeting, tarp and
duct tape
Dust filter masks rated
“N95,” designed to keep out air-
borne dust, pollen and possibly
protection from disease
Whistle to signal for help
A stash of cash in small
bills. Set aside as much as you can
reasonably afford.
Copies of your important
family documents. You can scan
them to a flash drive and store in
either a “go bag” or other safe
location away from your home.
These documents may include
copies of insurance policies,
deeds, passports, birth certificates
and titles to your vehicles
Small photo album with
current photos of family members
and pets
Regular, unscented, house-
hold bleach for purifying water
and an eyedropper. Experts rec-
ommend 16 drops of bleach to
purify one gallon of water
Utility knife and/or heavy-
duty scissors
Heavy duty trash bags
“Strike anywhere” Matches
in waterproof container
Sanitizing and disinfectant
wipes
Extra set of car and house
keys, stored in a secure location
away from your primary residence
Gloves. Latex or non/latex,
plus a good pair of work gloves
Toilet paper (lots) and
paper towels
Travel sizes of personal
hygiene items, dental care, soap,
feminine care, deodorant, etc.
Blankets or sleeping bag
and small pillow
Towels for each member of
the family, and extra for clean-up
Extra clothing, socks,
underwear and outerwear, and
sturdy, comfortable footwear
Small tool kit. Include a
wrench for shutting off utilities,
hammer, nails, screwdrivers,
screws, duct tape, zip ties, etc.
Signal flares
Insect repellent. Wasp/hor-
net spray can also be used for per-
sonal defense
Extra pet food and water.
Also if your pet requires medica-
tion, get some extra for them as
well
Fire extinguisher
Disposable camera with
flash for documenting damage.
Remember, survival is
not a kit. Survival is a
plan and the kit should
be a part of your plan.
Creating an emergency kit
he disaster prep motto: Get a kit,
make a plan, be informed. Both
FEMA and the Red Cross recom-
mend having a 72-hour emergency kit,
though more and more experts prefer sup-
plies for up to two weeks. That is having
enough supplies and equipment to get you
through 14 days without electricity, water
or trips to the store.
Building an emergency kit does not need
to break the bank. Picking up a few extra
items now and then will build up over a
period of time and, before long, your pantry
is filled with supplies that will carry you
through a disaster. Don’t be overwhelmed
by a huge list of items — just buy a few
items each week and you will be prepared for
the most likely emergencies in our area.
Some additional tips when planning your
kit:
T
DISASTER PREP
B Y D AVE R OBINSON
Special to the Siuslaw News
• Keep your kit in one general location.
In fact, keep one kit at home and a separate
kit, including cell phone charger, in your
vehicle.
• Store your kit in a cool, dry place. People
use food-grade 5-gallon buckets, ice chests
or duffel bags to keep everything together.
• Make sure your kit is portable in case
of evacuation.
• Rotate your stock of food, water, med-
icines and batteries every six months to
ensure freshness. Commercially bottled
water is recommended to ensure safety.
• Stay in the habit of keeping your gas
tank at least half full and keeping your cell
phone charged.
• If you need to evacuate, be sure to
remember chargers for your technology,
important paperwork, contact information
and spare keys.
• Have a go-to place for all family mem-
bers to meet in case of emergency.
Use this checklist to create an emergency kit
for you and your family until basic services
may be restored.
Dave Robinson is the postmaster in Bandon, Ore., and author of “Disaster Prep
for the Rest of Us.” He may be contacted at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.
Visit his website for more disaster preparedness tips, disasterprepdave.blogspot.com.