Polk County
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Polk County Itemizer-Observer • January 4, 2017 9A
BE PREPARED in 2017
By Jolene Guzman
The Itemizer-Observer
POLK COUNTY — Let’s
make 2017 the year for
peace of mind by getting
your emergency kit all
squared away.
OK, in case you missed a
week — or two — as the I-O
week printed updates
throughout 2016, here is the
entire 24-week calendar (in
two installments) to build-
ing a two-week home disas-
ter kit designed by the
American Red Cross.
Don’t forgot your furry
friends as you prepare. Keep
14 days of food, water, med-
ication and supplies for each
of your pets.
Remember: The home
kit is just one piece of pre-
paredness.
Emergency managers rec-
ommend keeping extra sup-
plies at your workplace and
in your car.
Also, pack food that you
would eat normally, not just
what is on sale, in your
emergency kit. You will be
under enough stress without
having to experiment with
cuisine.
Week 15
Week 14
Week 13
Congratulations, you are at the halfway point!
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Strapping and fasten-
ers for water heater, book-
cases and computer
• Whistle
• Extra batter-
ies for flashlights
and radio
• Pry Bar
Action Steps:
Check with your
c h i l d re n’s d a y
care center or
school about dis-
aster plans and
contacts.
Action Steps: Add to emergency
supplies a change of clothing and
pair of shoes for each person in the
family. Put together a selection of
favorite and most used spices —
salt, pepper, sugar — in small pack-
et. Put aside utensils, cup, plate,
and bowl for each person. Check to
be sure all perishables have been
dated.
Action Steps: Secure
bookcases, water heater,
computer, kitchen cabi-
nets or heavy items that
could fall in an earth-
quake.
Week 16
Week 17
• Three cans fruit*
• Three cans meat*
• Three cans vegetables*
• Two Gallons water*
• “Child-proof” latches or fasteners for cupboards
• “Quakehold” museum putty to secure movable items on
shelves
Action Steps: Develop a disaster supply kit for your ve-
hicles or purchase a ready-made kit. Find out if you have
a neighborhood safety group and become involved.
* Per person
Action Steps: Secure doors and movable items.
Week 19
Week 18
• One box graham crackers
• Assorted plastic containers with lids
• Dry cereal
Action Steps: Arrange for someone to help your
children if you are unavailable or at work.
Additional: Special equipment, such as hearing
aid batteries.
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antidiarrheal medication
• Antiseptic
Action Steps: Pack a
sleeping bag or blanket
for each family
member.
Week 21
• Plastic bucket with tight lid for toileting needs
• Plastic sheeting
Additional: Denture care supplies
Action Steps: Review insurance coverage with your agent to be sure you are cov-
ered for whatever events are possible in your area.
Week 20
• Three cans of meat*
• Three cans vegetables*
• One box facial tissues
• One box quick energy snacks
• Dried fruits/nuts
• Two Gallons water*
Action Steps: Assemble an activity box of cards, games, and toys.
* Per person
Week 22
• Two boxes quick energy snacks
• Comfort foods (candy bars, cookies, etc.)
• Plastic wrap
• Aluminum foil
Week 23
• Camping or utility knife
• Work gloves
• Safety goggles
• Disposable dust mask*
Action Steps: Purchase and install emergency
escape ladder for upper floors.
Action Steps: Photograph or videotape the
contents of your home and send to an out
of town friend to store
* Per person
Week 24
Congratulations — you made it!
Action Steps: Begin rotating water and food
stores, replacing those purchased in week one.
Check that storage area is safe and dry; continue
rotation each month so that fresh stores are always
on hand.
To see weeks 1-12 of the emergency kit, head to www.polkio.com.