Families advised to have three-day emergency kit in event of disaster
A three-day supply of water, food, medications and necessities for the care of family pets is a kit every family should have on hand for any disaster, according to emergency officials. “The power could go out during a storm, and the utility company may not be able to get to your home right away,” said Guy Napolillo, director of emergency services for Fayette County 911.
Advance preparation for long-term utility outages, or times when residents are required to stay in their homes for extended periods of time, also lessens the number of telephone calls to local fire, police and ambulance services.
“If you are required to stay in your home or in a shelter, you can bet there is something very serious happening somewhere else that requires the continued presence of emergency personnel,” said Napolillo. “It would help us very much if residents would have a few days’ supply of water and food on hand, just as a precaution.”
According to the state Homeland Security Department, one gallon of water per person per day should be stored for drinking and sanitation purposes, with allowances for additional supplies for nursing mothers, those who are ill or children. Store the supply in clean plastic containers.
Foods supplies should not require any refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water and include a manual can-opener and eating utensils to the package.
If emergency personnel call for an evacuation, Napolillo said, the kit also should include first aid supplies, such as latex or sterile gloves, dressings, cleansing agents, antibiotic ointment, bandages, eye wash solutions, a thermometer and prescribed medications and supplies.
Non-prescription medications including aspirin, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, syrup of Ipecac and sanitary supplies also may come in handy in the event of a
prolonged indoor stay, said Napolillo.
The kit also should include a flashlight with an extra supply of batteries, radio, plastic garbage bags, extra clothing and shoes for each member of the family, a sleeping bag or warm blanket, small tools, matches, paper and pencil.
Napolillo said the emergency kit may be gathered and not used, but if it is needed, the time spent will be well worth the effort.
“It doesn’t hurt to be prepared,” he said.