Be Prepared - Part 2

Here are a few more details for y'all on emergency preparedness.

WATER

• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
• Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
• If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.
• Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

FOOD

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
• Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
• Choose foods your family will eat.

*Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
*Protein or fruit bars
*Dry cereal or granola
*Peanut butter
*Dried fruit
*Nuts
*Crackers
*Canned juices
*Non-perishable pasteurized milk
*High energy foods
*Vitamins
*Food for infants
*Comfort/stress foods

Additional information on water & food including ways to purify water and hidden water sources in your home can be found at the link below.
http://www.redcross.org/static/file_cont39_lang0_24.pdf

FIRST AID KIT

In any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries.

If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency.

Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

Things you should have:

• Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Burn ointment to prevent infection.
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.

Things it may be good to have:

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Non-prescription drugs: Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever, Anti-diarrhea medication, Antacid (for upset stomach), Laxative

OK, that's enough for one day.

Part 3 coming soon......