Being prepared for an emergency is practical.  Here are a few tips on getting ready:

Be sure to stock up on at least three-days supply of food, water, clothes, medical supplies, and other necessary equipment for everyone in the family.  Make sure everyone in the house knows where to find the supplies.

Decide where and when to re-unite the family, should you be apart if an emergency happens.

Choose a person outside of the immediate area to contact if family members are
separated.  Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner than local service.  However, do not use the phone immediately after an incident.

At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home, or take with you in case you must evacuate, such as a backpack.

Gathering Supplies

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for home)
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for home)
• Flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, multipurpose tool, manual can opener
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers), games for older children
• Pet Supplies (leash, bowl, carrier, food, ID)
• First aid kit
• Medications (7 day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash, extra set of house and car keys, emergency blanket, matches
• Maps(s) of the area

(The above list is adapted from the American Red Cross website.)   For more information, questions or comments, please call (619) 246-8400.