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DISASTERS HAPPEN –ARE YOU READY? Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when they do, you may not have much time to respond. A hazardous material spill could mean evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, windstorm or other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones for days. Do you have enough supplies to last 5 to 7 days? Do you have an emergency contact phone number and meeting place for family members?  Have you thought about your pet’s safety? The following information from the American Red Cross will assist you in preparing your own home emergency plan. If you have any questions, please contact the MOA Office of Emergency Management at (www.muni.org or 343-1401 or the Alaska Chapter of the American Red Cross (www.alaska.redcross.org or 646-5400). Disaster Supplies Kit After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would you be prepared? Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. Start now by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. When disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement. Prepare Your Kit There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Review the checklist below.  Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.  Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*). Possible Containers Include: A large, covered trash container, A camping backpack, A duffel bag. top of page Water Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink, water bottles and five gallon plastic water jugs. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.  Store one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).* Food Store at least a five - seven day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. *Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit: Canned & dried foods sufficient for your household for 3 – 7 days Canned juices, milk, soup  Staples (sugar, salt, pepper)  High-energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix Comfort foods - cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee/tea Foods for infants, elderly, persons on special diets, pets Vitamins Be sure to rotate food items every 6 months! top of page First Aid Kit Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should include: Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes Assorted sizes of safety pins Cleansing agent/soap Latex gloves (2 pairs) Sunscreen 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6) 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6) Triangular bandages (3) Non-prescription drugs 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) Scissors Tweezers Needle Moistened towelettes Antiseptic Thermometer Tongue blades (2) Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant top of page Non-Prescription Drugs Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid (for stomach upset) Laxative Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)    Note:  First aid kits can also be purchased ready-made at many stores. top of page Tools and Supplies Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils* Emergency preparedness manual* Battery-operated radio and extra batteries* Flashlight and extra batteries* Cash or traveler's checks, change* Non-electric can opener, utility knife* Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type Tube tent Pliers Tape Compass Matches in a waterproof container Aluminum foil Plastic storage containers Signal flare Paper, pencil Needles, thread Medicine dropper Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water Whistle Plastic sheeting Map of the area (for locating shelters) top of page Sanitation Toilet paper, towelettes* Soap, liquid detergent* Feminine supplies* Plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant Plastic garbage bags, ties (for sanitation use) Personal hygiene items* Household chlorine bleach  top of page Clothing and Bedding * Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Sturdy shoes or work boots* Rain gear* Blankets or sleeping bags* Hat and gloves Thermal underwear Sunglasses  top of page Special Items Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.  Don’t forget Pet Supplies – food, water, bedding, litter, etc. For Baby* Formula Diapers Bottles Powdered milk Medications For Adults* Heart or blood pressure medication Insulin Prescription drugs Denture needs Contact lenses and supplies Extra eye glasses top of page Entertainment Games and books, cards, crayons, pencils, drawing paper, etc. Stuffed animals, other small toys  Important Family Documents Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container: Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, social security cards, immunization records Bank account numbers Credit card account numbers and companies Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. top of page General Disaster Preparedness Information Your home can be a safe haven during an emergency. Upfront preparations are the key to your safety.  Learn how you can be aware and prepare. There is a variety of emergency preparedness materials available through the MOA Office of Emergency Management (www.muni.org  or 343-1401 or stop by at 1305 E Street) or through the Alaska Chapter of the American Red Cross (online at www.alaska.redcross.org or 646-5400). top of page

Related Links

Citizen Emergency Handbook Disaster Supplies Kit Prepare Your Kit Water Food First Aid Kit Non-Prescription Drugs Tools and Supplies Sanitation Clothing and Bedding Special Items Entertainment Important Family Documents General Disaster Preparedness Info

External Links

Federal Emergency Management Agency   American Red Cross

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