Let me preface this weeks’ article with this:

For all the information that you have received in relation to Emergency Management and YOUR Family, everything can be ‘tailored to make it fit’! What will probably work for a family of 6 can, and will, work for a family of 1 – if you make it work!! Especially when you ‘build a kit’ – take the information listed below and make it work for you and your family!

Every household should assemble a disaster supplies kit and keep it up to date. A disaster supplies kit can help your family stay safe and be more comfortable during and after a disaster. Though local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, they cannot reach everyone immediately. Also, if you need to evacuate at a moment’s notice you probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you and your family will need.

· Pack disaster supplies in an easy-to-carry container, such as a duffel bag or backpack and label the container clearly.

· Ask your children to think of items that they would like to include in the kit, such as books, games or nonperishable snack food items.

· Include such items as:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and manual can opener.
• Three-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person per day)
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
• Flashlights and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and first aid manuals.
• Photocopies of credit cards and identification cards.
• Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, moist towelettes and toilet paper.
• Matches in a waterproof container.
• Whistle.
• Clothing, blankets, kitchen accessories and cooking utensils.
• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, spare eye-glasses, hearing aid batteries.
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers.
• Tools, pet supplies, a map of the local area, and other items to meet your unique family needs.

· Ask your children to help you remember to keep your kit updated by marking dates on a calendar to regularly review and update your kit.

· Consider having emergency supplies in each vehicle and at your place of employment.

Next week, we’ll discuss some questions to help you get started!

Marsha B. Hardy, CFM

San Saba County

500 E. Wallace #209

SanSaba,Tx.76877

325/372-8570 emergencymgmt@sansabacounty.org