Experts Suggest Preparing Disaster Kit

With some disasters, like storms and floods, you may have warning. Other disasters, like the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York and Washington, can happen quickly.

These can leave people feeling helpless and lost. But a little preparedness can go a long way.

Experts say that a basic emergency kit can make a major difference in minimizing the damage after a disaster.

"One of the best resources you have is a backpack in your house," Anita Foster, a disaster worker, said. "These make excellent disaster kits."

The basic kit should include some food, like a jar of peanut butter and crackers. Select food that requires no refrigeration or preparation, according to the American Red Cross, such as ready-to-eat canned fruits and vegetables and canned juices. Include plastic utensils, paper plates and cups.

Bottled water should be included; plan for three gallons of water per person.

Include a basic first-aid kit that contains bandages, antiseptic, thermometer, tweezers, scissors, and other first-aid items.

A sturdy blanket can protect against debris and can keep you warm during an emergency. Thermal underwear can also help to keep you warm.

Other items to include:

• Batteries and a flashlight
• Battery operated radio
• Work gloves
• Manual can opener
• Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Comfort items: Toothbrushes and toothpaste, razor, deodorant, tampons, kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels and a several-day supply of any prescription medications.
Plastic garbage bags (for personal sanitation use)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Antibacterial hand gels
Note pad, pen and paper

If you have pets, be sure to include food and water for your pet as well.

When daylight savings time ends and begins, change the supplies in your disaster kit. Change the bottled water and the batteries in the radio and flashlight. Also, replace the prescription medications.

Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the kit in the trunk of your car.

Many companies have disaster preparedness kits available for purchase.

You should be prepared in other ways, experts said. Always make sure that your car is filled with gas, and have some extra cash on hand. Electronic cash machines do not work if the power is out.