Via California - May/June 2020 - 39

2
Stock your emergency kit. You
should have a cache of emergency
supplies to keep you safe
and sound for at least three days
after a disaster. Ideally, these supplies
should be packed in sealed,
waterproof bins that are stored
somewhere cool, dry, rodent free,
and easy to access. Make sure
everyone knows where the kit is,
and check it twice a year to
replace out-of-date items. Ready
.gov recommends that every kit
include these basics:
□ Water (one gallon per person for
three days).
□ Food (nonperishable, enough for
three days).
□ Can opener (if the above includes
canned food).
□ Radio (battery powered or hand
cranked).
□ Headlamp or flashlight.
□ Batteries for all electronic items
in your kit.
□ First aid kit.
□ Whistle.
□ N95 respirator masks.
□ Moist towelettes, garbage bags,
and plastic ties (for personal
sanitation).
□ Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
□ Local maps.
Depending on your circumstances,
you may also want to pack:
□ Medically necessary prescriptions
(three days' worth).
□ Copies of vital personal documents,
including ID cards that verify your
address.
□ Cash.
□ Sleeping bag or blanket for each
family member.
□ Waterproof tarp.
□ Clothes (one change per person,
appropriate for wherever you live).
□ Sturdy shoes such as a pair of
retired sneakers.
□ Water-purifying tablets or chlorine
bleach (with a medicine dropper)
to disinfect water.
□ Waterproof matches in a waterproof
container.
□ Fire extinguisher.
□ Personal hygiene items (including
soap, hand sanitizer, and feminine
care products).
□ Other medications (aspirin, diarrhea
remedies, etc.).
□ Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
and solution.
□ If you have a baby: formula,
bottles, diapers, and wipes.
□ If you have older kids: books,
puzzles, games, and snacks.
□ If you have a pet: food (three days'
worth), water, food bowl, medicine,
blanket, copies of important paperwork
(pet adoption contract, microchip
number, and vaccination and
medical records), and a recent
photo of you and Fluffy, should you
need to prove ownership.
In addition, make sure the emergency
kit you keep in your car is
up to date. (You do keep one in
your car, right?) It should include
jumper cables, tire-pressure
gauge, portable tire inflator or
patch kit, jack, and road flares.
AAA | VIA 39
GULCIN RAGIBOGLU/ ISTOCK
CREDIT HERE
Via California - May/June 2020

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