Emergency Preparedness for Weather and Natural Disasters

As the recent disaster in Japan looms in the news, and with memories of Katrina still fresh in our minds, one must ask themself what they would do in the event of an emergency.

Preparing for an emergency requires some planning and some general outlines.  Regardless of the actual emergency, some things are common between them all.  Loss of power, loss of communication, and loss of transportation.  During Katrina, people were without power for months, food and water for weeks, and what was on hand was spoiled.

What are the priorities for being prepared? A light source is pretty much at the top of the list.  You can't cook, treat wounds, look for people without light. Make sure there are several lanterns, flashlights and candles on hand, with appropriate sized batteries, and plenty of them.  Check them weekly to make sure they still work.  Make sure you have candles and a supply of matches and/or lighters for alternate light source, and for starting a fire for heat and cooking.

Clean water is the next priority.  Make sure there are several gallons on hand of bottled water.  This will be for drinking, cooking and treating wounds. Depending on how many people are there, more then normal water may be needed.  Make sure the water is in a safe place, off the ground level, and protected as best as possible.

Medical supplies are next.  Make sure there are plenty of bandages, pain relievers, wound cleansers such as peroxide or neosporin, and some benadryl or something similar in case of bee stings or some other irritant.  If you have known allergies to bee's make sure you have your epi-pen or a back up in your kit.

Food is also important, as is cooking supplies.  Make sure the food you have is in cans, as non perishable as can be, and in good supply.  Canned goods are hard to spoil as long as the container is intact, and as such can survive being thrown around a good deal better then most. Remember, you aren't shopping for taste, just survival. 

Blankets and towels and a good knife round out the list.  A good knife can help open things, cut things, and in a pinch unscrew things.  Perfect for cutting bandages as well.  Blankets and towels for warmth and comfort.

There is a lot more that can be added, but if the basic necessities are covered, its easier to make it until help arrives then if you are not prepared.