Newswise — Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can strike any time and any place. With summer comes storms and power outages, advance preparation can help you and your family survive and remain healthy during a disaster and afterward.
Staying hydrated following a disaster is essential, since both humans and our pets can survive longer without food than without water. When stocking supplies, make sure you have enough bottled water for a minimum of 72 hours, or at least one gallon per person per day.
Eat foods that are ready-to-eat, non-perishable or canned " and always keep a manual can opener available. Make sure all utensils and cans are washed or clean before using them and throw away any food that comes into contact with flood waters. For perishable foods, only open refrigerator and freezer doors when necessary. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperature for two days if doors remain closed; a half-full freezer for one day.
According to the American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, (2nd edition, Wiley, 2004), the following items should be in your family's emergency supply:
Food"¢ Water: one gallon of bottled water per person per day"¢ Canned juices, shelf-stable milk (for powdered or concentrated, store extra water)"¢ Pre-packaged beverages (foil packets and foil-lined boxes that are tightly sealed)"¢ Instant oatmeal, granola bars, energy bars"¢ Ready-to-eat canned meat, vegetables, fruit, soup, stew"¢ Instant coffee and tea"¢ Peanut butter or other nut butters, jelly"¢ Trail mix, dried fruits, unsalted nuts, low-salt crackers"¢ Ready-to-use infant formula"¢ Packets of sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise and creamer.
Cooking"¢ Manual can opener"¢ Waterproof matches"¢ Heavy-duty aluminum foil"¢ Paper towels"¢ Paper plates, cups"¢ Plastic knives, forks, spoons"¢ Barbeque grill, camp stove, pots, pans"¢ Fuel for cooking (charcoal, propane, etc.)"¢ Dry ice packs.
Sanitation"¢ Large plastic trash bags, trash cans"¢ Bar soap, liquid detergent"¢ Alcohol-based liquid sanitizer, anti-bacterial wet wipes (use to wipe off cans of food prior to opening)"¢ Household bleach"¢ Toilet paper"¢ Toothpaste, toothbrushes"¢ Shampoo.
Safety"¢ Essential medication (for yourself, family members and pets)"¢ Freshly stocked first-aid kit"¢ Flashlight, portable radio or TV, batteries"¢ Work-weight gloves, disposable rubber gloves, masks"¢ Sunscreen (at least 20 SPF), hats, bandanas"¢ Candles, waterproof matches"¢ Fire extinguisher"¢ Tent"¢ Sturdy shoes, heavy socks"¢ Extra pair of eyeglasses, goggles"¢ Air raft or self-inflatable mattress"¢ Razor blades, knife"¢ Garden hose (in case of fire)"¢ Shovel, broom, ax"¢ Hammer screwdriver, pliers"¢ Duct tape, rope.
While no one wants to think about a disaster happening to them, being prepared for one can be your best defense.
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