Emergency - January 12, 2010 Newsletter

In the Event of an Emergency

EHE Newsletter, Volume 10, Number 2
January 12, 2010

Following an emergency such as a severe weather event, individuals and families may be stuck in their homes for a long period of time, possibly days. During this time, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephone service may be cut off or unusable. It is, therefore, imperative that every household plans for emergencies ahead of time and makes provisions for shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation.

A basic emergency supply kit should be assembled and ready for use. Experts stress that such a kit should contain essential supplies as well as a three–day supply (at least) of food and water for each household member. Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off food and water supplies for two weeks, it is worthwhile to consider maintaining a supply that will last that long.

Emergency Supplies

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), there are basic items that should be stocked in every emergency supply kit: water, food, first–aid supplies, clothing, bedding, sanitation supplies, tools and any special items that an individual may need.

Water: Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. At least three emergency gallons of water should be stored for each person in the home. Of this, half of the water should be intended for consumption and the other half should be intended for food preparation and hygiene. Stored water supplies should be changed every six months.

Food: A three–day supply of non–perishable food should be included in a supply kit and, like stored water, should be replaced every six months. Foods that cause thirst should be avoided as should powdered items since they require the storage of extra water. Ideal foods require little or no water and do not require refrigeration, preparation or cooking. All items should be compact and lightweight. Recommended foods include:

  • Ready–to–eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  • Salt–free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content
  • Canned juices, milk and soup
  • Basics such as sugar, salt and pepper
  • High–energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix
  • Vitamins
  • Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs
  • Comfort/stress foods such as cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee and tea bags

If the power goes out, food from a refrigerator should immediately be moved to a freezer. Any perishable food that has been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more (or any food with an unusual odor, color or texture) should be discarded. It is a good idea to keep a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer at all times to keep track of temperatures.

First–Aid Kit: A complete first–aid kit and a good first–aid guide are essential. If someone is injured or sick, it is important to be able to relieve the pain or danger because professional medical assistance, depending on the situation, may be days away. Essential items in a first–aid kit include: assorted bandages, sterile gauze pads, antiseptics, over–the–counter pain relievers, anti–diarrhea medication, antacid, Syrup of Ipecac (used to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center), laxative, activated charcoal (used only upon advisement by the Poison Control Center), instant cold packs, a thermometer, scissors, tweezers, a needle, moistened towelettes, petroleum jelly or other lubricant, assorted sizes of safety pins, a cleansing agent/soap and latex gloves.

Clothing, Bedding and Sanitation Supplies: At least one complete change of clothing and footwear (per person) should be included in an emergency supply kit. Warm clothing or protective clothing, depending on the weather conditions, may be essential. Heavy shoes and boots are also must–have items in many situations, as are hats, gloves and scarves. Additionally, there should be enough blankets or sleeping bags for each person in the household. Emergency Thermal Blankets are very thin and very strong, take up only a small amount of space, are usually waterproof and are fairly inexpensive. They are effective for keeping warm in cold weather and for deflecting heat in the summer.

For sanitation purposes, the following should be stored in an emergency supply kit:

  • Toilet paper
  • Soap, liquid detergent, hand sanitizer
  • Feminine supplies
  • Personal hygiene items such as shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, comb and brush, deodorant and lip balm
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Plastic bucket with tight lid
  • Disinfectant
  • Household chlorine bleach

Tools: Essential emergency tools include: a manual can opener, mess kits or disposable cups, plates and utensils, a utility knife, aluminum foil and plastic wrap, re–sealable plastic bags, several flashlights, fresh batteries, a wrench or pair of pliers, cell phones and chargers, paper and pencil, needles and thread, a small A–B–C–type fire extinguisher, a medicine dropper, a whistle and an emergency preparedness manual. Battery-powered or ‘hand-crank’ radios are also important.

Special Items: Supplies must be included in the kit for family members with special needs such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Items for infants include formula, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, powdered milk and medications not requiring refrigeration. Seniors, disabled persons or anyone with serious allergies may need special foods, denture items, extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, prescription and non–prescription medications, inhalers and other essential equipment.

Things may be included in an emergency supply kit that are added for convenience or comfort rather than necessity. Such items are completely appropriate because an emergency can take a psychological toll as well as a physical one as excess stress can make an emergency seem worse than it is. Entertainment items such as games, books, dolls and stuffed animals for small children are, therefore, suitable for inclusion in a supply kit.

Additional things to keep in mind when preparing for emergency situations include:

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire are the primary hazards to consider (and to be aware of) when using alternate sources of electricity, heating or cooking.
  • Using generators, grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal–burning devices inside a home, garage, basement or partially–enclosed area is extremely hazardous.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas, to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide. In the event of such a warning, all individuals should move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or near an open window or door.

Not everything in an emergency supply kit will be needed in every situation. The more that individuals and families prepare for the unexpected, however, the better able they will be to manage an emergency situation. Every household should reassess its preparation each year as the needs of family members change.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The information is not intended to constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a physician or other health care provider. Individuals with specific complaints should seek immediate consultation from their personal physicians.