Opinion: Gather emergency supplies before they are needed
By Tracy Franklin
This is the second of a series of articles highlighting emergency preparedness. Use these tools to prepare yourself for an emergency. More information is available in the city’s website.
Storing emergency supplies
Chances are you will have to rely upon supplies you have available in your home for at least the first three days following any major disaster.
Store these items in something that is portable and can easily be carried, like a plastic tub with a tight-fitting lid. In the event of fire or rapid evacuation, you’ll appreciate having more than just the clothes on your back.
The container should be able to withstand moisture, insects, and some abuse when the emergency occurs. If you have a large family, several smaller tubs may be easier to carry than one large container.
Place items in reusable bags to protect against condensation, which causes mildew and rust.
Locate these supplies as close to your primary house exit as possible. You may have to find it in the dark or after the upheaval of an emergency.
Preparing for emergencies is a long-term goal. To make this task manageable, choose just two or three items that you will get each month.
Water: Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household. Two-liter soda pop bottles work great. That means six 2-liter bottles per person.
Food: Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration or cooking and little or no water.
• Canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices and soups
• High energy foods — peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix, beef jerky
• Comfort foods — cookies, hard candy, etc.
First aid supplies:
• Bandages and adhesive tape
• Scissors and tweezers
• Moistened towelettes
• Bar soap
• Latex gloves
• Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
• Antacid
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Insect repellent
• Hydrogen peroxide to disinfect wounds
• Antibiotic ointment to dress wounds
• Sunscreen
• Safety pins
• Needle and thread
• Reusable bags
• Instant cold packs
• Pocket knife
Tools and supplies: Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, battery operated AM radio, extra batteries, flashlight, non-electric can opener, ABC fire extinguisher, whistle, toilet paper and towelettes, liquid soap, roll of plastic and duct tape to seal broken windows.
Special items: Extra eyeglasses, prescription medications, family pictures, games and books, copies of insurance policies, bank account numbers, inventory of valuables, family record.
Clothing and bedding: One complete change of clothes, blankets or sleeping bags, blankets, sturdy shoes, warm socks, hat and gloves.
Tracy Franklin is the public information officer for South Lake Tahoe.
Tracy Franklin,
A Good list of supplies to have on hand in case of emergency. I would add a few things.
A dome tent for shelter should you have to leave your home. They are not that expensive and will last you a long time. A camp stove with extra fuel, like a good old fashioned Coleman two burner or a backpacking type stove along with a cook set. A radio that can be re charged via a crank on the side. Candles and matches. Plenty of extra pet food for your furry friends. An ice chest and at least a couple of Rubbermade totes to store canned and dried foods, your first aid kit and always store LOTS of water.
Know where your supplies are so they’re readily accesible. Be prepared! Old Long Skiis
This all sounds good, but many a person and families in our area don’t have this many resources to be ready for tonight’s dinner ,let alone a large bump in the road.
When the sky falls,most are pretty much helpless,our whole country is unprepared for emergencies,just the truth.
After all these large events back east from floods,winds,large storms, it takes a long time to fix the way it was,and a lot never even make a attempt to help,including all these red crosses and big donated agencies turn a blind eye to the needy people.
Feel blessed to have heat,clean cloths,loaf of bread, a door with a lock and a place to wash.People don’t get enough thanks for these basic items we all became so use to!
Treat people the way you want be treated, so many people need HELP.
Take time out ,take a hard look at people in our area, walking in the rain,cold, look closer at their cloths, shoes.
I’ve given many good winter boots, sweaters,coats out my closet, I don’t need,it pleasing to the eye to see them walk in the snow with their feet not hanging out pair old worn tennis shoes,thin sweatshirts where the zipper torn out.
Don’t laugh “ONE DAY YOU TOO MAY EXPERENCE THIS”……..PLEASE HELP PEOPLE THAT NEED HELP.IT’S A LONELY WORLD WITHOUT LOVE!