How to prepare yourself:
A disaster can occur anywhere at anytime. In Licking County we have had ice storms, wind storms, flooding, blizzards, hail, and tornados. Most people carry insurance for after the disaster, but the best insurance you can have is the training and knowledge to help you get through the situation. Events like Katrina, California wild fires and the earthquake in Haiti may seem far away, but similar disasters can occur here, at home. Since 1964 Licking County has been declared a federal disaster zone 13 times.

 

What you need: A disaster kit
(Per Ready.gov)

 

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer.

 

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
   a. One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
   b. Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
   c. If it is summer more water may be necessary.
   d. Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
   e. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

 

• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
 a. Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
 b. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
 c. Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
 d. Avoid salty foods, as they will make you thirsty.
 e. Choose foods your family will eat.
  o Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  o Protein or fruit bars
  o Dry cereal or granola
  o Peanut butter
  o Dried fruit
  o Nuts
  o Crackers
  o Canned juices
  o Non-perishable pasteurized milk
  o High energy foods
  o Vitamins
  o Food for infants
  o Comfort/stress foods

•Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
    a. Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
    b. Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
    c. Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
    d. Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
    e. Burn ointment to prevent infection.
     f. Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
    g. Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant. 
    h. Thermometer (Read more: Biological Threat)
     i. Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers.
You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.

 

Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.

 

• Whistle to signal for help

 

• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

 

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

 

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

 

• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

 

• Local maps

 

• Cell phone with chargers
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

 

• Prescription medications and glasses

 

• Infant formula and diapers

 

• Pet food and extra water for your pet

 

• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

 

• Cash or traveler's checks and change

 

• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov

 

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

 

• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

 

• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

 

• Fire Extinguisher

 

• Matches in a waterproof container

 

• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

 

• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

 

• Paper and pencil

 

• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting: http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/