Emergency Preparedness

September is Emergency Preparedness Month*, coincidentally and oddly enough given recent hurricanes, wild fires, and an earthquake in the news coverage.

If you have to get out of you house quickly, you should have a “to go” bag at the ready. This could be a backpack with many of these items already in it. This way not only will you be ready to evacuate faster, but you can focus on other last minute ‘must do’ details.

To find a list of what it should include, go https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit

Here are my tips to create an emergency kit so you won’t be caught off guard. Tips to pack a sturdy, easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack or a suitcase on wheels, and keep it in an accessible place, start with:

1. A fireproof box. Items should include identification and other important cards, financial records, family photos and emergency cash in small bills. Or put in dishwasher since it is waterproof ....if you do not run it....and secured by cabinets. Put all docs in plastic re-sealable waterproof bags.

2. Design a disaster plan. It should include whom to contact and where to meet family members in case of an emergency. All family members should know the plan and the numbers to call.

3. Make a list. Include family members actual phone numbers written down, emergency phone numbers such as 911, the local fire department, poison control, and rescue and ambulance services. Keep it in a place where you can find it fast — like on the refrigerator door with a copy in the 'to-go' bag.

4. Have food and water handy. Store three days' worth of nonperishable food for each family member, plus a gallon of water daily per person and per pet, canned food, pet food, peanut butter and energy bars are all good. Also easy to pack are flat tortilla shells (easier than bread); canned vegetables, canned/packaged fruits, oatmeal packets. Important: Don't forget a manual can opener, if you have one, and scissors, plastic re-sealable bags, eating utensils and matches.

5. Have devices (cell, tablets, laptops) fully charged and back up batteries charged. Have charging cables ready too. (I always have a power strip and extension cord handy in case I might have access to electricity to charge multiple device on the go.)

5A: Save battery life by turning down screen brightness, turn off push notifications, and text instead of calling.

6. Mini-toiletries such as dry shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and baby wipes for refreshing your skin. Medicines/prescriptions. A first aid kit.

7. Sharpie pens/permanent ink markers. Paper for writing down instructions you may be given.

8. Batteries, Battery powered radio (or manual crank radio with NOAA weather channel), flashlights (w extra batteries).

9. If at home, know how to shut off valves for gas, oil, water and your home's main electrical supply. Put tags on these valves so you can find them quickly, but have a professional turn them back on again, the Federal Emergency Management Agency warns.

10. Your house key (so you can get back in if your electric garage door openers do not work).

(*I know this isn’t about creating Disney magic, but if you happen to get off guard while on vacation, some of these tips could be helpful. It's worth reminding).