The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend assembling a home emergency kit that includes:
- One gallon of water for each person living in the home
- At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food items and a manual can opener
- Paper plates, cups, silverware and napkins
- An additional supply of its food and water if your loved one has a pet
- Flashlights and extra batteries.
- At least one week’s worth of all medications (Keep the emergency kit updated as prescriptions are discontinued or new ones are added. Many healthcare professionals recommend you always have a one month supply of medications in your home.)
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof container
- Blankets, pillows and a folding cot or lounge chair
- A working, easy-to-operate fire extinguisher
- Cleaning supplies such as bleach wipes and other disinfectants
- Plastic or latex gloves and a mask to cover the mouth and nose
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- A whistle to use to call for help
- A battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Experts advise older adults to keep their emergency kit in the area of the home they are most likely to go to seek shelter. It might be the basement or an interior bathroom or closet. Be sure you and your older loved one review what to do in case a disaster strikes their neighborhood. It will be important for you to know their plan so you can locate them sooner.
To learn more about preparing for a natural disaster, visit Ready.gov.
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