DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

    The impact of severe weather on you and your family can be reduced by planning in advance of an approaching storm or weather condition. The American Red Cross offers the following suggestions in preparation of emergency incidents.

DISASTER SUPPLIES

    There are six basic items that you should stock in your home:

    Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container, such as a trash can, camping backpack or duffel bag. Store your kit in a convenient place and keep a smaller version in your car. Keep items in air tight plastic bags. Change your stored water and rotate stored food every six months. Check your supplies and re-think your needs every year. Also, ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medication.

• WATER
  Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break such as milk or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will probably need more. Keep a three day minimum supply.

• FOOD
  Store a three day supply of nonperishable food. Foods should require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. They might include, read to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; canned juices, milk and soup; condiments such as sugar, salt and pepper; high energy food like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on a special diet; cookies, hard candy, instant coffee and sweetened cereals.

• FIRST-AID KIT
  Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and each vehicle. Items should include, sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes; gauze pads; hypoallergenic adhesive tape; triangular bandages, sterile roller bandages; scissors; tweezers; needle; moistened towelettes; antiseptic; thermometer; tongue blades, tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant; safety pins; cleansing soap; latex gloves; and sunscreen. Also, aspirin, anti-diarrhea medication, Syrup of Ipecac and activated charcoal (for poisoning) and laxatives.

• TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
  Keep the following items handy for all-around use. Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils; battery-operated radio, flashlight and smoke detectors; cash (include change) and/or traveler's checks; non-electric can opener and utility knife; small ABC fire extinguisher; tube tent; pliers; compass; waterproof matches; plastic storage containers; signal flare; paper and pencil; needles and thread; medicine dropper; shut-off wrench for house gas and water; whistle; plastic sheeting; and local map. For sanitation, pack toilet paper, soap and liquid detergent, feminine supplies, plastic garbage bags with ties, a plastic bucket and lid, disinfectant and household chlorine beach.

• CLOTHING AND BEDDING
  One complete change of clothing for each person, sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, hat and gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses.

• SPECIAL ITEMS

1. BABIES - formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk and medication
2. ADULTS - medications, prescriptions, denture needs, eye glasses and/or contact lenses and supplies
3. ENTERTAINMENT - games and books
4. IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS - wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, passports, stocks and bonds, immunization records, important phone numbers, credit card accounts, social security cards and other personal family records