Being prepared for a pandemic or other natural or man-made disaster is essential for the safety of your family. Having an emergency supply kit at home is the best way to ensure that you have the essentials needed to survive. This kit should include fresh water, food, and medical supplies (including prescription drugs) for three days or two weeks. All items in the emergency kit should be inventoried and replenished regularly, usually every six months.Water is essential for survival, and it can become contaminated during a disaster.
It is best to store a water supply in the shelter area. A 3- to 5-day supply of food and water can be stored in a relatively small area to provide some security in the event of a disaster and the consequent loss of water, gas and electricity.When preparing food for an emergency, it is important to buy foods that you and your family like, as well as foods that have an extended shelf life. Before an emergency, equip refrigerators and freezers with thermometers to monitor temperature. Food in cans or jars may appear to be undamaged, but the heat from the fire may have activated bacteria that spoil food.Treat food exposed to firefighting water the same way you would treat food exposed to flood waters.
Being prepared means being equipped with the right supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster.In addition to having an emergency supply kit at home, consider having emergency supplies in every vehicle and at your workplace. This will ensure that you are always prepared for any situation.
