How To Be Prepared For A Disaster

With wild-fire season upon us, it's time to go over your disaster plan. The recent Dempsey Acres and Russel Camp fires have hit close to home (Click here to get the latest), and some people have been, and will be, left with nothing. While saving materialistic items and your family heirlooms may be the first thing to cross your mind, it's not the most important. Most of us take our relative safety for granted, and when we get blind sided by a disaster, we are not prepared. Below is a list of basic disaster supplies you should have ready to go at all times. The list is simple, and will help you leave a potential catastrophe as unscathed as possible.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• 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
• 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
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger