Flickr: PaulV2C

By Leonard Achan RN, MA, ANP

Are you prepared? The question most of us ask ourselves when hearing that is: Prepared for what? While many of us may undervalue such a basic question, its important to understand that any time you see or hear about a disaster of any kind, that you realize it is happening to real people just like you. So while you may ignore the simple question: Are you prepared? It may be time to answer honestly.

We will quickly explore how to get started and some resources for you to look into but since this is something that is specific to different areas and individual needs, we encourage you to investigate further. Websites such as http://72hours.org/ (developed by the county of San Francisco) are very informative sites that can help you get some basic information on how to create individualized kits (go bags or a supply box).

While these sites are a great start, it is important that you do some research when preparing a ‘go bag’ to make sure you have all your bases covered for various types of disasters or specific risks for your community. ‘Ready America’  http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.htm is another site that provides information on how to build the ideal kit that you would need for a basic emergency. We do however challenge you to customize your kits to your specific needs after reading their recommendations. Customization includes adding documents, medical files and medications or even specialized foods you may need in the event that you will need to be away from your home for a few days. Children, dependents and pets should also be covered in your kits with any specialty items or food.

Flickr: sdosick

We encourage you to consider making a ‘go bag’ or home/car kit so that you are ready for any emergency you may have to face. The Office of Emergency Management in NYC makes the following recommendations regarding emergency kits and go bags:

-One gallon of drinking water per person per day

-Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener

-First aid kit

-Flashlight*

-Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (you can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries)

-Whistle

-Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials) and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)

-Personal hygiene items: soap, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.

-Phone that does not rely on electricity

-Childcare supplies or other special care items for children or pets

-Copies of your important documents in a waterproof container

-Extra set of car and house keys

-Credit and ATM cards and cash, especially in small denominations. We recommend you keep at least $50-$100 on hand.

-Bottled water and non-perishable food such as energy or granola bars

-Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages. Medication information and other essential personal items. If you store extra medication in your Go Bag, be sure to refill it before it expires.

-Contact and meeting place information for your household, and a small regional map

So after reading this, are you prepared? Or do you still think you’re not at risk.