Always Be Prepared

(Family Features) No one knows when or where a disaster might strike, so families should take time to prepare for emergencies in advance. New research from the national nonprofit Home Safety Council® reveals that while the majority of mothers have talked with their children about what to do if a natural disaster occurs, less than one-third have developed an emergency communication plan or prepared disaster supply kits – two preparedness activities strongly advised by leading safety experts.

The Home Safety Council recommends that you start by having a conversation about the kinds of disasters that can happen in the upstate area, then develop a family communication plan and assemble disaster supply kits stored in a specifically identified place in the home.

Ready-to-Go Kit:
Keep a “Ready-to-Go” Kit with the following items in a backpack or duffle bag in case an emergency forces you to leave home:

• One gallon of water per person
• Food that doesn’t have to be refrigerated and a manual can opener
• Plastic/paper plates, cups and utensils
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio
• Change of clothes
• Card with your contact information and the number of someone out of state to call
• Pet food and supplies for one or more days
• Small first aid kit
• Personal identification card
• Personal hygiene items, soap, and hand sanitizer
• Store medicines you usually take near your “Ready-to-Go” Kit

Ready-to-Stay Kit:
Prepare a “Ready-to-Stay” Kit including the items in the “Ready-to-Go” Kit, plus a few additional items stored in a plastic tub:

• Three gallons of water for each family member
• Canned food and snacks for at least three days and a manual can opener
• Pet food and supplies for three days
• Toilet paper
• Non-scented bleach
• Blankets
• Books and games to keep busy
• Paper and pencils

The “Kids Prepare America” Contest
To get children more involved in family readiness activities, the Home Safety Council is launching the “Kids Prepare America” Contest. The national contest encourages kids to take the lead in driving preparedness activities at home and will recognize the efforts of 3rd and 4th grade students who share what they have done to help their families.

For contest details, visit: www.kidsprepareamerica.org. For additional information on the Home Safety Council’s preparedness programs, visit www.homesafetycouncil.org.