PREPACK / PREPARE TO SURVIVE

 

Journal

PREPACK / PREPARE TO SURVIVE

Bill Barksdale, Columnist

Clip & Save this column.  You may have just minutes to get ready & go in an emergency.  There are many kinds of disasters. Here’s how to prepare to survive.  On the internet go to readyforwildfire.org for great information.  Always have a packed and ready-to-grab “go bag” or backpack near the door or in your vehicle.  In addition, have a pair of shoes & flashlight next to the bed so you won’t cut your feet on broken glass.  Don’t count on government services in an emergency.  They will be overwhelmed.  Power may be out so PACK NOW.   Don’t wait till tomorrow. 

Make sure every Family Member knows what to grab and how to reach each other in an emergency.  Prearrange a contact phone number to call, someone out of the area that everyone will know to call in case you get separated.  Always keep the gas tank topped-off for any escape vehicles.  Preplan how you will contact & meet each other in an emergency.  Preplan the best escape routes in each direction.  Traffic will be heavy.  Evacuate early.  Agree on a safe meeting place that each family member knows about.  Check on vulnerable neighbors.

As you leave: Shut off gas at the meter (always have a wrench attached) & turn off propane tanks. Close all windows vents & doors. Turn off heaters & air conditioning. Turn off any attic fan, close windows, shut off faucets. Move flammable furniture & stuff away from windows to middle of room. Turn off stove & appliances

A note about clothing: Cotton or wool is best in a fire.  Plastic/synthetic fiber melts and can burn you. Have a whistle to call for help.

GO BAG: 

Cell Phone - Emergency Cash (minimum $100.00 in $1.00’s, $5.00’s, $10.00’s + coins. There may not be ATM’s) – check books & credit cards – extra reading glasses - change of clothes especially underwear - jacket (cotton or wool is best) - sturdy shoes (not flip flops or sandals) – hat - flashlight -  extra batteries - cell phone charger (get one that plugs into wall socket & car outlet) - First Aid Kit: bandages, elastic bandage, gauze pads, paper tape, instant cold packs, scissors, sanitizer, Neosporin & usual items - Can Opener - plastic or metal utensils (spoons are more useful than forks) – knife - bowl(s) or Metal Cups - prescription medications - pocket knife – keys - Toilet Articles: toothbrush & paste, soap, shampoo, nail clipper, small scissors, , non-talc powder (corn starch is great), razor, skin cream (can be used for shaving too), sanitary products - small towels - hand sanitizer – masks - CHILD SUPPLIES: Diapers & Wipes, plastic bags for disposal, bowl & spoon, sunscreen, games & toys, Authorization to Consent to Treatment of Minor Form completed , instant baby food - SENIORS: Incontinence underwear, wipes, oxygen, catheters, prescriptions (fresh), batteries for hearing aids.

PREPACK YOUR VEHICLE:

Fire extinguisher – toilet tissue (a metal bucket or 5 gallon bucket with kitchen garbage bags makes a good “toilet” in emergency) – gloves both work & disposable. You may be handling blood. – masks - poncho & plastic ground cloth - tent if you have one – blanket or sleeping bags – rope – matches or lighter – paper & pencil  – hydrogen peroxide - Tools: wrench, 4-in1 tool, hammer, screw driver (multi-head type), pliers, duct tape –pry bar – jumper cables or a portable car battery charger from your local auto supply store –  a tire pump is a good idea – car jack & spare tire – 1 qt motor oil – 1 qt transmission fluid - cell phone charger that plugs into car outlet, GPS.

OTHER ITEMS PACKED TO GRAB QUICKLY. Most will Prepack in 1 or more boxes, covered plastic is good:

Water 2-3 gallons per person if possible – Packaged Food: granola bars, dried fruit, trail mix, dry cereal, canned food, multi-vitamins, + can opener (Search “Emergency Food” on internet)  - paper towels - computer or hard drive & charger(s) - walker for Seniors -– pry bar – battery lantern(s), deck of cards, book(s), Zip-Lock bags – Moist Towelettes - garbage bags – bleach (8 drops per gallon or ½ tsp per 5 gallons to purify water) – IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: Insurance contact info & policies, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, Advance Health Care Directive (very important to have on file at all local hospitals & when traveling), Trust & Will, - portable radio – photos if there’s time.  NOTE:  Don’t load up on photos & tchotchkes in an emergency escape.  Your life is more important.

INSURANCE: 

A special NOTE about insurance claims.  Make sure you have “Code Upgrade coverage” on your homeowner insurance policy.  Insurance companies are sometimes difficult to collect from.  You can be more prepared by creating a detailed inventory of the contents of your home &/or business.  Make it yourself or you can download such a form on the internet or may be able to get one from your insurance agent.  It should include your Insurance Company name, Agent name & contact info, Policy #, your property address.  Then go room-by-room and note each item & include where applicable the room where item is located, brief description of item, model, serial #, date of purchase, price paid, current replacement value (be accurate, if you pad the price your claim may be denied as fraudulent) & have pictures of the items. A video of your home with a running verbal commentary is a good document.  Include: furniture, appliances, art, media, clothes, linens, kitchen ware & garden tools, etc. Also document home improvements such as new windows, solar, newer roof, electrical & plumbing improvements, remodels & upgrades.  Keep a copy in a safe place like a safe-deposit box at your bank or with a trusted family member or friend out of the area.  Take a copy with you. 

PETS: food & treats – water & food bowls – poop bags – leash – muzzle – medications – cat litter & small box like plastic dish pan for litter box – plastic bags for disposal - Have a carrier handy near door –blanket or bed – Veterinarian contact info & pet license if available.

LIVESTOCK:   Have an evacuation plan for large animals.  Train them to load up quickly into your trailer and have a safe place to take them.  Set them free if nothing else.  Be ready to move quickly.  Never leave animals tied or penned.