FEMA says, Get a Survival Kit!

A public service announcement from FEMA is suggesting that we all get a survival kit, in case our ‘world is turned upside down’. Very interesting… and good advice…  
 
What is FEMA? ( Federal Emergency Management Agency )
Where is FEMA located?

FEMA has more than 3,700 full time employees that work at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. and at offices across the country. FEMA works in partnership with other organizations as part of the nation’s emergency management system. The partners include the American Red Cross and 27 federal agencies and state and local agencies.

Why was FEMA created?

FEMA was created to support first responders and citizens to work together to build, sustain, and improve the capability to protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Types of Disasters

There are many different types of disasters that FEMA responds to that include, winter storms, tornados, volcanoes, wildfires, heat, hurricanes, landslides, floods, earthquakes, hazardous material and floods. Although, FEMA will assist in responding to these occurrences, it is most important for each person to prepare for themselves and their family until assistance can arrive.
Get A Kit, Make a Plan, Stay Informed!
Assemble a Survival Kit ( Website FEMA )
A disaster Survival Kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household may need in the event of a disaster.

• Basic Disaster Supplies
• Kit locations
• Maintenance

Source Website FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/

Get a Kit
Make a Plan
Stay Informed

The following is a pretty good basic list of items for a survival kit based on ready.gov recommendations. While any survival kit is better than no survival kit, and I know that many people have developed some pretty elaborate kits, and varieties of kits specifically for their own purposes (vehicle, bug-out-bag, home, etc…), this list of items is a good starting point.
Just know that getting started on a survival kit is all it takes. You will probably find yourself adjusting it from time to time. A challenge can sometimes be keeping it reasonably sized (e.g. 72 hour kit for your vehicle, bug-out-bag). At home though, the sky’s the limit. Have fun with it.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Survival Kit:

• 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
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to a Survival Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

FEMA Says, Get A Survival Kit!