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FAMILY SUPPLY
KIT
As I sit here
not getting prepared for a hearing later this week, I ran across a website
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The website address is
www.fema.gov/library/kiskit.htm.
This newsletter is written after the September 11,
2001 attack as well as after spending 15 minutes looking for a bandaid for
my nephew when I was baby sitting him at my sister’s house. Looking
through the website’s various checklists, I realized that we only have a
few of the items recommended in the article and these items are spread out
everywhere. Since Fall and Spring are good times to get organized, here is
something to spend a weekend day doing.
I will start with documents. It is a great idea to
have two sites to store your very important papers. This means not only
having a copy available in a readily accessible location but having
another place where the documents are stored. Your close family members or
friends are two simple spots. Someone should know where to find the
records and the records should be organized. This includes birth
certificates, copies of passports, copies of a driver’s license, credit
cards, home inventory, the location of other important records, etc. A
copy of other estate documents should also be in the same place. Copies of
medical prescriptions are also important. Everything should be stored in a
waterproof container.
The article goes
on to discuss important food items, first aid kit contents, tools,
blankets and emergency home items including sanitation items, radio, extra
medications. The significant issue is if there is a power loss, the items
necessary to remain in the home are the items to stock up on. Food and
water supplies need to be restocked every six months. Updating road repair
kits is another good fall/spring task. Having portable cameras at home and
in the car is always a good idea.
Important phone numbers should be posted close to all
telephones. More than one family member should know how to shut off and
turn on the utilities.
Another
important consideration is having up to date First Aid and CPR skills. As
a volunteer for a youth group we up date our skills every year. I still
have to go through the class even after six years on continuous updates.
If you would like a copy of the article
contact me at ejlaw1@aol.com.
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