1. Store water. Many times after a disaster the safety of the water supply is in doubt. Having water on hand will be critically important and will sustain life until normal water supplies are reestablished. Store the water in containers that can be handled and utilized when needed. It is important to replace the water in these containers on a yearly basis. Keep water in your car as well in case you are on the road when disaster strikes.
2. DonвЂt forget food in the freezer. If the electricity is off due to a disaster and it is off for a period of time, the food in the freezer could provide a source of food during the first initial days.
3. Store batteries for flashlights and radios. A television or radio that runs on batteries will often be the only source of news. Flashlights will be necessary for you to move around safely after the sun goes down.
4. Have a family plan in case of emergency. Discuss where to meet and what to do in case you are not at home when disaster strikes. Have a contact person outside of the area that you live so everyone can try to get a message to that person so information can be relayed to your family members.
5. Photos and journals can’t be replaced. Make sure they are in a place where they can be grabbed quickly. Even better, make duplicate prints of your favorite family photos and send them to relatives out of state. You can also scan the pictures and upload them to a website such as Picasa.
6. Additional supplies. A 72-hour Emergency Kit could include regularly required medicine (such as insulin); food; a change of clothes (work clothes would be best); a camp stove and fuel; first aid kit; games; bedding or a sleeping bag. Don't forget to keep an emergency kit in your car as well.
7. Cash and gas will come in handy. With power out, banks will be closed, automatic tellers will not work, and gas stations will not be able to pump fuel. Usually it only takes a couple of days for generators to be brought in to get these services functioning again, but in the meantime, those with money and gasoline have purchasing power and mobility.
Jordan Crouter
cell: 949-310-6998
www.jordancrouter.com
jordancrouter@gmail.com | 
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