In a major disaster, it might be several days before vital services are restored.

Video courtesy of www.ready.gov

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having food, water, and other supplies to last for at least three days. So plan ahead and think about what you will need for you and your family if basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones are out of service for days, weeks, or longer.

One way to prepare is to assemble a Basic Emergency Supply Kit. Recommended items to include are:

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  • -  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, inverter or solar charger

Individually tailor your Emergency Kit to meet the basic survival needs of your family.  Make sure to store your emergency supplies in one location that is relatively safe and easily accessible such as a 32-gallon trash can, suitcase, duffle bag, backpack, footlocker, or individual pack.

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply 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

You must be ready to ACT ON YOUR OWN.

Visit the City of Portland Office of Emergency Management website for a sample of an Emergency Kit and ways you can prepare, organize, train, and volunteer during an emergency.

Remember, preparedness is everyone's job.

March 11, 2010