Emergency Preparedness

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if you did not have water, gas electricity or telephones after a major emergency?  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.

Police and Fire will respond to the scene of an emergency or disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Families can and do cope with disasters by preparing in advance. You too can be prepared by maintaining a 72-hour emergency supply kit for your home.

72-Hour Emergency Supplies for Your Home

General Emergency Supplies

• Water (3 gallons per person to last 3 days)
• Duffel bags or other durable containers for all items below
• Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food
• Manual can opener and basic food utensils
• Mess kits, or paper plates and cups, and plastic silverware
• Small camp stove or “canned heat” like Sterno
• Household liquid bleach (unscented) and medicine dropper
• Re-sealable plastic bags
• Flashlight with batteries and spare bulb
• Spare batteries (radio and flashlight)
• Paper and pencil
• Pliers/wrench/screwdriver
• Small shovel
• Pocket knife
• Duct tape
• Whistle
• Small A-B-C type fire extinguisher
• Large Tarp/Tent

Hygiene and Personal Care

• Toilet paper
• Pre-moistened towelettes
• Personal hygiene items –bar soap, shampoo toothbrush, etc.
• Feminine supplies
• Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags with ties

Supplies for Infants and Children

• Formula and bottles
• Powdered milk

For Each Member of the Household

• One complete change of clothing
• Sturdy shoes (keep by bed)
• Rain Poncho
• Warm cap and gloves
• Blanket or sleeping bag for each person

First Aid and Medical

• Basic First Aid Book
• 7-10 days of any prescription medications
• Personal list of medications
• Denture needs
• Spare contact lenses and supplies
• Pair of extra eyeglasses
• Spare batteries for hearing aid

Other

• Pet Food (remember your pets water supply)
• Games, books, other entertainment, especially for children
• Cash, checks, credit cards, roll of quarters and dimes for pay phones
• Insurance policy numbers
• Name and number of insurance agent and doctor
• Out of state contact number and numbers of people you want to contact

Storage of Supplies

Store emergency supplies in one location that is cool, dark and safe (such as garage corner, closet, or under a bed). Use clean portable containers such as a garbage can on wheels, plastic tubs with lids or duffel bags. Replace stored food once a year.

For additional information on Disaster Preparedness, contact Portland Fire & Rescue’s Public Education Office at (503) 823-3700.

  Portland Fire & Rescue We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  August 9, 2010