How to Prepare Your Household for a Major Emergency

While no one knows exactly what problems may result from a major emergency, it's best to be prepared. These recommendations follow the guidelines of organizations such as the American Red Cross and the California Office of Emergency Services.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Warm Clothes
• Distilled Water
• First Aid Kits
• Cash
• Small Wedge Of Wood

1. Maintain a supply of one gallon of clean water per person per day for 3 to 7 days.
2. Keep water in plastic containers and have filters and purification tablets on hand.
3. Store enough nonperishable food to last your family (including pets) for 3 days to one week, such as canned food, dry food, juices, boxed food and vegetables.
4. Keep an alternative-cooking source, such as barbecues and propane stoves, handy in case you lose gas and/or electricity. If you use propane, make sure your tank is full, and keep an extra tank on hand.
5. Keep plenty of warm clothes and sleeping bags on hand for your family.
6. Keep a good supply of wood for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
7. Keep plenty of flashlights and lanterns in the house. Consider solar recharging and hand-crank units to avoid worrying about batteries.
8. Keep all your prescriptions filled and maintain an extra supply of prescription and non-prescription medication. Ask your healthcare provider about getting prescription refills ahead of time.
9. Keep some cash on hand in case your bank's computer systems fail.
10. Keep your car's gas tank at least 1/2 full to avoid long gas station lines.
11. Keep a supply of books, cards and board games ready to keep your family entertained in the event of a power failure.

Tips & Warnings

• Take every opportunity to get better acquainted with your neighbors. You may need to help each other get by if basic services are interrupted.
• In the event of a power failure, use perishable foods first.
• The FDIC recommends that you withdraw the same amount of money that you would withdraw for a long holiday weekend.
• Never use barbecues or similar outdoor cooking devices for indoor cooking or heating.
• Avoid using candles and other open flames for lighting, since these create fire hazards.