Community Safety
Emergency Preparedness By Judy Camponigro, Resident since 2016, Northgate Area CERT Team
A
n emergency has just happened and you need to leave your location immediately.
What do you take with you? According to www.ready.gov/kit it is important to have emergency “go” bags located in your home, office, car and any other locations you frequent. The contents of the bag can be as simple or complex as you want but keep in mind that the general rule of thumb is to have enough supplies to last three days.
A Basic Emergency Supply Kit should include: • • • • • • • • • • • •
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 masks (to help filter contaminated air) 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 Manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Local maps
• Clothing • Fire Extinguisher • Matches in waterproof container • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, paper towels • Paper and pencil • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed. For more information on building your Emergency Kit, please visit www.ready.gov/kit Next month: Building an emergency kit for your pets
Stay Safe Out There. If you are interested in learning more about CERT and/or how to become a volunteer, please visit our website at www.walnut-creek. org/cert
Additional Items to Consider Including in Your Kit: • • • • • •
Prescription medications and glasses Infant formula and diapers Pet food and extra water for your pet Copies of important family documents (i.e., insurance policies, ID’s, bank and credit card account numbers, passports, birth certificates) in a waterproof container Cash or traveler’s checks Sleeping bags
NORTHGATE LIVING 15
