Families Need Home Emergency Kits

When winter weather threatens, most people stock their vehicles with at least a few items that could help them survive if they get stranded. However, people generally don't realize that an emergency preparedness kit for their home is just as important, according to the North Dakota State University Extension Service. "It's a matter of thinking ahead a little bit," says Ken Hellevang, NDSU Extension Service agricultural engineer.

Here are some tips on what to include in disaster supply kits for the home:

* 1 gallon of water per day per person, with at least a three-day supply

* At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food that requires no refrigeration or preparation and little or no water, such as ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; canned juices; salt, sugar, pepper and other spices; high-energy foods; food for infants; and comfort foods

* Nonprescription drugs, such as pain relievers, anti-dirrhea medication, antacid and laxative, plus syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal in case of poisoning

* A supply of prescription medication

* Personal items, such as extra eyeglasses, contact lenses and supplies, denture needs, baby supplies and vitamins

* Mess kits or paper plates and cups, and plastic utensils

* Battery-operated flashlights and radios, and extra batteries

* An adequate supply of fuel for heaters, stoves, furnaces

* Non-electric can opener or utility knife

* Fire extinguisher

* Sanitary supplies, such as toilet paper, soap, liquid detergent, feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

* Blankets or sleeping bags

* First-aid kit, including adhesive bandages of various sizes, gauze pads, cleansing agent, medical-grade non-latex gloves, adhesive tape, antibacterial ointment, cold pack, tweezers and thermometer

For more information, check out:

Federal Emergency Management Agency Web site at www.fema.gov/hazards/winterstorms/
American Red Cross Web site at www.redcross.org/images/pdfs/preparedness/A5055.pdf
Extension Disaster Education Network Web site at www.eden.lsu.edu/
NDSU Extension Service Web site at www.ag.ndsu.edu/prepare/.

NDSU Agriculture Communication

Source: Ken Hellevang (701) 231-7243, kjh-eng@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Ellen Crawford, (701) 231-5391, ecrawfor@ndsuext.nodak.edu