Week 15

It’s Monday again. They seem to roll around pretty fast don’t they? If you are falling behind please don’t get discouraged.

1. Purchase a month’s supply of toothpaste and shampoo. Remember when we started 15 weeks ago I asked you to mark the date on items you do not replace after just one use. By now you should have a good idea just how long it really does take your family to go through these items. For a couple it may take only 1 tube of toothpaste, while for a family of 6 it will take much more. If you didn’t date these items guess. Purchase what you think you use in a month and date items today. We will be using this information again so label away. Include such items as: toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream, aftershave, hand soap, laundry and dish detergent, cooking oil, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dress, even bags of pet food, etc.

2. Purchase 5 gallon buckets. Most bakeries purchase ingredients and ready made frostings in large buckets. They will often just give them to you. Be sure to sterilize buckets before using and never use a bucket that has had non-food items stored in them. Buckets that have contained foods with a strong smell may retain that smell even after you have sterilized them. Do not use these for food. Your food will end up tasting like the product that was originally stored in the bucket. Use these for emergency kits or for port-a-potties.

3. Post the list you made last week of items you want to take with you in case there is a need to evacuate. Your list should include the location of every item. For example: important documents (bottom right drawer of filing cabinet), nana’s quilt (Emma’s bed), papa’s radio (Hunter’s shelf) etc.

4. At dinner review the evacuation article you copied and placed in your binder last week. Discuss what you would do and who would be responsible for the items on your list (#3 above) if you were called upon to leave home quickly. We will follow up on this next week so please make sure this is one step you accomplish this week.

5. Using an old sheet or fabric, make slings to include in your 72 hour kits, car kits and office kits. Slings should be triangular with the longest side being 60-65 inches long. The width, the distance from this side to the point on the other side, should be 45-50 inches. There are dozens of applications for using a sling and having one in your home and all your kits, ready to go, will be invaluable later. This is a great project with the kids. For a child’s sling just fold over the larger size.

6. Copy marriage licenses of yourself and your ancestors. Make copies of your credit card information including the emergency phone numbers just in case you need to cancel or replace them. Place copies in all the usual places and begin a new envelope to mail items to your out of area contact.

7. Consult the list you made when you cleaned out the medicine cabinet and replace any pain relievers and anti-diarrheal medications you may need. Also place a supply of these items in your 72 hour, car and office kits. I suggest you purchase your diarrheal medications for your kits in tablet form. They won’t accidentally make a mess and they will last much longer.

Don’t forget as you add items to your storage to update your inventory lists. Your inventory should also include the location of those items, as most of us don’t have an entire room we can devote to storage.

Stay focused and motivated.

Week 14

Is there any doubt we are doing the right thing by systematically preparing our family for tough times?

1. Purchase one roll of toilet paper per person in your family. That should give you a one week supply!

2. Purchase ten cans of sauces or soups. Anything you use as a sauce or to make a sauce is the goal here. Cream of chicken soup, spaghetti sauce, enchilada sauce, steak sauce, Worcestershire, or any combination.

3. Check your stored water. Water is such an important element in your preparedness plan. If you have not already done so copy the article on water storage. Don’t be lulled into the belief that a water emergency can’t happen for you. Living in southern California, for example, you are in danger of losing your water if there is an earthquake along your fault. Most of your water supply crosses the fault. Experts think the levees in the San Joaquin delta may not hold up in an earthquake. If this is the case the salt water from the San Francisco Bay will flood the delta water and pollute the fresh water. Much of that water supplies Southern California with drinking water. Everyone needs to be concerned about drinking water.

4. With your family create an evacuation list. Brainstorm which items; important papers, photos, heirlooms, and even favorite blankets you would want to take if you needed to evacuate.

5. Begin gathering as many of those items as possible into the same location making them easy to grab during an emergency.

6. Go over the evacuation article and highlight important information. Place article in your binder.

7. Add a toothbrush and toothpaste to all 72 hour kits.

There you go. How are you doing?

Document: Water Storage

Water storage
Water storage is absolutely essential to a good preparedness plan. In an emergency, it may be too late to go to the tap and expect clean water to flow. One gallon per person per day is the minimum you will need to continue living the way in which you are accustomed. You will need at least two quarts for drinking and the rest for cooking, cleaning, flushing toilets, and personal hygiene (when planning your water needs don’t forget your pets).
Water may be stored in a variety of containers:
1. Heavy duty plastic containers with a spout or a pump for dispensing water. Water is heavy and you need to consider this when choosing containers. Five gallons of water weighs 42 pounds. Containers should be manageable for one adult to lift or they should be equipped with a pump. Make sure when using plastic containers that they are approved for food use. Chemicals are available to add to storage containers preserving the water for five years.
2. Plastic bottles - Water may be stored in well-rinsed bleach (hypochlorite) bottles. Begin by cleaning bottles with hot, soapy water. Completely clean the inside and the outside of the container, including the handle, the lid. Rinse well with plain water. Finally, rinse with clean water. Once you clean and sanitize the container, fill it with water you know is safe and screw the cap on tightly. Since some experts say storing water in bleach containers is fine and others say it is dangerous I recommend you rotate the water at least once a year and then reserve it for cleaning and flushing toilets.
3. Soda Bottles - Liter soda bottles with screw on lids work well for storing drinking water. Colored bottles are the best as they filter the light. Sanitize by rinsing inside and out with a solution of one-half teaspoon of household bleach per pint of water. Rinse well with plain water. Finally, rinse with clean water. Once you clean and sanitize the container, fill it with water you know is safe and screw the cap on tightly. You may want to fill containers with your own tap water. Water in different areas tastes differently and your family will be accustomed to the taste of your own tap. Before using open the container for several hours. Pour water back and forth between two pitchers to add air back in and improve the taste. If the water appears cloudy treat or use it for cleaning and bathing but not for drinking. Liter bottles are also great to have on hand to grab quickly if you need to evacuate. They can be carried easily by an adult with the use of a lanyard type bottle carrier.
4. Mylar water storage bags - These are impermeable to gases and are usually sold in bulk cases for easy stacking. Individual pouches can be purchased for storing in 72 hour kits and in your car. These pouches are not rodent proof so check them often and place small pouches in a rodent proof container.
5. Glass jars - As you empty your canning jars sterilize them, and the screw on lids, and fill with water until you are ready to refill them with the “fruits” of your gardening efforts. They are already taking up space so put them to work! Glass jars should be stored in a dark place and preferably in the original cardboard box. Water can also be canned by processing for 20 minutes in a water bath or steam canner. This is not necessary if water is rotated on a regular basis.
6. Picnic coolers - Fill with water between uses.
7. The bathtub - If you know a storm is approaching and there is even a remote chance you may be without water, fill your bathtubs and sinks. You should experiment with this before an emergency arises. If your drain does not hold the water well you will want to purchase an inexpensive stopper at the hardware store. We have left our plants in a tub with water, while we left on vacation for a week and the water was still there when we returned home.
8. Pitchers and pots -Drag out grandma’s silver pitcher, pot, canners and anything else that can hold water. All of these items will hold water that you can safely drink. That is huge! Once items are filled, cover with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent dust and ants from getting in.
9. Swimming pools - Use for cleaning and bathing only.
10. Hot water heaters - Make sure you turn off the power (or gas) before you attempt to drain. To get a free flow of water from the hot water tank, open the valve at the top of the tank as well as the faucet at the bottom of the tank. Increase the water flow by turning on any hot water faucet in the house before draining water from the hot water tank.
11. Water beds - Use water from these for cleaning and bathing only.
12. Liquids in canned fruits and vegetables are good for cooking. This is one reason we recommend you have canned foods as well as dried foods in your emergency food supply. Peach juice is great for cooking oatmeal. Rice and pasta cook well in the water from canned vegetables.
13. Melted snow-Be sure the snow is freshly fallen and clean. Never eat snow as it will rapidly lower your body temperature.
14. Rain water should be collected away from trees or structures which could contaminate the water. Mylar blankets; new, unused 5 gallon buckets; new unused garbage cans; pots and pans from the cupboard, all work well to collect water.
15. Fruit juices should be included in every emergency storage plan. They are not only useful for drinking but also adding flavor foods such as oatmeal. and disguising the taste of medications.
A Few Tips:
· Do not drink sodas or alcoholic beverages in an emergency. They will greatly increase thirst.
· Do not store water containers directly on a concrete floor. Chemicals may leach into the bottles and the concrete will weaken the plastic and cause your bottles to leak.
· Water should be stored in containers that are filled completely to the top. Mold and bacteria love damp surfaces. You can greatly reduce the likelihood of molds forming by eliminating the air, in other words, by filling the bottle to the top.
· Water should be stored in a cool, dark location. Heat and light will increase the rate at which plastics decompose.
· Water should never be stored near chemicals, pesticides, perfumed items, or products which may emit toxic gasses.

· NEVER store water in milk containers. They are too porous, difficult to sanitize, and are easily contaminated.
· Label all containers with the words “drinking water” and with the date you stored it.
· Stored water should be rotated every year. The best advice is to choose a date you will rotate your water every year. A good time would be a special occasion that falls during the summer months - birthday, anniversary, 4th of July. The water can then be used to water outdoor gardens and trees.
· Train your family in the safe and responsible use of stored water.
· Do not use bottled water that has been exposed to flood waters.
· If you don’t have bottled water, you should boil or treat water to make it safe. Boil: Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present, such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, which are frequently found in rivers and lakes. These organisms are less likely to occur in well water (as long as it has not been affected by flood waters). If not treated properly, Giardia may cause diarrhea, fatigue, and cramps. Cryptosporidium more highly resistant to disinfecting , may cause diarrhea, nausea and/or stomach cramps. People with severely weakened immune systems are likely to have more severe and more persistent symptoms than healthy individuals. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, (altitudes above one mile, boil for three minutes). Let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers. To improve the taste of boiled water, aerate it by pouring it back and forth from one container to another and allow it to stand for a few hours, or add a pinch of salt for each quart of water.*
· Disinfect: If you can’t boil water, you can disinfect it using household chlorine bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water. Do not use non-chlorine bleach to disinfect water. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water, stir it well and let it stand, covered for 30 minutes before you use it. The water should have a slight chlorine odor. If not, repeat the dosage and allow the water to stand for an additional 15 minutes. If the treated water has too strong a chlorine taste, allow the water to stand uncovered for a few hours or pour it from one clean container to another several times. Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers. As you plan for water needs be sure to store some household chlorine bleach for treating water.*
· If you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be tested and treated after floodwaters recede. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific guidelines.
· Water Purification Tablets are iodine based and are specifically made to purify water. They are sold at camping and sporting goods stores, military surplus stores, some large department or drug stores and by companies selling emergency preparedness supplies. Carefully follow directions on the package. Purification tablets are for emergency use only, not everyday use. Unopened tablets have a shelf life of several years. Some kits include an additive to help improve the taste and color created by iodine.
· In an emergency, iodine in a medicine kit will purify water. Use 2 percent U.S.P.-strength iodine (read the label). Using a medicine dropper, add 20 drops per gallon to clear water and 40 drops per gallon to cloudy water. Mix completely by stirring or shaking in a clean container. Allow the water to stand at least 30 minutes, uncovered, before using. Iodine is an antiseptic and is poisonous, so use and store it safely, and only in a real emergency.
· Store the containers upright in a cool, dry place. Because direct sunlight and heat gradually weaken plastic containers, store them away from heat and light to prevent possible leaking. Water is heavy, so store the containers on a strong shelf or in a cabinet.
· A freezer is also a good place to store water for a long period. Freeze water in plastic bottles only; glass will break. Fill containers leaving two to three inches of space at the top to prevent bursting as the water expands and freezes. You probably won't have enough freezer space to store all the water you will need in an emergency, but storing at least some is a good idea. If you lose electricity, the frozen water will help keep foods in your freezer frozen until power is restored. Foods will stay frozen longer during an outage if the freezer is full so if your freezer is partially empty fill it with containers of water and you will help to solve two problems.
Don’t be caught with “Water, water all around, and not a drop to drink”
*(U.S. federal agencies and the Red Cross recommend these steps to disinfect drinking water in an emergency. Remember no home method can guarantee complete safety) copyright TotallyReady.com 2007 All rights reserved

Week 13

It’s time to review our progress again. For any of you who may be new don’t be discouraged if you are just finding us and feel overwhelmed. Just begin at the beginning and in 13 weeks you will be where we are now. If you are really motivated and want to jump in here and catch up on a few steps every week until you are all caught up, by all means, take the plunge.

Between week 7 and now we have done the following:

1. First Aid Supplies: We have gathered what we have on hand and added a first aid guide to all our adult 72 hour kits, our cars and our homes.

2. 72 Hour Kits: We are almost done with these! We have added mylar blankets, hats, safety pins, sun glasses, food, keys, toys, family photos, a multi-function tool, emergency information cards, $10 in cash, water and our prescriptions…whew…that was a lot.

3. Important Documents: We have copied and mailed; the pink slip(s) to our vehicles, passport, social security card, health insurance and life insurance papers.

4. We have done a household inventory for our entire home and garage.

5. We have added mylar blankets for use in our homes during a power outage.

6. We have brainstormed a list and contacted friends and family who we can share and trade talents and items with to add to our preparedness stash.

7. We have established a safe place to leave a message if we should have to evacuate our home.

8. We have replaced batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

9. We have established our pet’s needs.

10. We have discussed “what if” scenarios with our family.

11. We have held a fire drill with our family.

12. We have taken family and individual photos, added them to our 72 hour kits and mailed them to our contacts.

13. We have completed a food storage inventory.

14. We have added the following items to our food and home supplies storage: insect spray, mouse traps, rice, pasta, flour, fruit, vegetables, canned meat or fish, soup, mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, oil, water, spices and ingredients for three favorite family meals. Whew!

All that in 8 weeks! If you are discouraged just look at all you have done! If you are not caught up don’t worry about it. Study the lists you have run off and added to your binder each week. Go back through them and cross out, in bright red marker, all that you have completed. Now just concentrate on this week’s tasks and when you have an extra hour during the week go back and catch up on one or two you missed. Our goal is to complete preparing so keep that in mind. You can do it if you just remember we are eating that elephant one bite at a time. Some of us just take a little longer between bites.

This week:

1. Add water to your 72 hour kits. Mylar pouches are small and light weight. They are also portion controlled. If you store larger bottles you will be tempted to drink them all at once and then your ration for the day will be gone.

2. Copy all prescriptions, including eye glasses, and add to your 72 hour kits. In an emergency if you need to fill a prescription or replace glasses you will be further along if the pharmacy just has to make a call to your doctor and the doctor doesn’t have to consult his/her records.

3. Check your home owners insurance and make sure you are adequately covered. Be sure to add any large purchases such as a boat or heirlooms.

4. Fill all your empty canning jars with water. These are taking up space anyway so make them useful. The jars do not have to be processed, just place a clean lid and ring on each one.

5. Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

6. In February we purchased the ingredients to make five of our family’s favorite meals. This week add the ingredients for another three meals.

7. Purchase $5 worth of spices or seasoning mixes such as; taco seasoning or gravy mix.

There it is. Another week closer, to being prepared. Run off a list of the things we have accomplished and add it to the section of your binder where you added our last accomplishments list.

How are you doing? Good luck!

Week 12

This week…

1. We finish our household inventory! Isn’t that a great feeling! What’s left? The worst of all…the garage. Now some of you may have neatly organized garages but, unfortunately, not me. It may take a little more effort for some of us, but just think of all you have in your garage and how much it would cost to replace it. Be sure to open every cupboard and move every box. Don’t forget to get several views of the cars and the contents of the trunk in your pictures. Now that you are finished make a copy of the disc and mail it to your contact person. You will also want a copy for yourself and one in a safe deposit box if you have one. During an emergency the banks may be closed for days or weeks so it is always important that your contact have a copy.

2. Choose a secret message place. In the event you must evacuate before the family can gather it is important to have a prearranged place where you will leave a note with the information as to when you left and where you went. Naturally this is an invitation to looters so make this a fairly secure place and not under a mat or in a door frame. Much too obvious! Your out of state contact should also have this information in case they need authorities to try to locate you or if they should come to find you.

3. It time to start working on that first aid for your home. If you don’t already have one, add a basic first aid guide to your home kit as well as to your 72 hour and auto kits. They are inexpensive and easy to store.

4. Think evacuation. Copy the article Prepare to Evacuate. Study it and add it to your binder. Since we have just completed our household inventory it would be a good time to work on number 7. Compile a list of family heirlooms to grab if there is time. Post this list in a cupboard or closet for quick access in an emergency.

5. Purchase one large jar of mustard and one can of soup per person in your household. These soups can be to eat as is or to use as an ingredient in a casserole or another soup.

6. Purchase insect spray and mouse traps. After any natural disaster or a fire rodents and bugs will appear. Be prepared. I would purchase spray for both crawling and flying insects.

7. Add $10.00 in one dollar bills to all adult 72 hour kits. It’s not much but we will add more later.

Next week is our review week! We will be reviewing all we have accomplished in weeks 7-13 so try to catch up if at all possible. You will really be amazed.

Document:Prepare to Evacuate

Prepare to Evacuate
You prepared and rehearsed, and now the time has come… The police officer has just announced on the loudspeaker from his car: “Prepare to evacuate!” Are you ready? Of course!

No matter what the reason for an evacuation, it is going to be a stressful, chaotic time and you need to be prepared so that you and your family will remain safe and sane until the earthquake, landslide, wildfire, hurricane, tornado, flood, storm surge, tsunami, avalanche, hazardous spill, or terror threat is over.

Start today by preparing the following items to take with you as you evacuate:
Assemble a 72-hour kit for every family member see Meridian.com article: Surviving the Unthinkable. Place maps (see # 3), family photos, emergency phone numbers and family ID cards in a plastic sleeve that can be removed easily.

1. Assemble a kit of essentials for every pet. Don’t forget a leash for the dog or cat.
2. Maps: Gather maps of your town, county, state and your out-of-area destination. Take some time and using a highlighter, mark several routes, in different colors, from your home to you destination. Remember the freeways may be very crowded if you wait until an evacuation order is given to leave your home. Longer routes may be the faster in the long run, so think creatively. As you mark your map, note where the rest areas are located. You will need these from time to time, especially if you are traveling with pets and children.
3. Assemble an emergency car kit and place it in your car now. The kit may include: flashlight, small and large 10” glow sticks (I prefer these to flares because they do not create sparks which are potentially dangerous at an accident scene), folding shovel, tire repair kit and pump, booster cables, work gloves, and a fire extinguisher. Store extra batteries for your flashlight in your 72-hour kit, not in your car, and never in your flashlight (they are less likely to leak or explode if stored separately). To use your flashlight at times other than emergencies, keep batteries in the glove box.
4. Assemble fun things to do in the car - books on tape, travel games, toys, and familiar music that you can sing at the top of your lungs, anything that will keep family members distracted. Remember during a mass evacuation the average time spent in the car is 15-20 hours! You will want to make this time as low stress as possible.
5. Assemble a sanitation kit. You should have sanitation supplies in your 72-hour kits but you will want to save those in case you need them at a shelter or at your evacuation destination. If you are evacuating to the home of a friend or family member, others may be doing the same. Don’t assume they will be prepared to care for all your needs. Also, remember there will be many others evacuating. Local residents as well as evacuees will all be at the store trying to purchase supplies when you reach your destination. When you stop at a rest stop along the way there will be no one to re-supply the restrooms and you may be very happy that you have your own stash. Your sanitation kit should include: Facial tissues, bathroom tissue, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, paper towels, feminine supplies, diapers (always a size or two larger than the baby is wearing at the time you assemble your kit) and biohazard bags (to contain waste until you reach a place where they can be properly disposed of). Place your sanitation supplies with your 72 hour kit so it can be grabbed in a hurry.
6. Food and drinks for the road. Again, save the food in your 72-hour kit for use later. Gather snacks, crackers, peanut butter, and drinks and place them in a cupboard with each other. This will make it easy and fast to grab items when you are in a hurry to evacuate. It also makes it easy to pack school lunches every day. You will not be thinking clearly, so make a list of food items to add to this supply and post it on the cupboard door. This could include: bread, cheese, deli meats, mayo, fruit, and carrots, anything you may have on hand but is kept in another location. As with 72-hour kits, do not include salty foods such as salted nuts, chips, and jerky. These will just increase your thirst and thus restroom stops, which may not be readily available. Plan to eat in your car. There have been incidents of people being hurt when others demanded their food. If you need to stretch, do so, but keep the food and water out of site and a close eye on the kids. Sad but true.
7. Compile a list of family heirlooms to grab if there is time. Post this list in a cupboard or closet for quick access in an emergency. If you file it, you know you won’t be able to find it in a hurry. We have all had that experience, “but I know I put it in a place where it would be safe”.
Stash cash. Accumulate cash to be used during an evacuation. Cash should be in small denominations, nothing over $20.00, and should also include coins. You should have several hundred dollars. Many banks will be destroyed or without power after a disaster, natural or man-made. If you bank at a local or regional bank it may be days or weeks before you can access your account and withdraw cash. ATMs will be cleaned out in a matter of minutes, so don’t plan to stop at an ATM on your way out of town. Power outages will occur even miles from a disaster site making your credit cards useless.
8. Take a household inventory. Take pictures or a video of everything in your home, including the items inside closets and cupboards. Place a copy in your 72-hour kit and send a copy to your out-of-state contact. We have a friend whose home recently burned down and the insurance company will not release any rebuilding money until they have turned in a list of everything they lost in the fire. Can you imagine trying to create such a list when you are dealing with such a horrible disaster!
9. Back up computer files often and send them to your out-of-state contact. Consider backing them up on a server off site so you can keep them current, especially if you have your own business or do much of your work from home.
10. Compile a list of items to place in the car when you evacuate and post it with your other lists. 11. Include the following and any other personal necessities:

72-hour kit Pet kit
Maps
Fun things to do kit
Sanitation kit
Food and drinks
Family Heirlooms
Cash
Blankets or sleeping bags
Pillows
Cell phone
Auto cell phone charger
Lap top or computer back up files
Other---such as a walker, baby bottles, or pet cages

1. Assign each family member the responsibility of packing or retrieving each item on your list.
2. Post the "Batten down the Hatches" List (which follows later in this article).
3. Practice packing your car. Avoid packing heavy items in the passenger area, which can become dangerous if you need to stop quickly. It is better to discover now that you need to pack some items in smaller containers so they will all fit.
4. Always keep your gas tank at least half full. If you have any suspicions that an evacuation may occur go fill your tank immediately, before others have the same idea. When you return home, park the car in the garage facing out and disconnect the garage door opener in case of a power outage.


When the time has come to evacuate:

1. Listen to the radio or television for instructions from local officials. They will be able to inform you where shelters are located and which evacuation routes may be open and which closed. Follow their instructions, especially in case of a fire or earthquake. They will help you avoid potential hazards.
2. Phone or visit house-bound neighbors and/or neighbors whose children may be home alone. Make sure they have heard the warnings and have a way to safely evacuate. This is especially important in case of a fire, every moment counts and parents and caregivers may not have time to get home and rescue children and the handicapped or elderly.
3. Dress for the occasion. Put on comfortable but protective clothing - no sandals, no shorts, no tank tops. Long pants and long sleeves are the best. Grab an extra change of clothing, but only one. Remember you have another set of clothing in your 72-hour kit, so this will get you through the emergency period.
4. Remove the radio and plastic sleeve with your maps and phone list from your 72-hour kit and place them inside the car.
5. Complete your "Batten-Down-the-Hatches List":

• Shut off water, gas and electricity.


• Board up outside windows.


• Move outdoor furniture inside.


• Close all interior doors.


• Close and lock all windows.


• If you are leaving a fire, do not shut off water or electricity and leave lights on. This will help firefighters see your home through the smoke.


• Lock all outside doors.


• If you are headed to a shelter deliver pets to a pre-arrange care giver.


• Leave a note to let neighbors, friends and family know you have evacuated, when you left, and where you are going.


• Notify contact person of your plans and have them notify the rest of the extended family and friends.
  
  
  Take time now to check with local official to determine what will and will not be allowed in your area shelters. The following may not be allowed:


• Alcoholic beverages.


• Pets (in some areas, this rule is changing), but guide dogs are always allowed.


• Illegal drugs, even if you are using them for medical purposes.


• Weapons, including some knives.


• Extra food other than special dietary needs. The food in your 72-hour kit is fine.


• Valuables. There will be no place to store jewelry, valuable papers or large amounts of money. Again anything in your 72-hour kit will be fine - just be careful and definitely don’t “advertise” that you have anything of value. Don’t access money in front of anyone! Never give children valuables. Prepare your children for shelter living by warning them that other children may want to “share” their toys and books. Discuss how they should handle this.
  
  When faced with evacuation, try to remain calm. Remember, the only really important thing is to get your whole family safely away from the danger around you. Then, when it’s all over, sit down and make a list of everything you would do differently next time, and make an action list. Take time as well to record your experience in your journal. The next generation may find it amazing and inspiring, and your preparation may motivate them to be better prepared by walking in your footsteps.
  Copyright 2006 TotallyReady.com All rights reserved