Home » General » Emergency Preparedness is Key

Emergency Preparedness is Key

Sedona AZ (May 17, 2015)Do you know what to do during a weather emergency? Daily routines can be disrupted with little or no warning by a catastrophic event, such as an earthquake, tornado, hurricane or flood. Help might not always be available, so emergency preparedness is key.

When you face a weather-related emergency, try to stay informed through radio, TV or the Internet. In some cases, however, cable, electric and cell phone service can be disrupted making communication nearly impossible. The National Safety Council recommends the following general precautions that apply to many disaster situations:

  • Have an emergency kit in your car (*see below) and at least three days of food and water at home
  • Be sure to store all important documents – birth certificates, insurance policies, etc. – in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box
  • Assign one family member  to learn first aid and CPR
  • Know how to shut off utilities.

*Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit located in its trunk. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items or new information should be replaced to keep it up to date.

car kit emergency disasterThe SedonaEye.com suggests the following items be included in a vehicle emergency supply kit: 

  • A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
  • Can of “inflate a tire”
  • Jumper cables
  • Tool kit including small mallet and a multipurpose 4 in 1 utility tool
  • Swiss Army knife
  • Flashlight and extra batteries including LED hand held light
  • Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth or tarp to make your vehicle more visible
  • Compass
  • First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, aspirin and acetaminophen, a thermal blanket, non-latex gloves, heavy duty needle and thread, large safety pins, scissors, hydro-cortisone, Benedryl or antihistamine, unbreakable thermometer, tweezers, and instant cold/hot compresses
  • Sunshade for vehicle windshield or external set- up use
  • Nonperishable, high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and vegetables, protein bars, meat jerky and hard candy
  • Drinking water
  • Chlorine tablets and or water filter with instructions for use
  • Sunscreen and aloe cream for burns
  • Reflective vest and headlamp in case you need to walk to get help
  • Car charger (solar/battery) for your cell phone
  • Fire extinguisher, water proof matches, butane lighter
  • Duct tape and gorilla glue
  • Plastic gallon container with lid and Styrofoam container with lid
  • Pad of paper and pen, multi colored Sharpie markers, and sharpened pencils w/sharpener
  • Hand crank emergency AM/FM radio
  • Box each of plastic wrap and aluminum foil
  • Pre-moistened anti bacterial hand towelettes/wipes
  • Waterproof insulated sleeping bag
  • Rain poncho
  • Additional items for cold weather include a snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, additional warm clothing including gloves, coat/jacket, boots or additional pair of shoes and insulated socks, cat litter for traction, insulated sleeping bag and thermal blankets. It’s also very important to keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company, in your mobile phone as well as a contact sheet of names/phone numbers/addresses that includes email addresses enclosed in a waterproof envelope or container within the emergency kit or trunk/glove box. (A print phone book may also prove helpful in an emergency kit.)

list what is the plan note boardIt is worth your time to be prepared to meet an emergency before an emergency strikes. Remember that off-road travel in the desert requires extra attention to emergency supplies and safety detailsNEVER leave a main roadway without a minimum 24 hour potable water supply! Text or call a friend or family member and tell where you are and where you expect to be at a given time. An emergency preparedness plan is key to your safety!

Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!

Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!

 

Leave a Reply

Copyright © 2008-2017 · Sedona Eye · All Rights Reserved · Posts · Comments · Facebook · Twitter ·