WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY "GO BAG" ASAP!
Gina Giordan
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin
“I will prepare and some day my chance will come.” ― Abraham Lincoln
"Expect the best, plan for the worst!" That's my motto to live by. In today's world, with exploding deadly lava, wildfires, catastrophic hurricanes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks (the list goes on) it's a good idea to prepare you and your loved ones for any emergency situation.
Friday, June 1st, is the official mark of the 2018 Hurricane season. What if during an emergency you are separated from a loved one? Do you have a plan? Does your child know what to do if they are separated from you during a natural disaster? It's no surprise during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there were more than 5000 cases of missing children after the storm. Hurricane Katrina survivor, Marceline, shared her harrowing story with "Save the Children." She was separated from her 2-year-old daughter for a week. Would your child have the necessary skills to find their way back to you?
These days, relying on our cell phones for everything means most of us would have trouble remembering actual contact numbers or addresses without using their cell phone. Do you know all your loved ones direct contact numbers off the top of your head? What about the actual address of an emergency evacuation route or bus stop? Sometimes a nasty Nor'easter doesn't come with a timely warning and can leave you without power and water for days. No power means your local stores and gas stations are closed. Are you prepared if a violent storm hit tonight leaving you without power for weeks? Preparing yourself and your loved ones ahead of time, for any emergency is key.
For starters, make sure you actually have a list of cell phone numbers and addresses of the important people in your life. That means in addition to loved ones you have contact numbers for care takers, doctors, emergency care, hospitals etc. We suggest you actually hand write this contact list and make photo copies to keep handy and distribute to the other people on your list. A written contact list would be crucial in the event both the internet and cell phone service are down. In addition to having emergency contact information on hand, it is important that you and your family create an emergency location to meet up in case all other communication are cut off.
One of the best ways to prepare you and your family in case of any emergency is, a GO BAG! A decade ago, the suggestion of a GO BAG may have seemed extreme but, these days being prepared could save you from some serious aggravation or possibly save a life. Whether you live in a high-rise in the city or a home in the suburbs, you can customize a GO BAG for each person in your household. A suggested list of GO BAG items are posted at this link: Westchestergov.com and detailed below. Don't forget to include a copy of emergency contact information in each GO BAG!
THENERDSWIFE.COM
You can also create an emergency GO BAG specifically for kids! The options of what to include in your GO BAG are endless. THE WANNA suggests you include an "In Case of Emergency" or ICE card in your child's GO BAG. Amazon sells a version for around $10 bucks here. Ultimately, customizing a bag to fit your specific needs are obviously the best way to go. But, If you are way too busy to customize a GO BAG, you can buy a pre-packaged "survival" bag or "family emergency" kit. This website, Stealthangelsurvival.com has a slew of options to choose from.
Make a bag. Buy a bag... Whatever you choose, just do it! It's better to be SAFE than SORRY!
Have a fun, memorable and SAFE summer season 2018!
xo, THE WANNA
*****WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR GO BAG? Westchestergov.com ******
In the event of an emergency that requires you to evacuate, everyone in your household should have a Go Bag packed and ready to go. Your Go Bag should be a sturdy and easy to carry backpack or duffle bag containing things you would want to have with you if you have to leave in a hurry. Items to consider for your Go Bag include:
Bottled water and nonperishable food, such a s granola bars
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, etc)
Flashlight, hand-rank or battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries
Portable cell phone charger
Notepad, pen/pencil, and marker
Local street maps (paper version)
Spare home/vehicle keys
Whistle or bell
First aid kit
Dust mask to reduce inhalation of dust and other debris
Work gloves
A change of clothing (long sleeve shirt/pants, rain gear, sturdy footwear, etc.)
Copies of important documents (insurance/medical cards, contact lists, identification, marriage and birth certificates, etc.) in a portable, waterproof container or plastic bag
Back-up medical/assistive equipment and supplies
A list of the medications you take, why you take them, and the dosages
Cash, in small bills
Supplies for your service animal or pet
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends assembling a kit of basic supplies to last three days (72 hours), in the event of a disaster. The kit should be checked at least twice per year to ensure that components have not expired. Identify an easily accessible storage location for the kit, and ensure that all family members are aware of this location. This kit should include the following:
Water
One gallon per day, per person. This provides for both drinking and sanitary uses.
Include additional water for pets, as needed
Food
Non-perishable items
Ready-to-eat canned foods, and a manual can opener
Ensure adequate supply for each family member
Consider special dietary or other needs
Include pet food, if applicable
Handheld AM/FM radio and NOAA Weather Tone Alert Radio. Appropriate spare batteries.
Cellular phone
Chargers for portable electronic devices (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.)
Flashlight and appropriate spare batteries
First aid kit
Whistle or bell
Dust mask to reduce inhalation of dust and other debris
Adequate supply for family members
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal windows, doors and other openings, if advised to do so.
Pre-moistened wipes, plastic garbage bags and zip ties for toileting.
Wrench and/or pliers to shut off utilities
Local street maps (paper version)
Key documents including insurance documents, contact lists, identification, etc. in a portable, waterproof container
Medical information (history, allergies, etc.) for each family member.
Personal medical/assistive equipment, as appropriate
Prescription medications, including a list the medications you take, why you take them and the dosages
Prescription glasses, if needed
Diapers and formula, if needed
Spare home/vehicle keys
Cash (small bills), change for telephones, etc.
Sleeping bag/blankets
Adequate supply for all family members
Changes of clothes for each family member
Long sleeved shirt
Long pants
Sturdy shoes
Appropriate personal hygiene supplies for each family member
Unscented chlorine bleach
For disinfecting purposes: dilute nine parts water to one part bleach
For water purification: sixteen drops per gallon of water
Fire extinguisher (portable size)
Matches and weatherproof container
Paper plates, cups, eating utensils, paper towels
Age-appropriate books, games, etc. for children (if applicable)
Additional Information and Links
WHAT TO PACK INSIDE YOUR "GO BAG" FOR KIDS:
A small backpack
Waterproof flashlight or mini - Lantern
Extra batteries
Shampoo/Body Wash
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Hand sanitizer
Bandages with Antibiotic Cream
Hand wipes
Tummy relief (Tummygize Essential Oil)
Gauze pads
Snacks — granola bars and fruit pouches
Bottled water
Change of clothes
Extra shoes
$20 in small bills and change
Paper and crayons
Activity kits
Comfort item — stuffed animal, blanket, etc
ICE Contact Card