5. Prepare at Home

Home disaster supply kit

You may be asked to “shelter in place” for one or more days. Prepare a home disaster supply kit that you can organize quickly.  Store items in easy to carry containers such as a backpack or duffle bag.  Check batteries, change the stored water and rotate the food supplies every six months.

·         Three-to-five day supply of water at one gallon per person per day

·         Food that will not spoil and does not require cooking

·         A non-electric can opener

·         First-aid kit and needed medicines

·         Emergency tools including a battery operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries

·         Personal items such as toilet tissue, toothbrush, toothpaste and plastic trash bags

·         Change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes

·         Blankets or sleeping bag

·         An extra pair of glasses

·         An extra set of keys

·         Candles and lighters

·         Special items for infants, elderly and disabled in the family

·         Deck of cards and simple games for children

·         List of family physicians and emergency contacts

·         A separate “Go Kit”

Have credit cards, cash and cell phone readily available.

Emergency Evacuation Plans

Develop and practice a home evacuation plan:

·         Know what to do if you are instructed to evacuate your home or community.

·         Every child and other family member of your family should know at least two ways (if possible) to get out of your home in case of fire or other emergency.

·         If you life in an apartment, know the evacuation plan

·         Agree on a place to meet once everyone gets out

Emergency Planning- think about these things…

·         Escape routes

·         Family communications

·         Utility shut-off and safety

·         Insurance and vital records

·         Special needs

·         Caring for pets

·         Safety skills

·         Child care

72-hour Emergency Kit

·         Update your kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that all food, water, and medication is fresh (not expired)

·         Small toys/games are important as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time

·         Older children can be responsible for their own packs of items/clothes

·         You can include any items that you feel are necessary for your family’s survival

·         Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt “flavor” other items, or break open

·         Dividing groups of items and put in individual Ziploc bag might protect from leaks

                  

Food and Water

(3-day supply of food and water per person when no refrigeration/cooking is available)

• Protein/granola bars
• Trail mix/dried fruit
• Crackers/cereal (for munching)
• Canned foods- tuna, beans, meat, Vienna sausages, etc.(Pop-top cans can leak, jerky can “flavor” other items)
• Canned juice
• Candy/gum (Jolly Ranchers can melt, and mint gum might “flavor” other items)

Bedding and Clothing

• Change of clothing (short and long sleeves, pants, socks, jackets)
• Undergarments
• Rain coat/poncho
• Blankest and emergency heat blankets
• Cloth & plastic sheet

Fuel and Light

• Battery lighting ( flashlights, lamps)
• Extra batteries
• Flares
• Candles and lighters
• Water proof matches

Miscellaneous

• Bag or bags to put 72 hour kit items in (duffel back or back pack)
• Infant needs (if applicable)

Equipment

• Can opener
• Dishes/utensils
• Radio with batteries
• Pen and paper
• Pocket knife, rope, duct tape

Personal Supplies & Medication

• First aid supplies
• Toiletries (roll of TP- remove center tube to easily flatten and put in a zip-loc bag with feminine hygiene supplies, folding brush)
• Cleaning supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. do not use scented soap as it may “flavor” the food items)
• Immunizations up to date
• Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children’s medications, etc.)
• Prescriptions (for 3 days)

Personal Documents and Money 

(Put these items in a water-proof container)

• Legal documents (birth, marriage, certificates, wills, passports, contracts)
• Vaccination papers
• Insurance polices
• Cash
• Credit cards
• Pre-paid phone cards

Important Local Phone Numbers

Sacramento (916)

Emergency – Police/Fire/Rescue           911 or 874-5111

• Non-Emergency Police -- 264-5471
• County of Sacramento -- 874-5115
• Elk Grove -- 714-5115
• Crime Alert -- 443-HELP
• Amber Alert -- (800) 222-3463
• SMUD 24 hr service -- (888) 222-3463
• PG&E 24 hr service -- (800) 743-5000
•  

County Emergency Operations

• Office -- 874-4670
• 24hr#  -- 875-5000
• Urban Flooding -- 875-7246
• American Red Cross -- 368-3131
• Poison Control -- (800) 222-1222

Important Personal Numbers

Evacuation and Reunion

• Home site –
• School site –
• Away from home –
• Baby sitter –
• Father’s work –
• Mother’s work –