September 2013 marks the 10th annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the US Department of Homeland Security. One goal of Homeland Security and Polk County’s emergency management is to educate the public about how to prepare for emergencies.

Polk County Emergency Management would like to provide residents with simple steps to make families and individuals more prepared.

Recommended contents for an emergency preparedness kit:

Water one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
Non-perishable food at least a three-day supply
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First Aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Filter mask or cotton T-shirt, to help filter the air
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener if kit contains canned food
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Important family documents
Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers
Cell phone and chargers

For more information, visit the CDCs website on preparedness www.cdc.gov/features/beready.

 

– article submitted by Michael Crater