In the wake of a disaster (like our earthquake or yesterday’s severe weather) I tend to review the FEMA booklet “Are You Really Ready?” This 216 page booklet contains some very practical advise for weathering a variety of storms. Some of the recommendations are really easy to do.

• store enough familiar foods for 2 weeks
• store foods that don’t need to be cooked (for some of the meals)
• In a disaster eat at least one good meal a day, take a multivitamin, drink 1/2 gallon of water, eat enough calories.
• store 1 gallon of water/person/day. That gives you 1/2 gallon for drinking, 1/2 gallon for cooking and hygiene.

They also have guidelines for 72 hour kits. We don’t have these in place, but after completing our 2 weeks of food and water, that will be my goal. We have all the components, just not in one place, not handy, and not ready to walk out the door.

Again from FEMA — In the event you need to leave your home here is what they recommend.

• Three-day supply of nonperishable food and manual can opener.

• Three-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person, per day).

• Portable, battery-powered radio or television, and extra batteries.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• First aid kit and manual.

• Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and toilet paper).

• Matches in waterproof container.

• Whistle.

• Extra clothing and blankets.

• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils.

• Photocopies of identification and credit cards.

• Cash and coins.

• Special needs items such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries.

• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.

• Tools, pet supplies, a map of the local area, and other items to meet your unique family needs.

Kim