How to have your family prepared in an emergency

Would you be prepared if you and your family had to evacuate your home during an emergency?
The American Red Cross reports that only 10 percent of the families in the US have an emergency plan, a disaster kit, and first aid training including CPR.
The first step to be prepared is to assemble a grab-and-go bag that contains crucial supplies that you'll need in the event of an evacuation. The Red Cross has pre-packed kits for $65 at www.redcross.org or you can assemble your own. Label each bag and keep them accessible.
Your Grab-and-Go bag should contain
Personal travel size toiletries
Light-weight flashlight with extra batteries
Extra pair of eye glasses
Whistle on lanyard
3 days of prescriptions
Bottled water 2-3 gallons
High protein-High energy food bars
Change of clothes
Photograph of each child and adult
First Aid Kit
Battery powered radio
Extra set of home and car keys
Safe deposit box key
Credit Card
Cash
Copies of birth certificates, deeds, insurance policies, passports and SS cards

By being prepared in an emergency you will be able to supply yourself during an evacuation or loss of home.

Being Prepared For Severe Weather

Severe Weather Season Begins

Red Cross Urges Preparedness During Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week

Knowing what to do and where to go during severe weather can be the difference between life and death. In 2008 severe weather killed 28 and injured 271 people according to the Missouri Severe Weather Service.

Provide A Home Tornado Plan
Pick a place where the family can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It can be a basement, a center hallway, a closet on the lowest floor or the bathroom. Keep this area uncluttered. If you’re in a high rise you may not have enough time to get to the lowest level so pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. If outside, lie flat in a low lying area, and cover your head.

Assemble A Disaster Supplies Kit
Include a first aid kit and any essential medications along with items for infants, the elderly or disabled. You also need canned food, a can opener and at least 3 gallons of water per person. Include protective clothing, bedding or sleeping bags, a battery or crank powered radio, flashlight with extra batteries and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (You’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service on)

When A Thunderstorm Approaches
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for the latest information. Find shelter in a building or an automobile. Keep windows closed and void convertibles. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Avoid using the telephone and electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower. Turn off the Air Conditioner. Power surges from electricity can overload the compressor. Close blinds and shades, they will prevent shattered glass from flying around your home.

Protecting Yourself Outside During A Thunderstorm
Go to a low lying area away from trees, poles or metal objects. Make sure the place you choose is not subject to flooding. Make yourself a small target. Squat with your head between your knees. Do not lay flat on the ground this makes you a larger target.

Provided by The American Red Cross
Contact The H Team for a free list of items for your disaster supplies kit.