Sixty-seven percent of households have a disaster-preparedness kit, and only 57 percent of American families have developed and practices a home fire escape plan, according to the Insurance Research Council.
These are important to keep your family safe. Be prepared for the unexpected. Sit down with your family and plan the best escape routes out of your home as well as safe places in your home for each type of disaster. Then practice emergency evacuation drills at least twice a year to keep it fresh in everyone's mind.
Should you need to evacuate your home, have your up-to-date disaster supplies kit in a handy location. Here is a list of items recommended by the American Red Cross for your disaster-preparedness kit:
- 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.
