Prepare for Winter Emergencies Now

The National Weather Service has predicted a second season of a La Nina weather pattern, meaning a potentially cold, snowy winter may be on its way. warns people to be prepared to fend for themselves for at least a few days.

“Be prepared for at least three days in the event an emergency or disaster causes you to be self-reliant,” said Dee Totten, the fire district’s emergency manager. “Everyone should be ready to function independently for a minimum of three days without utilities and electricity, water service, access to a supermarket and possibly without response from police, fire or rescue.”

Totten also suggests family members should also have a plan for how they will respond and reconnect after an emergency or disaster, reminding people that cell phone communications are usually jammed quickly after an emergency or disaster.

“Being prepared means staying informed, knowing how to get information and alerts from local, state and federal agencies and understanding the specific risks in your community and preparing against them,” Totten said. “We’re taking steps as an organization to become better prepared and to help you prepare, and we urge you to take time to do the same at home, at work, for your car, and for your pets to create a more disaster resistant community.”

What should individuals and families have in an emergency supply kit? Here are some of the suggested items:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking, and 5 gallons to include sanitation needs
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and non-electric can opener, for foods that you like to eat
• Wind-up or battery-powered radio and a NOAA weather radio (have extra batteries for both)
• Lightsticks or flashlight and extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place (protection from air-born contaminants)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Cash
• Medical information, prescription medications and extra glasses
• Local maps

Those are the basics, but some items you may also want to consider adding are:

• Infant formula and diapers and special supplies for the elderly
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Copies of important family documents (insurance policies, identification, bank records)
• First aid material
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket
• Complete change of clothing, including a long-sleeve shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes, additional clothes in cold-weather climates (get ready for winter)
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (In an emergency you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleachers with added cleaners)
• Fire extinguisher and know how to work one (PASS system)
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencils
• Books, games, puzzles and other activities for children

Individuals and families should also consider having additional emergency kits — one full kit for home and a smaller portable kit to “grab & go” if required to leave the home quickly; one to have in the workplace, and one for all your vehicles.