I have provided insurance products to clients for the better part of my adult life. It is only natural that I am now as passionate about providing information to help others understand the devastation that comes with certain life events, and help them embrace a responsible position of being prepared – a preparedness that minimizes potential tragedy at many levels.

Disaster Preparedness… are YOU prepared?

It seems the news is filled with some new disaster being faced some where … every day. I don’t recall this being the case when I was growing up, but I think I have come to the realization that many natural disasters occurred, but were not given the national attention that is now possible through the media and the Internet.

However, since we are now made more aware of these tragic events, we can also be better prepared, for example, by having a Basic Emergency Supply Kit.

Copy this off, modify it to meet the needs of your family, print it and collect and keep the items in an easy-to-access location.

□ Water: One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
□ Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable goods.
□ Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert – and extra batteries for both.
□ Heavy-duty flashlight and extra batteries.
□ First aid kit.
□ Large whistle – to signal for help.
□ Dust masks, to help filter contaminated air – and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
□ Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
□ Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
□ Can opener for food – if your food supplies contain canned foods.
□ Local maps.

You might want to consider having two emergency kits: a full one at home – sealed in a large plastic container, and another smaller one to keep in your workplace or vehicle.

Personal Items to Consider Adding:
□ Prescription medications and glasses.
□ Infant formula and diapers.
□ Pet food and extra water for your pet.
□ Important family documents such as insurance policies, personal identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
□ Cash or traveler’s checks and change.
□ Emergency reference material, such as a first aid book – this kind of information can be found at www.ready.gov
□ Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider adding more bedding if you life in a cold-weather climate.
□ Complete change of clothing, including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
□ Household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. When diluted – nine parts water to one part bleach – it can be used as a disinfectant. In an emergency, you can use it to treat water, by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe, or bleach with added cleaners.
□ Fire Extinguisher.
□ Matches in a waterproof container.
□ Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
□ Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils and paper towels.
□ Paper and pencils.
□ Books, games, puzzles, and other activities (for children)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has taken a strong position in educating and empowering Americans to take the steps necessary to prepare and respond to potential emergencies… unfortunately, these now include the threat of terrorist attacks. Being prepare requires that you do three simple things:

1. Create your emergency supply kit.
2. Make a family emergency plan and share that periodically with your family members.
3. Be informed about the various types of disasters and emergencies and know how to appropriately respond to each of them.

Thank you for taking time to be aware. I trust you will see the importance of using this information – not just reading it! On my website you will find many Disaster Preparedness resources, for example, the PortaVault the perfect storage for your Vital Documents, allowing you to quickly grab the protective container – taking all your important information with you in less than five minutes.

Please feel free to subscribe (RSS) to this blog so that you might continue to educate yourself on the many, varied aspects of Disaster Preparedness and being prepared to protect your family in any emergency.

Jan Vitale, your Investment Protector
Vital Enterprises, LLC
Bringing you experience, wisdom and choices in protecting all things valuable to you…