Prepare
an Emergency Pack in case you have to evacuate. Red Cross and FEMA recommend
the following items if you have to evacuate.
The "Short List" – if you have only moments before
leaving, keep these items in an immediately handy place:
• Medical supplies: prescription medications and dentures.
• Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit,
bottled water
• Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or
bedroll and pillow for each household member
• Car keys and keys to the place you may be going, e.g., a friend's
or relative's home. (Don't count on being able to use your car however.)
Ideally, you want to have these items ready:
• Flashlights with plenty of extra batteries
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Phone that plugs directly into the wall jack (not electric or
cordless)
• Battery-operated lamps/lights (safer than candles)
• Candles – if using, they should be encased in glass holders
(no open candles)
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications in the original bottle, copies of prescriptions
• Eyeglasses (with a copy of the prescription)
• Water (at least five gallons per person is recommended)
• Foods that do not require refrigeration
or cooking
• Items that infants and elderly household
members may require
• Medical equipment, such as dentures, crutches, prostheses, etc.
• Change of clothes for each household member
• Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
• Checkbook, cash, and credit cards
• Map of the area
Keep your important papers together, and know where they are. And, it's
a good idea to always carry with you proof of residence. Important papers
to take:
• Driver's license or personal identification; Social Security
card
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Insurance policies; Birth and marriage certificates
• Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
• Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns