We at At Home Care strive to always be proactive rather than
reactive. We stress to each of our clients and attendants how important it is
to be ready for an emergency. If you’re as ready for an emergency as you can
be, you will be able to handle the situation much better and your outcome will
be a lot more positive.
When you mention the word “emergency”, most of the time we
think of weather related disasters. But emergencies can include much more. A
fire in your home is an emergency. But a fire next door that can spread to your
home is also an emergency. An auto accident is an emergency. But if you’re
stuck in traffic as a result of someone else’s auto accident on a day when it
is literally freezing outside, that is an emergency too. What if all heck has broken
out in your neighborhood and it’s not safe to leave your home or you have to
leave quickly? That is definitely an emergency that St. Louis knows about all too well.
September is Emergency Preparedness Month and it is only
fitting to talk about preparing an emergency/ disaster kit. You definitely
should have a kit ready in your home. Your car is another great place and if
you don’t have one at work, one day, you may wish you did.
Here’s a list of items that you should have in your kit:
Home and Work
·
Water- 1 gallon per person for at least 3 days
·
Food- At least a 3 day supply of non-perishable
food. Don’t forget the manual can opener. And definitely don’t for the formula
for the baby.
·
Battery powered
radio
·
Flashlight with extra batteries
·
First aid kit
·
Whistle to signal for help
·
Moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation
·
Solar charger for your cell phone
·
Prescription medications for at least 3 days
·
Cash
·
Pet food and water for your pet
·
Important papers like insurance, banking info
and identification in a waterproof container
·
A blanket or sleeping bag for each household
member
·
A complete change of clothing. Consider how cold
it can get in your area
·
Matches in a waterproof container
·
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
·
Paper and pencil/ pen
·
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for
children
Car
·
Jumper Cables
·
Flashlight with extra batteries
·
Fist aid kit and enough prescription medications
for a day
·
Non perishable food items
·
Water
·
AM/FM radio so you can hear traffic reports
·
Cat litter or sand for tire traction and a
shovel for if you get stuck in snow
·
Warm clothes, gloves, hat, boots and jacket
·
Blankets
·
Ice scrapper
·
Baby formula and diapers if you have a small
child
Make sure each member of your household or work place knows
what is in the kit and where the kit is. We hope you NEVER have to use the kit.
But if you do, you’ll be glad you took the time to be prepared.
