Editor’s Note: In preparation for Citizen Emergency Rescue Training (CERT) classes being offered by the Grundy County Local Emergency Planning Committee next month, the Republican-Times is publishing a series of articles about CERT and local emergency planning activities, written by the CERT program coordinator, Matt Walker. Classes are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13 and Feb. 20, with those taking the classes eligible to be part of the county’s CERT team. The team will provide assistance to emergency service responders during major disasters.
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Equipment
and Supplies
So far we’ve discussed the items we need to survive – respiratory protection, shelter, water, and food. But that’s not all there is.
When the lights go out, you’re going to need some light in the form of flashlights (with lots of spare batteries) and candles. You will want to have extra supplies of your normal items, enough to carry on with a semi-normal home routine for the duration of the emergency. You want to have enough toothpaste and deodorant, paper towels, trash bags and other ordinary supplies to handle the situation.
Using the ice storm example again, a family of five stuck in a house for a week with half a roll of toilet paper isn’t going to have a good time. If you don’t have running water you can’t flush the toilet, so you’re either going to have to pour water in the tank to flush the toilet (which is a poor use for drinking water) or have another method of going to the bathroom. Portable toilets used for camping or the “lugable loo” are good options.
If your heat source is electric, you will want extra clothing and blankets when the power goes out in the winter time. In this scenario, an indoor space heater and fuel to run it can be invaluable. Those who normally rely on electricity to cook their food might be glad to have a small camp stove and a few small canisters of propane to cook their meals.
Keep safety in mind – equipment designed to be used outside should never be used inside a home.
Wood stoves or outdoor fireplaces may also serve if that’s what you have. If the only alternative method of cooking you have is your backyard grill, a few extra bags of coal could go a long way toward making your time without electricity less of a hardship by providing some hot food.
You’ll want communications methods (having a way to charge your cell phone when the power is down is a good idea) and a way to get some news, which means a battery-powered radio at the very least.
Last, but not least, you’ll find security in having a good supply of medical items. First and foremost you will want to ensure you’ve got enough of your prescription medications to last for a while as well as a good supply of normal household medicines and bandage materials.
This has been a “fast and dirty” overview of the miscellaneous gear and supplies you may need or like to have when dealing with an emergency. For more information, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-480-2520 to request free printed materials on emergency preparedness.
(Next: The Community Emergency Response)