Tips on Preparing Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit from the Cumberland County Office of Emergency Management
Disasters may happen at anytime, you and your family should be prepared for any emergency. After a disaster, local emergency workers will be on the scene. In some situations, responders could be hours or days before they can reach you. Your family will be able to cope best with this situation if you plan now for the emergency. One way is to assemble a Family Disaster Supplies Kit for your family. There are a few items you will need for with any type of emergency situation. This kit will provide the essentials for any type of hazard, including blizzards, severe storms, extended power failures, nuclear plant incidents, or terrorist attacks.
Prepare Your Kit
Review the list below…..Gather the supplies……..
Six basic items you should stock….Water, food, first aid supplies and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items.
Possible containers….Covered trash container….Camping backpack….Duffle bag.
Water
Store one gallon of water per person per day – use plastic containers like soft drink bottles – keep at least a three day supply.
Food
Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables – canned juices, milk, soup – staples like sugar, salt, pepper – high energy foods like peanut butter, jelly – comfort foods like cookies, hard candy, lollipops etc.
First Aid Kit
Bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, roller bandages, scissors, antiseptic, thermometer, safety pins, latex gloves, sun glasses, sunscreen and non-prescription drugs
Tools and Supplies
Battery operated radio, flashlight and spare batteries, cash or travelers checks or change, non-electric can opener, utility knife, fire extinguisher, paper products (cups/plates/etc.) and sanitation supplies (toilet paper, soap, etc.), plastic sheeting, tape
Clothing and Bedding
Sturdy shoes, rain gear, blankets, hat and gloves and extra clothes
Special Items
Baby supplies: formula, diapers, bottles, etc.
Adult supplies: medications, insulin, prescription drugs, eye glasses
Entertainment: games and books
Important Family Documents: Will, insurance policies, deeds, passports, band accounts, birth certificates, household inventory
How to get started…
Meet with your family – Discuss the types of disasters that might strike your area….explain how to prepare and respond….Practice, practice, practice!!!
Discuss how to contact family members – Pick two meeting places….a safe distance from your home….a place outside of your neighborhood…choose a friend out of state as a check in contact if you are separated from your family.
Post emergency telephone numbers near your telephone – install smoke detectors….learn first aid and CPR
Meet with your neighbors and friends to discuss emergency preparedness in your community – check on the elderly….prepare to care for your neighbors children….be aware of any special needs people in your neighborhood.
Remember to test your plan
For further information and detailed list for development of a Family Disaster Supplies Kit or to create a Family Disaster Plan: Contact your county or local Emergency Management Office (856-455-8770)
WebSites for additional information:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
New Jersey Department of Homeland Security
Emergency Information:
In case of an actual emergency, tune into these local radio stations for emergency information:
WSNJ 107.7 (FM) WSNJ 1240 (AM)
WVLT 92.1 (FM) WMVB 1440 (AM)
Cable Channel 2 – QBC WJKS 101.7 (FM)