If you haven't experienced a hurricane, flood, tornado or other natural or man-made disaster lately, preparedness may not be at the top of your list of concerns.
But September is a good time to think about that; it's National Emergency Preparedness Month. Just as the military teaches troops to think ahead and prepare for contingencies, military families also can prepare — whether it's stocking an emergency kit or refining a plan to communicate with family members in different locations if something suddenly happens.
Even if events spurred you to develop such a plan and put together some emergency supplies, five, 10 or 15 years ago, it couldn't hurt to check to make sure those supplies are in good condition.
If you've made a few permanent change-of-station moves since you put together your supplies, make sure they still meet your family's needs. You may have added some family members, you may live in a colder climate, you may have acquired a pet. Somebody's medical needs may have changed.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends changing stored food and water supplies every six months. Write the date of storage on all containers and make sure you observe the expiration dates. FEMA also recommends:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place. Discard any cans that become swollen, dented or corroded.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to keep out pests and extend shelf life.
- Use food before it goes bad, then replace it. Put new items at the back of the storage area and older ones at the front.
- Re-evaluate your needs each year and update your kit accordingly.
Through Oct. 31, military commissaries are offering sales on a variety of items that you may need for your emergency preparedness kit. Availability may vary from store to store, but items include beef jerky, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, air-tight bags, flashlights, tape, first-aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes.
Among the items recommended for a basic emergency kit:
- Water: At least one gallon per person; a three-day supply for evacuation, or a two-week supply for home.
- Nonperishable food: A three-day supply for evacuation, a two-week supply for home. Include infant formula and foods that meet the dietary needs of other family members. Include a can opener, if needed.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA weather radio.
- Flashlight and extra batteries, candles and matches.
- First-aid kit, prescription medications and eyeglasses.
- Pet food and extra water for your pet.
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air; and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and twist ties for personal sanitation.
- Tools, including a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, scissors, multipurpose tool.
- Sleeping bags and warm blankets.
- Paper supplies: Toilet paper, cups, plates, paper towels.
- Extra cash and change.
Learn more at www.ready.gov.
Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.
