Make a kit – be prepared for any disaster

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Steven Moxley
  • Office of Emergency Management
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  When a disaster strikes, it seems like the world is caving in around you. It will catch you by surprise and leave you wishing that you had planned better and prepared more.

The first step in preparing for disasters is to make a plan.

After you make a disaster plan, create a disaster kit. These can be ordered online or you can make one that is personalized for your family.

When putting a disaster kit together, get a bag or tote to keep your items in.

The majority of the contents in a good disaster kit can be found around the house. It is best to put them in a central location now, or make a reference list of where they can be found when needed.

During a disaster, you will not be thinking as clearly as usual. Identifying areas for these items now will save time and hassle in the future.

So what exactly should be packed into a disaster kit?

The essential or "must have" items for a disaster kit include a battery-operated radio, a flashlight and batteries. The radio will allow you to hear broadcasts and the most up-to-date news after something happens.

Power outages are common during an incident and a flashlight will be most useful. It may not seem important now, but it will get real important in the dark.

The next group of items will be considered the 72-hour supply. These are the items that will allow people to survive for the first 72 hours if disaster strikes.

This will consist of food and water. The food should be ready-to-eat or require minimal preparation. Good examples are canned food, peanut butter, dry cereal and quick-energy snacks.

Store enough water to provide one gallon per person, per day. The water from the faucet may be contaminated, so it is best to have water stored in advance.

Don't overlook the little things, like a manual can opener. When you lose power, you lose the convenience of that electric can opener.

Include extra clothing and rain gear in your disaster kit. It is important to stay warm and dry to prevent the onset of sickness. Blankets or sleeping bags will help you stay warm at night.

Gloves and sturdy shoes will be useful if there is rubble from the incident. Wearing proper protective gear around debris will prevent injury.

Pack a first aid kit. Ensure you have 72 hours worth of hygiene items like toiletries, feminine items and hand sanitizer.

Babies will need formula, bottles, medications, powdered milk and diapers.

Don't forget about your pets. They need to have items in the disaster kit. Have copies of your pet's documentation, such as shot records and vet records. They will also need food, water and possibly a leash and collar, depending on what kind of pet you have.

The last thing to pack will be important documents and a camera. Important documents consist of social security cards, passports, wills, power of attorney and doctor information.

A camera will be useful for your insurance claims. If you can take pictures of damage done, it will help insurance agencies with damage estimates and getting you the reparations you need.

Prepare your disaster kit now. During an incident, you will not have time to shop and search for supplies. Your family will cope best by preparing for a disaster before it strikes.

Guidelines on preparing a disaster kit, and a lot of other useful information, are available on the "Be Ready" mobile app for both iPhones and Androids. Visit www.beready.af.mil.

For more information on preparing for emergencies, contact the Vance AFB Office of Emergency Management, 213-6409, or the Enid/Garfield County Emergency Manager, Mike Honigsberg, 580-249-5969.