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Elizabeth Thompson also blogs at The Imperfect Parent.
Pandemic influenza, Avian Flu, earthquakes, hurricanes and other emergencies such as disaster recovery are on the minds of many business leaders and non-profit organizations, as summits are planned this summer to discuss preparation plans to help communities understand what needs to happen - I.C.E. - in case of an emergency.
If an epidemic or natural disaster reaches your state, will you be prepared?
With hurricane season starting Thursday (6/1), the events of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita have led many states to reconsider their disaster response systems and some communities - especially in those New England states affected by the Mother's Day floods - are learning first-hand how a natural disaster can disrupt their lives.
And it seems that bloggers are becoming more aware, than ever, and - like, Frugal Wisdom From Wenchypoo - some are even packin':
Since I am in Virginia, I always have my hurricane kit packed, my shelves stocked, my chest freezer full, and the car gassed up. Pet carriers are now stacked by the front door, along with a copy of their vaccination papers. Suitcases are now down off the closet shelf in case we have to actually bug out of here.
Emergency preparedness experts suggest that every home and office should have emergency supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs and perhaps keeping a smaller portable kit (that is easy to carry and use) in your vehicle.
The following is a list (via U.S. Department of Homeland Security)of recommended items that every emergency supply kit should include:
Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Battery-powered radio (including extra batteries).
- Flashlight (including extra batteries).
- First aid kit.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).
- Local maps
Of course, this is only a guideline and you may need to consider adding items to "your" emergency supply kit (i.e. prescription medications, glasses, pet foods, infant formulas, diapers) that will help meet the needs of you and your family in a time of an emergency.
But, we're talking basics here and Disaster Stuff has a kit that'll have you ready to go in case of an emergency:
Standard Survival Kit - 72 Hour Kit for Earthquake, Hurricane and General Emergency Preparedness - $33.59
(Weight = 20 pounds)
1-Backpack
1-2400 Calorie Food Bar per person
1-Solar Blanket per person
6-Pouches of Water per person
1-54 Piece First Aid Kit
1-Radio/Flashlight/Siren
Margaret Saizan (a life coach and activist from Baton Rouge Louisiana) started Beyond Hurricane Katrina, "...on the eve of Hurricane Katrina's landfall to provide live coverage of the hurricane & to pass the time while waiting out the storm."
Margaret goes on to write:
Little did I know that Hurricane Katrina would become the worst catastrophe, or set of catastrophes in US history (referring to the storm itself, the flooding of New Orleans, the devastation of the Gulf Coast & the mismanagement of the emergency).
The underlying theme in everything I post - whether its to look back at the aftermath, forward to the upcoming hurricane season, or simply report the current news - is to "think globally, act locally".
Locally in this context refers to the storm impacted communities.
However, Katrina has created new awareness around so many important political, social & environmental causes. The lessons learned and the actions taken in response to the disaster have the potential to impact the planet for future generations.
In her most recent post, Margaret suggests that Shoe Id's can help during hurricanes:
I just read where a company, "Who's Shoes ID", has donated 6500 shoe id's to Galveston, Texas schools as a measure for tracking children who are separated from their families during a hurricane. The id's also have applications for tracking the elderly, and the mentally impaired. I don't know the folks who run this company, but I feel they have a WONDERFUL product.
Jen, over at Adopting from Russia, gives the impression of a very prepared blogger and keeps her emergency plan on her fridge...and then some:
First of all I have to say that I am a
