Preparing for a disaster at home

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Here are items to include in a home kit: prescription medicine; prescription glasses; first-aid supplies; list of emergency phone numbers; list of family members' allergies (especially to any medication); special dietary needs; medications taken by family members; baby supplies including formula and diapers; copies of important documents such as insurance policies, identification, and bank records in a waterproof container; matches or a lighter; flashlights and extra batteries; radio; canned heat such as Sterno; cash; extra blankets; three-day supply of non-perishable food; portable camping stove

Also consider instalingl a generator.

When the power goes out keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if it is unopened. Refrigerators should be kept at 40° Fahrenheit or below for proper food storage. Have a refrigerator thermometer and know where you can get dry ice.

Have nonperishable ready-to-eat food such as canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables and a can opener, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, peanut butter and jelly, canned soup, bread, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, canned juices, nonperishable pasteurized milk, vitamins and one gallon of water for each person for at least three days.

First-aid kit

In any emergency, a family member may suffer an injury. If you have these basic first aid supplies you are better prepared to help.

Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. You may consider taking a first-aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination:

Two pairs of latex or other sterile gloves if you are allergic to latex; sterile dressings to stop bleeding; cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes; eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant; thermometer; prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers (periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates); prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment and supplies; non-prescription drugs such as aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever; anti-diarrhea medication; antacid; laxative; scissors; tweezers; tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant