STORM WATCH: The Eye of the Storm

The Eye of the Storm....what will you do?

This week, let's talk about your Disaster Supplies Kit. Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. We need you to begin thinking about this now, and we are here to help.

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. It may take hours up to even days to get help and we want every family to be prepared. The best way for your family to cope is by preparing before a disaster strikes. One way to do this is by putting together a Disaster Supplies Kit. Remember, once a disaster strikes, you won't have time to search for supplies, so, do it in advance.

Water – Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation). Make sure they are in an easy to carry container. Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.

Food – Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation on cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit: Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables – Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water) – Staples such as sugar, salt and pepper – High energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix – Vitamins – Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets – Comfort foods such as cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, teabags.

First Aid Kit – Various sizes of Bandages, Gauze, Scissors, Tweezers, Needles, Moistened towelettes, Antiseptic, Thermometer, Petroleum jelly or other lubricant, Safety pins, Cleansing Agent/soap, Latex gloves, Sunscreen. Include some non-prescription drugs such as Aspirin, Anti-diarrhea medication, Antacid, Syrup of Ipecac, Laxatives and Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center).

Tools and Supplies – Toilet Paper, towelettes, soap, liquid detergent, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, plastic garbage bags, ties, plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, household chlorine bleach, paper products, battery operated radio with extra batteries, flashlight, non-electric can opener, utility knife, fire extinguisher, signal flare, paper and pencil, needles and thread, whistle, plastic sheeting.

Store your kit in a convenient place where everyone in the family can find it. Keep a smaller version in the trunk of your car. Be sure to change your stored water supply and to rotate your stored food every six months.

• Plan to attend the Cedar Key Emergency Management Public Workshop on Monday, May 22, 2006 from 4PM to 8PM!
• Place a Cedar Key Water and Sewer stub in your wallet for identification to get back on the island in the event of a catastrophe. Please, Do It Now So You Won't Forget!

Next issue we will talk about creating a Family Disaster Plan. Your Emergency Management Committee wants you to be prepared for this year's storm season and we hope to see you on May 22nd. Stay tuned for further details.