Disaster kit invaluable in an emergency

Bill Wilson

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 | midnight

The horrors of Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina are reminders that can leave anyone worried about what might happen in the future. Many Americans who once had "This can never happen to me" attitudes are recognizing that disasters natural or man-made, are a very real threat.

Your family will cope best by preparing for a catastrophe before it strikes. One way to prepare for such an event is by assembling a disaster supplies kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But, if you have gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

The following are a few suggestions of things that can be implemented in your kit. However, a more detailed list can be obtained at the Boulder City Fire Department.

There are six basic groups of items you should stock in your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing/bedding, tools and special needs items.

-- Water — Store one gallon of water per day per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for sanitation and food preparation. Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your home.

-- Food — Store at least three-day supply of non-perishable food. These foods should not require refrigeration, cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno. Food items should be compact and lightweight.

-- First aid — First aid kits should be assembled for your home and for each car. A few suggested items are: sterile adhesive bandages of assorted sizes, scissors, antiseptic, thermometer, latex gloves, sunscreen, aspirin, antacids and other over-the-counter medications.

-- Tools and supplies — Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, battery operated radio and extra batteries, flashlights, cash or travel checks, shut off wrench to turn off gas and water, toilet paper, personal hygiene items, plastic bags and chlorine bleach.

-- Clothing/bedding — Shoes, work boots, rain gear, hats, gloves, thermal underwear, sunglasses, blankets or sleeping bags.

-- Special needs — Formula, diapers, bottles, medications, denture needs, contact lenses, eyeglasses, important family documents and oxygen bottles.

Remember to store your kit in a convenient place known to everyone in the family. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Rethink and adjust your kit to your family needs at least once a year, replace batteries and update medications and food as necessary.

Once again, for a complete and detailed list of supplies come by the Boulder City Fire Department or call 293-9228.

Bill Wilson, a firefighter-paramedic for the Boulder City Fire Department, can be reached at 293-9228.