After each major disaster, people ask what things they need to have with them in an emergency, disaster or mass evacuation. Our Nation was rocked by the images of the World Trade Center, Hurricane Katrina and Rita and yet it still does not spur people to simple, inexpensive, common-sense preparedness we all know we should do.
Government and nonprofit agencies will try their best to provide a basic amount of assistance, but all people should work to store a minimum amount of safety and life-support products for a minimum of 3-5 days until services begin to be restored.
I could write a book on each of the following topics but I will try to keep this as brief as possible.
What to have on your person
At a minimum everyone should have a whistle and a small light in their pocket. If you are trapped and/or lost a whistle can be used to attract attention without losing your voice. A small penlight or better yet an LED or style light can Be used to signal or find your way. New LED flashlights with alkaline or lithuim last several times longer than a regular flashlight and helps in your everyday life. In an emergency small light can also attract attention and help you see your way out of rubble or avoid danger. Both items cost only a couple of bucks and last for years (replace the battery on the light each year)
Every household, family or apartment unit should have the following items in case of emergency or evacuation:
3 gallons of water per person per day for three days. If you must evacuate please try to take one gallon of water per person per day with you.
Basic food that does not require heat to prepare and a manual can opener.
Take your needed medications, and whatever over the counter items you or your children would need if they got a cold or fever.
Take basic blankets or sleeping bags, cloths and only solid shoes. Whatever the season, take some type of rain coat or poncho.
Basic first aid supples to include something to stop bleeding, clean up a wound, dress a cut or burn. If the first aid kit you bought doesn't have these things or only has bandaids, buy a better kit or add the missing items. Otherwise the so called first aid kit will be of no use to you in a real emergency.
Try to keep your car's fuel above half full so if you need to evacuate (right now) you can drive at least 100 miles away in very slow traffic.
Take a list of important phone numbers and and a list of friends and family you might be able to stay with or at least alert them of your whereabouts.