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How to be prepared in case of disaster

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joey Honahan
  • 15th Airlift Wing Safety Office
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  Disasters and emergencies can happen anytime. Whether it's as severe as a tsunami or as simple as losing the electricity, people should be prepared for any situation that comes their way. 

For most, something as minor as losing electricity leaves them vulnerable. 

One way to help prepare for these situations is to make a disaster supply kit. With the supplies gathered in advance people can be ready for most situations. 

These six major supplies people should have in these kits are water, food, first aid kits, clothing and bedding, tools and special items. 

People should store enough bottled water so that each person has a three day supply at a minimum. As a guide, a normal active person needs to consume at least two quarts of water each day. Children, nursing mothers and people that are ill probably will need more. 

Food in the kits should not require refrigeration, preparation, or cooking. 

The third item in the kit should be a first aid kit. Many good firstaid kits are available for purchase at department stores. 

The fourth supply needed for an emergency kit is clothing and bedding. That includes rain gear, sunglasses, hats and gloves, blankets or sleeping bags, sturdy shoes or work boots, and an emergency heat reflective blanket. 

Recommended tools and emergency supplies are flashlights, utility knives, cash or travelers checks, fire extinguisher, waterproof matches, water purification tablets, tarps and strong tape. 

The sixth part of kit will be special items. Family such as infants, elderly or disabled persons will need particular items like formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk and medications. The special items should also include entertainment to help morale during emergencies and unexpected situations. 

For more ideas, visit the Red Cross website at http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_500_,00.html or call the 15th Airlift Wing safety office at 449-SAFE.