First Aid Kit Check List

Every first aid kit is different. These items are suggestions of things you might want to include in yours.

FIRST AID KIT CHECKLIST

• Plastic bandages
• Adhesive bandages
• Extra-large plastic bandages
• Sterile pads
• Transpore Tape
• Micropore Tape
• Iodine Prep Pads
• Antiseptic towelettes
• Ammonia inhalant
• Antiseptic ointment
• Pain Reliever
• Alcohol Preps
• Gauze
• Fingertip bandages
• Knuckle bandages
• Sponge packs
• Instant Ice Packs
• Sterile Eye Wash
• Elastic Bandages
• Eye Pads
• Safety Pins
• First Aid Cream
• Bandage Scissors
• Tweezers
• Butterfly Bandages
• Watertight Utility Box for contents
• Burn gel to treat burns
• Burn bandages
• Adhesive spots
• Extra large strips
• Surgical tape
• Iodine prep pads
• Sponges
• Latex gloves
• Triangular bandages
• Triple Antibiotic cream
• Hemostats (for stitching)
• ABD Pads (large absorbent sterile pads used to stop bleeding in larger wounds)
• Ace Bandage

Hidden Water Sources in your home

If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use water in your hot-water tank, in your plumbing and in ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl), but purify it first.

Water beds hold up to 400 gallons but some water beds contain toxic chemicals that are not fully removed by many purifiers. If you designate a water bed as an emergency resource, drain it yearly and refill it with fresh water containing two ounces of bleach per 120 gallons.

To use the water into your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the highest faucet in your house and draining the water from the lowest one.

To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty.

Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You'll need to shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.

Shelf Life of Foods for Storage

Here are some general guidelines for rotating common emergency foods.

Use within six months:

• Powdered milk (boxed)
• Dried fruit (in metal container)
• Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container)
• Potatoes

Use within one year:

• Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups
• Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables
• Ready to eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers)
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Hard candy and canned nuts
• Vitamin C

May be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):

• Wheat
• Vegetable oils
• Dried corn
• Baking powder
• Soybeans
• Instant cocoa
• Salt
• Non-carbonated soft drinks
• White rice
• Bouillon products
• Dry pasta
• Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans)

Emergency Disaster Preparedness: Terrorist Threat

Chemical Threat:
A chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and the environment. Watch for signs of a chemical attack such as many people suffering from watery eyes, twitching, choking, having trouble breathing or losing coordination. Many sick or dead birds, fish or small animals are also cause for suspicion. If you see signs of a chemical attack, quickly try to define the impacted area or where the chemical is coming from, if possible. Take immediate action to get away from the affected area.

If the chemical is inside a building where you are, try to get out of the building without passing through the contaminated area. Otherwise, it may be better to move as far away from where you suspect the chemical release is and "shelter-in-place." If you are outside when you see signs of a chemical attack, you must quickly decide what is the fastest way to get away from the chemical threat. Consider if you can get outside the area or if it would be better to go inside a building and follow your plan to "shelter-in-place."

If your eyes are watering, your skin is stinging, you are having trouble breathing or you simply think you may have been exposed to a chemical, immediately strip and wash. look for a hose, fountain or any source of water. Wash with soap, if possible, but do not scrum the chemical into your skin. Seek emergency medical attention.

Nuclear Blast:
A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminte the air, water and ground surfaces for miles around. While experts may predict at this time that a nuclear attack is less likely than others, terrorism by its nature is unpredictable. If there is a flas or fireball, take cover immediately, below ground if possible, though any shield or shelter will help protect you from the immediate effects of the blast and the pressure wave. In order to limit the amount of radiation you are exposed to, think about shielding, distance and time. If you have a thick shield between yourself and the radioactive materials, it will absorb omore of the radiation and you will be exposed to less. Similarly, the farter away you are from the blast and the fallout, the lower your exposure. Finally, minimizing time spent exposed will also reduce your risk.

Radiation Threat or "Dirty Bomb":
A radiatoin threat or "Dirty Bomb" is the use of common explosives to speread radioactive materials over a targeted area. It is not a nuclear blast. The force of the explosion and radioactive contamination will be more localized. While the blast will be immediately obvious, the presence of radiation may not be clearly defined until trained personnel with specialized equipment are on the scene. As with any radiation, you want to try to limit your exposure. Think about shilding, distance and time.

Biological Threat:
A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that make you sick. Mn agents must be inhaled, enter through a cut in the skin or be eaten to make you sick. Some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like the smallpox virus, can result in diseases you can catch from people.

Unlike an explosion, a biological attack may or maynot be immediately obvious. While it is possible that you will see signs of a biological attack, as was sometimes the case with the anthrax mailings, it is perhaps more likely that local health care workers will report a pattern of unusual illness or there will be a wave of sick people seeking emergency medical attention. You will probably learn of the danger through an emergency radio or TV broadcast or some other signal used in your community. Perhaps you will get a phone call or emergency response workers may come door-to-door. If you become aware of an unusual or suspicious release of an unknown substance nearby,it doesn't hurt to protect yourself. Quickly get away. Cover your moth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow breathing. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel. Otherwise,several layers of tissue or paper towels may help. Wash with soap and water and contact authorities.

In the event of a biological attack, public health officials will provide information on what you should do as quickly as they can. However, it can take time for them to determine exactly what the illmess is, how it should be treated and who is in danger. What you can do is watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet for offical news including the following:

• Are you in the group or area authorities consider in danger?
• What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
• Are medications or vaccines being distributed?
• Where?
• Who should get them?
• Where should you seek emergency medical care if you become sick?

At the time of a declared biological emergency, if a family member becomes sick, it is important to be suspicious. However, do not automatically assume you should go to a hospital emergency room or that any illness is the result of the biological attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap. Use common sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek medical advice.

Emergency Disaster Preparedness: Winter Storms

Before the Storm:

1. Arrange for emergency heat supply in case of power failure.
2. Prepare automobile, battery powered equipment, food, heating fuel and other supplies.
3. Prepare a winter survival kit. You should have the following items in your car: Blankets or sleeping bags, flares, high energy foods (candy, raisins, nuts, etc.), first aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, extra clothing, knives, compass, emergency candles and matches, maps, jumper cable, tow chain, shovel, windshield scraper, sack of sand.
4. Your car will help keep you warm, visible and alive should you be trapped in a winter storm. A lighted candle will help keep you from freezing but you must remember to have a window open slightly for ventilation.
5. Keep car fuel tank above half full.

During and After the Storm:

1. Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of protective, loose-fitting clothing, scarves, mittens and hoods. Cover the mouth and nose to protect lungs form extremely cold air.
2. Avoid travel, but if you become stranded, stay in your vehicle--keep it ventilated, bundle up, light an emergency candle for warmth, occasionally change positions and DON'T PANIC.
3. Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks are a major cause of deaths during and after winter storms. Shoveling snow or freeing stuck vehicles can be extremely hard work. Don't overdo it!
4. Beware of the chill factor if winds are present.
5. Be prepared for isolation at home. If you live in a rural area, make sure you can survive at home for a week or two in case a storm isolates you and makes it impossible for you to leave.

If a Warning is issued, the Storm is imminent. Know Winter Words of Warning:

1. Winter Weather Advisory: Issued when winter weather conditions, such as cold, ice and snow, are expected to hinder travel, cause inconveniences.
2. Freezing Rain: Forecast when expected rain is likely to freeze as soon as it strikes the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
3. Winter Storm Watch: Severe weather is possible.
4. Winter Storm Warning: Heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected.
5. Blizzard Warning: Heavy snow, winds and dangerously low temperatures are expected. A blizzard can cause severe weather conditions.

Emergency Disaster Preparedness: Thunderstorms and Lightning

Protect Yourself:

1. When a thunderstorm or lightning threatens, get inside a home or large building or inside an all metal vehicle (not convertible.) Stay indoors and don't venture outside unless absolutely necessary.
2. Stay away from open doors and windows, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks and plug-in appliances.
3. Don't use plug in electrical equipment such as hair dryers, electric blankets or electric razors during the storm.
4. Except for emergencies, don't use the telephone during the storm. Lightning may strike telephone lines outside.
5. If outside with no time to reach a safe building or an automobile, follow these rules:

• Do not stand underneath a natural lightning rod such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
• Avoid projecting yourself above the surrounding landscape as you would do if you were standing on a hilltop, on the beach or fishing from a small boat.
• Get out of the water and off small boats.
• Get away from tractors and other metal farm equipment.
• Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, exposed sheds or anything that is high that would conduct electricity. Some of these could carry electricity to you from some distance away.
• Don't use metal objects like fishing rods and golf clubs. Golfers' cleated shoes are particularly good lightning rods.
• Stay in your automobile if you are traveling. Automobiles offer excellent lightning protection.
• Get off and away from motorcycles, scooters, golf carts and bicycles.
• If no buildings are available, your best protection is a cave, ditch or canton, or under head-high clumps of trees or shrubs.
• If only isolated trees are nearby, your best protection is to crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from isolated trees as the trees are high.
• When you feel the electrical charge--if your hair stands on end or your skin tingles--lightning may be about to strike. Drop to the ground immediately.

First Aid:

1. Persons struck by lightning receive a severe electrical shock and may be burned but they carry no electrical charge and may be handled safely.
2. A person "killed" by lightning can often be revived by prompt mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, cardiac massage, and prolonged artificial respiration.
3. In a group struck by lightning, the apparently dead should be treated first; those who show vital signs will probably recover spontaneously, although burns and other injuries may require treatment.

Emergency Disaster Preparedness: Power Outage

Before the Power Outage:

1. Learn location of fuse box or circuit breaker.
2. Store candles, flashlights and extra batteries in a handy place.
3. Have food and water supplies on hand, since the outage may last awhile.
4. Know the location of all camping equipment (stove, lantern, sleeping bags.) You may need them. Make sure the equipment is operational and that you know how to use them. Remember that camping equipment requiring gasoline, propane, white gas, Coleman fuel or charcoal briquettes should not be used inside the house--only outside.
5. Keep adequate supply of fuel on hand. Propane, white gas, gasoline and Coleman fuel must not be stored or used in the house or garage, as they are too volatile. Only kerosene may be used in the house and stored in direct sunlight and is limited in quantity to one 55 gallon drum on a person's property.
6. Keep your refrigerator well defrosted. Built-up ice works against your freezer.

During the Power Outage:

1. Unplug all your appliances. The surge of power that comes when power is restored could ruin your appliances.
2. Turn off all but one light switch.
3. A major problem during an outage is food thawing in the refrigerator or freezer. Open door only to take food out and do so as quickly as possible. If you have access to dry ice, place in a cardboard box and then on top of the food.
4. When using camping equipment during an outage, remember to do so outside. Use only a fireplace, a properly installed wood stove, or a new style kerosene heater used in a safe area with the room vented, i.e., fresh outside air coming into the room.
5. Report any downed lines.
6. Do not allow children to carry lantern, candles or fuel.

After the Outage:

1. When power is restored, plug in appliances one by one, waiting a few minutes in between each one. This may prevent an overload on the system.
2. Be patient. Energy may first be restored to police and fire departments and hospitals.
3. Examine your frozen food. If it still contains ice crystal, it may be refrozen. If meat is off-color and has an odd odor, throw it away.