hometips

In every emergency or disaster including earthquakes, what people need first is
not food or water, but supplies that are critical when you may not have
firefighters or paramedics available to respond immediately. Supplies that are
not normally readily available, but necessary in a true emergency.

First Aid Kit- in an emergency, injuries won’t wait. You should be able to
care for yourself and your family immediately. Maintain supplies to treat
minor to serious injuries such as bleeding with 4 x 4 and 5 x 9 gauze dressings,
broken bones with splints, burns with burn gel dressings and thermal blankets for shock.
Of course you will need gloves and a CPR mask for personal protection.

Utilities- check for problems with the gas, electric and water lines after checking on the
family. Survey the utilities while checking on overall structural damage. Store a multi-
purpose tool that can control both gas and water valves at the gas meter so it will be
readily available. Locate shutoff's in advance and teach other family members. To check
for leaks go to the Gas Meter and check the dials for any movement. If the dials are not
turning you do not have a gas leak in your home. To control water leaks make sure your
tool will pry open the lid to the box at the curb. The same tool should also be able to
turn the valve off. Shut down your electrical panel if you have any of the following
problems; lights flickering, smoke coming from an electrical outlet, smell of insulation from
wiring burning. Make sure breakers are marked in advance so you can isolate the
problem if possible and maintain power to the rest of the home.

Fire Extinguishers- all fires start small but double in size every minute. It is important
you have the ability to extinguish any type of fire quickly. Multi-purpose dry chemical
extinguishers are extremely effective on all types of fires. To use, simply check gauge to
confirm the extinguisher is pressurized, pull the pin, and aim at the base of the fire,
squeeze the handle while sweeping back and forth. Place one in the house and one in
the car. If you purchase a quality metal extinguisher it should last a lifetime.

Water Heater- the number one cause of fires following an earthquake. Make sure it is
strapped down according to code. You can buy any necessary hardware to do this at a
home improvement store. Water- a minimum of one gallon per person per day for seven
to fourteen days for drinking and hygiene. Store tap water in approved barrels and treat
with “Water Preserver” for five-year storage. Keep “Water Purification Tablets” on hand
to treat any untreated or questionable water. One tablet will treat one quart of water.
Never store water in milk type plastic containers (as they are made from breathable
plastic) in the garage because any fumes from vehicles, paints, solvents, pesticides will
contaminate your supply.

Food- keep extra foods that the family likes and is easy to prepare with a minimum of
water. Try to avoid foods high in salt or sugar, they create an unnatural thirst. Eat
perishables from refrigerator first then freezer. Foods Bars are great for kits and the desk
at work. They should not be used in place of real food.

Disaster Home Preparedness Tips

Disaster Training and Supplies
since 1991

Disaster Supplies

Food Bars- Designed to provide 3 days of food per person. These great tasting,
shortbread coconut flavored bars are not like the old stuff. Stores for 5 years, even in
the trunk of your car. They are non-thirst provoking, important in an emergency.
Made from all natural ingredients, no preservatives. This is the only bar pre-layered
with twice the freshness. They come in 2400 calorie and 3600 calorie.
.
Water Pouches- High tech packaging preserves this purified and sterilized water for
five years. Each sealed 4.2 ounce pouch is unaffected by temperature extremes and
contains water safe enough for first aid treatment i.e. flushing wounds. When rationing
water do not give more than 4 ounces per hour because the body can only absorb 4
ounces in an hour by drinking, so any extra would be wasted.

Water purification Tablets- With a shelf life of 4 yrs. unopened or 1 yr. once
opened, these tablets will treat questionable water, even Giardia. Whether from out of
date emergency water storage or a lake or stream, the 50 tablets will render the water
bacterially safe. 1 to 2 tablets per quart. No unpleasant taste.

“On Duty” 4 in1 Tool-We have been using this heavy duty multi-purpose tool for over
5 years on our fire engines to shut off utilities (gas and water). Made from aluminum, it
will not spark or rust and is tough enough to pry open doors or dig through debris. I
strongly recommend one for every home or business.

Window Punch-For quick and effortless safe removal of tempered glass, the window
punch is a must for search and rescue teams. To avoid being trapped in a vehicle with
power windows and door locks following an accident, which could leave your battery
damaged and your car doors jammed. A simple pop with this spring loaded window
punch and you’re out. Used by professional firefighters.

Paramedic Scissors-These heavy duty scissors will cut through almost anything
without cutting the patient. Use what the pros use. Do not rely on cheap scissors that
are in most kits.

CPR Mouth Barriers-A must for anyone CPR trained. Carry a one-way valve barrier
to protect yourself from body fluids during mouth to mouth. This new American made
design is superior to the old style. Designed to be used on both adults and children.
The Barrier is made of a non-latex material. Comes in either a key chain pouch with
gloves or barrier only.

Antimicrobial Wipes-These wipes are for you, the rescuer. They are the same wipes
we use on medical emergencies following an exposure to body fluids in the field.
These OSHA approved wipes kill HIV, hepatitis B and more. 3 year shelf life, keep in
your desk, purse and car.

“Burn Free” burn products-Same products as used by paramedics. Gel cools
faster than water thereby reducing tissue damage. Because it does not evaporate it
will not cause hypothermia shock. Reduces pain instantly. Contains antimicrobials to
reduce infection. Dressing will not stick to burns, reducing trauma when removed.
Comes in both a sterile dressings or a 4 oz. squeeze bottle of gel or single dose gel
packets. Keep handy at home and play.

Emergency Thermal Blanket-This 52x84 lightweight reflective blanket maintains up
to 90% of the victims body heat. Perfect for survival or treating shock or burn patients
to prevent hypothermia.

Light Sticks-Perfect for home in place of candles and in the car instead of flares in
emergencies. Provides light for 12 hours. They will not start fires and safe for kids.
Visible from 2-3 miles away. Perfect for lost hikers. Great addition to search & rescue
bags.

Fire Extinguishers-Commercial quality, these metal extinguishers will last a lifetime.
Keep at least one at home and one in the car. All fires start small. Without an
extinguisher, you cannot prevent the rapid fire spread. They contain a dry chemical,
which will extinguish all 3 classes of fire.

"The Only Thing Tougher Than Planning for a Disaster,
is explaining Why You Didn't"

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