According to a new national ranking of 3,200-plus U.S. counties, Southern California rates as the single most disaster-prone region in the country. Quakes, fires, floods, droughts, rising seas, deadly surf, heat waves, cold snaps, hurricanes (partially), and beetles that devour trees all hit the Southern California region more frequently, and often with more intensity, than do the tornadoes and hurricanes that plague other disaster-prone regions. It is time to make sure you are prepared for an emergency! Following are essential parts to an Emergency Kit.
- Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Current digital photos of loved ones, updated every six months, especially for children
- Cell phone chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
Additional supplies and even pre-made kits can be purchased online at www.usfirstaidandprep.com.
It is important to keep these essential supplies in something easy to carry such as a tote bag or backpack and to also have it somewhere accessible in the event that you need to evacuate your home. Although we hope to never have to utilize an emergency kit, it is nonetheless crucial to be prepared.
Sources: Yucaipa Fire Department, Patabook News and, American Red Cross
