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Basic Disaster Supplies

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Tsunami, Southern Oregon Coast, 2011

After hearing about the horrific earthquake in Japan, I watched the late news and wondered if there was a possibility of a Tsunami on the west coast. Living in a coastal town I was worried that we could possibly be in danger. The news reported nothing of the sort and I went to sleep relieved.

Friday morning we woke up to the sounds of sirens at about 4am. It was the tsunami warning I feared just hours before. We turned on the news and learned we had a few hours to prepare for evacuation. I started to grab a bag and threw some clothes and first aid supplies in. I really had no idea of what to pack!

No one was aboard the boat pictured, you can see it is dragging the dock along with it

Check Out Your Towns Emergency Plan

Evacuation

Since this has happened, I have taken time to look up the local emergency plan and map. I have also looked into what supplies we should consider having ready. FEMA suggests the six basics you should stock in your home:


    Water (for 72 hours, 1 gallon per person per day)
    Food (non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items like tuna or dried foods)
    First Aid Supplies (Any prescription medications or medical items, emergency blankets)
    Clothing, Bedding and Sanitation Supplies (Sanitary/personal hygiene items, including toilet paper)
    Tools (Flashlight, Battery powered radio)
    Special items (Copies of personal documents and emergency contact information - store in waterproof protection, like a plastic bag. Diapers, baby needs and toys, extra batteries, Cash.. including change - in case cell service goes out and you need to use a pay phone)

Tsunami Hits Brookings Oregon

Destroying Boats And Leaving One Fatality

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H2O

The number one thing on any emergency list always seems to be water. It is suggested we have a gallon of water per person per day. Having a supply of water treatment tablets or a filter may just be the life saver in your emergency kit!

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Food

There are many options when it comes to packing food for your kit. Some of the best options are energy bars or dehydrated food. If you do pack canned items remember to have a non electric can opener packed right along with them.
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First Aid

Lots of first aid kits can be put together at home, but if you don't have time or don't want to - there are many pre-made kits available. Make sure you always include prescription medications that all family members may need. First aid kits should include:


    Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
    4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
    Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
    2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
    Scissors
    Tweezers
    Needle
    Moistened towelettes
    Antiseptic
    Thermometer
    Tongue blades (2)
    Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
    Assorted sizes of safety pins
    Cleansing agent/soap
    Latex gloves (2 pair) Sunscreen
    Non-prescription drugs
    Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
    Anti-diarrhea medication
    Antacid (for stomach upset)
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Clothing, Bedding and Sanitation Supplies

According to FEMA make sure you pack a jacket or coat, long pants, long sleeve shirt, sturdy shoes or work boots, hat, gloves and scarf, rain gear, thermal underwear, blankets or sleeping bags, sunglasses.


Toilet paper, Soap, liquid detergent, Feminine supplies, Personal hygiene items, Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses), Plastic bucket with tight lid, Disinfectant, Household chlorine bleach.

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Tools and Supplies

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, can opener, utility knife
Portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Fire extinguisher
Small tent
Tape
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Pliers
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Whistle
Cash or traveler's checks, change
Map of the area (for locating shelters)
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Special Items

Important Family Documents
    Keep these records (or a copies) in a waterproof, portable container.
    Photo IDs, passports, social security cards, immunization records
    Bank account numbers, credit card account numbers and companies
    Important telephone numbers
    Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds

Don't forget man's best friend!!
    Make sure when you prepare for your family that you include preparations for your family pets as well! Food, water, leash and/or kennel and shot records.
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The Family Disaster Preparation Handbook

This book, "The Family Disaster Preparation Handbook," will teach you step-by-step everything you need to prepare for a natural disaster.
The Family Disaster Preparation Handbook: Know What To Do in an Emergency

The Family Disaster Preparation Handbook: Know What To Do in an Emergency

by: Brian Henderson

Amazon Price: (as of 02/23/2012)Buy Now

Exit Plan.. Do You Have One?

Since the Tsunami hit home (literally) for us we have really been looking at many things we need to be prepared in the event this happens again.

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Do You Have Any Tips For Emergencies?

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  • Reply
    huvalbd Apr 13, 2011 @ 4:14 am | delete
    We have a special suitcase pre-packed for the guinea pigs. Not us, not the dog--the guinea pigs. Their tranportable piggy palace, dry food, hay cubes, litterboxes and filler, bedding... Everything except hay which would go moldy in the suitcase. People find that strange, but the piggies are the most vulnerable and fragile souls in our household. If we forgot something important for them in the last minute rush, it could be a fatal oversight. We can grab things at the last minute for ourselves and the dog, and not have such a crisis if we forget something.
  • Reply
    kiwisoutback Mar 25, 2011 @ 10:43 pm | delete
    I remember when I visited Oregon a few years back and saw the tsunami evacuation route signs and said, "nah, that can never happen here." I was way wrong.
  • Reply
    Tipi Mar 22, 2011 @ 4:47 pm | delete
    Talk about an inspired reason to make a lens, whew! Very nicely done.
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