Emergency Preparedness
Prepare yourself and your family for an emergency! Planning ahead can keep you and your family safe if a flood, fire, flu pandemic, terrorist attack, or other public health emergency strikes.
Take these steps to prepare for an emergency:
- Do a walk-through of your home. Check your smoke alarms, child safety locks, and first aid supplies.
- Get an emergency supply kit.
- Make a family emergency plan.
- Stay informed.
First Aid Kit
In any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.
Things you should have:
Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Burn ointment to prevent infection.
Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
Thermometer (Read more: Biological Threat)
Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.
Things That may be good to have In Your Kit:
Cell phone with charger
Scissors
Tweezers
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Non-prescription drugs:
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for upset stomach)
Laxative
More Quick Guides
Prepare for an emergency
Protect your child from injury
Protect your family from lead poisoning
Emergency supply checklist