Here are some simple, common sense steps you can take to
prepare for possible disruptions and outages of power, gas,
water, telephone and other critical services:
Medications - Don't wait until the last minute to purchase
prescriptions and necessary over-the-counter medicines.
Utilities - Learn how to manually turn off water, gas, and
electricity in your home at the main switches.
Heat - Have extra coats, hats, and gloves to keep warm. Don't let your propane or oil supply get too low;
don't wait till the last minute to request additional fuel. Keep chimneys clean and, if feasible, keep a week's supply of alternative
fuel (e.g., wood) supplies on hand.
Use alternative heating systems only if installed and operated properly, approved for use
indoors, and listed with Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Some heating devices can pose a fire or
poisonous gas hazard if used improperly. If a safe alternative heat source is not available to you, prepare a contingency
site that you and your family can go to if necessary. Do not plan to use gas-fueled appliances, like an oven, as an alternative heating
source. The same goes for wood-burning or liquid-fueled heating devices that are not designed to be used in a residential structure.
Camp stoves and heaters should only be used out of doors in a well-ventilated
area.
Water - Keep extra water on hand for drinking, washing, food preparation
and sanitation. Allow approximately one gallon of water per person per
day.
Food - Keep a reasonable quantity of nutritious and convenient food
on hand, including food for special diets, powdered milk, ready-to-eat canned goods, fruits and vegetables, soup, juices,
cereals, crackers, potatoes (fresh or dried flakes), sugar, peanut butter, jelly, raisins, granola bars, trail mix, cooking oil,
spices (salt and pepper), beans, white rice, dry pasta, non-carbonated soft drinks, or anything else your family eats regularly
that stores well.
You may also want to have a reasonable supply of "comfort foods" on hand, such as cookies, hard candy,
instant coffee, tea bags, cocoa, chocolate bars, canned nuts or other special
treats.
Automobile Fuel - Keep your automobile gas tank full. Note: storing
extra gas can be extremely hazardous.
Finances - As you would in preparation for a storm of any kind, have some extra cash or
traveler's checks on hand in case electronic transactions (e.g., ATM cards, credit cards) cannot be processed.
Plan to keep cash or traveler's checks in a safe place.
Support - Get to know your neighbors. If you need assistance it's
a good idea to know someone who might be able to help you. If your neighbors need
help ask what you might be able to offer them. Don't be afraid to ask for help or offer assistance to others.
Other Supplies - The following is a list of other suggested emergency
supplies you may want to have on hand.
Flashlights and batteries, oil lamps and oil, candles,
matches
Battery powered radio and extra batteries
Standard (not cordless) phone, cell phone and/or CB Radio
Blankets, sleeping bags
NOAA Weather Radio and Batteries
Non-food Products such as a can opener, toilet paper, tissues, plates, cups, plastic utensils, aluminum foil (to avoid dish washing by lining pots and pans), plastic garbage bags with ties, soap, liquid detergent and disinfectants.
Plastic buckets with tight lids (to serve as temporary sanitation facilities).
First aid kit and manual.
Special items for elderly or disabled family members or infants (diapers, wipes, formula)
Personal hygiene products
Pet needs - food, chew toys, bedding, pet carrying case or crate, and litter
