Eau Claire (WQOW) - September
kicks off National Preparedness Month across the United States. In Wisconsin, flooding and tornadoes are two
disasters that can strike quickly.
"One gallon, per
day, per person," said Linda Soltis-Schroeder from The American Red Cross.
Some items just make sense when you
prepare for the unexpected. Having a kit in case of emergency is FEMA's focal
point during National Preparedness Month. The Red Cross says food and water
should be first on the list.
"Make sure it's
something you can eat cold, that you don't have to heat, because you won't have
access to cooking facilities. And make sure it's something your family likes.
Comfort food is good during a disaster," Soltis-Schroeder said.
Beyond the basics like food and
water, the Red Cross says there are other key essentials to remember.
"A flashlight with
fresh batteries, a radio or some other form to receive communications, extra
set of keys, medicine...medicine is really important, and a list of your
medications if you're on more than just one, so it can be replaced," said
Soltis-Schroeder.
Eau Claire County Emergency
Management Coordinator Tom Hurley says storing a kit depends on what you have
available.
"Typically you're
going to want to store it where you seek shelter during an event, during an
incident. So Wisconsin,
you know tornadoes are not unheard of. In your basement where you and your
family seek shelter, and if you don't have a basement, then in an interior room
with no windows."
It's a simple way to give yourself
peace of mind without breaking the bank.
"You can do it
relatively inexpensively. A ten or twenty dollar flashlight, few bucks in
batteries, and twenty more dollars in food and water can really prepare you
well. And it's just that little bit of preparedness that goes a really long
way," said Hurley.
For more on how to put together an
emergency kit, check for the First Aid American Red Cross app, available for android and iPhone. You can also
follow this link.
