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The floods this winter drove hundreds of people from their homes in Oregon and Washington. They should remind us to be prepared for floods, earthquake, forest fires or other disasters that might force us from our homes.
This checklist will give you a good start on your disaster supplies kit. Place these items in a waterproof container that’s easy for you to get to:
 Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
First aid kit and manual.
Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
Matches and waterproof container.
Whistle.
Cash and coins.
Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
And for each person:
Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
Three-day supply of water—one gallon of water per day.
Extra clothing (appropriate for cold and wet weather).
Photocopies of ID and credit cards.
Special needs, such as medications, eyeglasses, contact lens solution and hearing aid batteries. (Keep a list of all your prescriptions in a waterproof container in case you need a refill.)
Items for infants.
Sleeping bag or warm blanket.
Your family may need other things, especially if you have medical issues. |
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a full manual about preparing for disaster. You can download it from the FEMA web site. This manual is also available in Spanish.
The American Red Cross also has booklets that are similar at www.prepare.org. This information is also available in these languages:
Grant County, Wash., has a list of emergency supplies in Russian (русскийязык).
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