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Published on Monday, March 24, 2008
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Emergency kits necessary in disasters
By AMANDA PODGORNY

When disaster strikes, strike back.

Preparing yourself for a natural disaster is not as difficult as it may seem.

Rich Gallati, operations manager for the DeKalb chapter of the American Red Cross, said there are three actions to take to be prepared for an emergency.

“What we’d recommend is to first get a first–aid kit and some first–aid training,” Gallati said. “Second, make an evacuation plan from where you are working or living, and the third step is to be informed.”

Tips for emergency preparedness
To prepare for a flood, you should have materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber on hand to protect your home from damage.

In the event of a winter storm, you should prepare to be in isolation for a week or two. Items such as heating fuel, food and water and a fire extinguisher should be kept in your home.

To prepare your car for the winter season, keep an emergency “winter storm” kit in your car. This kit should include items such as flares, gloves, a windshield scrapper and a shovel.

Source: Surviving Disasters, A Citizens Emergency Handbook written by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

For more information on emergency preparedness visit:
http://dekalbillinois.redcross.org/

and

http://www.ready.gov/

The American Red Cross offers numerous items for emergency preparedness.

These items include, but are not limited to: flashlights, AM/FM radio, emergency blankets and particle masks, as well as adult and youth comfort kits that include hygiene items. The youth comfort kit has crayons and a coloring book, as well as hygiene items.

“The Illinois Department of Health does not do anything different from season to season,” said Melaney Arnold, with the Department of Health.

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