Because September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, many towns are participating in training sessions for residents. Our Delaware home security office saw that Governor Markell and Senator Tom Carper joined our state emergency management leaders in encouraging Delawareans to participate by making sure their homes, businesses and loved ones are prepared for an emergency.
Consider this: Our state has witnessed two major meteorological events in the last two years, Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Sandy. Plus, our close proximity to Washington, DC makes parts of Delaware potential targets for terrorism; it’s just the reality. When you stop to consider these things, you realize just how uniquely at risk your family is – and hopefully, that urges you to act.
Here are some items you will need for a weather-related or man-caused emergency. Your family can work together to collect them for a disaster preparedness kit.
- A battery-powered or hand crank radio, also known as an emergency radio
- A flashlight with extra batteries (you can also download a flashlight app to your mobile phone)
- A first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment and over-the-counter medication
- A labeled travel case containing a 3-day supply of prescription medications
- A whistle, which can be instrumental is signaling help
- A set of dust masks, one for every family member
- Baby wipes to use for personal sanitation
- A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- A manual can opener for canned food
- A cell phone charger and an inverter or solar charger
- Most importantly: A 3-day supply of non-perishable food, and at least 1 gallon of water!
For more tips on getting prepared, visit Ready.gov, the official site of National Disaster Preparedness Month. Our Delaware home security office hopes these tips have been helpful, and that they will aid your family if an unfortunate situation should ever arise.