Last month we learned how to stay warm without natural gas. This month we’ll discuss maintaining our physical and mental health during a disaster.
Week #1—Mental
Health
Injuries, property damage, loss of comforts, and time spent
waiting can challenge our mental health, especially for children. Include some
items in each person’s 72-hour kit to take their minds off the situation and
calm troubled emotions.
·
Familiar
blanket, stuffed animal
·
Toys,
games, puzzle books
·
Reading
books, scriptures
Week #2—Physical
Preparation
Emergencies
are more physically demanding than normal life. Increase your physical activity
now to prepare for the added demands of getting life back to normal.
Week #3—First
Aid Kit
Basic
first aid kits are inexpensive (299 pieces $18 – $20). If you already have a
kit, check the dates and replace any items that expire within a year. Good
first aid kits contain the following items:
·
First
aid instruction guide
·
Bandages
(small, medium, large), gauze pads
·
ACE
bandage, self-adherent cohesive wrap
·
Adhesive
tape, KT tape
·
Antiseptic
wipes, Neosporin
·
Sunscreen, burn
cream
·
Bug repellent,
sting relief swabs
·
Eye
wash, Q-tips
·
Thermometer, cold pack
·
Scissors,
tweezers, safety pins
·
N95 medical mask,
examination gloves
Week #4—Gather
Medications
Gather
a week supply of medications for each person, similar to going on vacation. Put
them in each person’s 72-hour kit and replace expired items once a year.
·
Prescription
medications
·
Vitamins,
nutritional supplements
·
Pain reliever, antacids
·
Pepto Bismol,
laxative
·
Benadryl
Extra Credit—Help
Your Neighbors
During
large emergencies, hospitals and medical facilities get overwhelmed quickly.
Our neighborhood needs to be prepared to take care of ourselves.
We
are compiling a list of people with medical training. It would be nice to have someone
on every street in the neighborhood. Please let us know if you have even basic
first aid skills.
