Put together (or restock) your 72 Hour Kit/Go Bag

 Last month we finished making our general emergency plan. This month we’ll start the most important aspect of emergency preparedness, a 72-hour kit.

Week #1—Commit to Make a 72-hour Kit

During a large emergency (like a major earthquake) utilities, services, and even roads can be disrupted for an extended period of time. It can take three days for FEMA and the Red Cross to set up emergency shelters and distribute supplies.

During this time, you’ll need a 72-hour kit for each person in your household.

Ideas for what to put in kit:

-BYU Women’s Conference list: https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/14d.pdf

- https://beready.utah.gov/family-preparedness/get-a-kit-family/

Week #2— Decide Where to Keep It

Based on your situation, decide where to store your 72-hour kit.

·       Camper or Motorhome—If you have a camper or motorhome and you store it on your property during the winter, then you could easily move into it if your home is not habitable.

·       Car—If the emergency happens while you are away from home, you will probably have your car with you. However, you need to insulate perishable items, like food and water, from hot and cold temperatures.

·       Garage or Shed—Because your home could be destroyed by fire or earthquake, you may want to keep emergency supplies in your garage or in a shed.

·       Home—Store it close to an exit, where you can quickly grab it if you need to leave in a hurry.

Week #3—Get a Backpack for Each Person

Because you may need to relocate to an emergency shelter or hotel, get a backpack, duffel bag, or suitcase for each person in your household. Make sure it is large enough for all your emergency supplies. If it is not waterproof, then store it off the floor so it will stay dry.

Week #4—Don’t Borrow from Your Kit

Have your 72-hour kit be for emergencies only. If you borrow items and forget to put them back, then you won’t have them when you need them the most.

Extra Credit—Buy a Premade Kit

If you can afford it, buying a premade 72-hour kit is a quick way to get some basic emergency supplies. If not, you can save money by making your own kit as we talk about it in the newsletters this year. However, don’t assume the kit contains everything you need, especially if it’s inexpensive. Also, make sure you know how to use all the items in your kit.

Neighborhood Radio Net: 2nd & 4th Sunday, 

Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd and 4th Sunday at 4 pm). Takes about 5 minutes, then you can stay on zoom for more emergency prep information. Contact Eric or Amy Dennison or Dan or DeeAnn Dodge for more information. Join us on GMRS Channel 22. 

· Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee). 

· Info about radio net: https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-participate-in-gmrs-radio.html

Make a Plan- Part II- February 2024

 

Week #1—Set your Budget

Decide how much of your monthly budget will go toward emergency preparedness.  Over the next 2 years, $10 - $20 a month can make a difference! If you would like more than you can afford, tell friends and relatives you would like emergency preparedness items for birthdays and Christmas. For a 2 minute video: https://tinyurl.com/2d6tp82b

Week #2- Participate in a Neighborhood Net

https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-participate-in-gmrs-radio.html

Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd and 4th Sundays at 4 pm. 

Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee)

Week #3 —Neighborhood Info and Emergency Alerts

·        Provide information about equipment or skills that would be useful in an emergency and about the needs of your family.

o   https://tinyurl.com/3te7zybe

·        Sign up for emergency alerts from Sandy City to get information about local hazards, severe weather and other emergencies.

o   https://sandy.utah.gov/1748/My-Alerts-Emergency-Routine-Alerts

·        Download the Red Cross Emergency app  for emergency alerts for our area and other places you care about. It has information on how to prepare for all kinds of emergencies and the location of emergency shelters.

o   https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html

·        If you are disabled, handicapped, or have special needs, use the Utah State Special Needs Registry (call 211 or visit www.SpecialNeedsUtah.org). Personal information is shared with emergency responders so they can serve you better during small emergencies. However, during large emergencies they will be overwhelmed, so make other plans too.

Week 4- Prepare Children (and grandchildren!)

During an emergency, kids need a sense of security. They will feel safer if you involve them in your emergency planning. Make sure they know how to call 911 and to only do it during a real emergency. Most important, during an emergency, stay calm and talk about positive things. This will reassure them and help them feel safe.

https://www.ready.gov/kids

Extra Credit- Plan for Pets

Most emergency shelters do not take pets. Sometimes they can accommodate them, but you should not depend on it. If you need to evacuate, will you take your pets to a friend/relative’s house, pet boarding business, or stay in a pet friendly hotel (instead of the shelter)? Because some roads may be blocked or bridges may be unstable, you should have several options.

You will need vet records, pet carrier, leash, and pet food. You should have your phone number on their collar, an implanted pet chip, and a current picture of your pet. For a 3 minute video, click here. https://tinyurl.com/269yyvb3