Restock Your 72 Hour Kit!

It’s time to build (or begin) your 72 hr kit!

Week #1—Replace Used Items

Use the 72-hour Kit Checklist to replace the items used or borrowed from your kit during the year….or to create your kit.

Week #2—Replace Expired Items

Check all of your food, medications, and supplies for expiration dates. Replace anything that expires within the next 12 months.

Week #3—Rotate Water

If you store your own water (instead of commercially bottled water), rotate it every 6 months.

Week #4—Wash Change of Clothes

Wash the clothes in your emergency kit and replace them with summer clothes. Make sure they still fit you (and your kids).

Extra Credit—Emergency Preparedness Christmas in July

If there are emergency preparedness items you would like, but can’t afford, start budgeting of a “Christmas in July” and gift yourself and your family with some of these items.

72-hour Kit Checklist

Water:

·       3 gallons of water per person ($4 - $6)

·       5-gallon water jug (with spout; $9 - $13)

Ready-to-eat food:

·       Ice chest (insulated, waterproof)

·       Nuts, trail mix, peanut butter, beef jerky

·       Energy bars, granola bars, fruit bars

·       Canned fruit, raisins, dry fruit, fruit juice

·       Cold cereal, granola cereal

·       Powdered milk, Morning Moo milk

·       Crackers, graham crackers, snacks, candy

·       Pet food, food bowl, water bowl

Hot Water Food:

·       Camp stove, fuel, matches

·       Small pan to heat water

·       Instant oatmeal, dry soup, Ramen noodles

·       Hot chocolate, apple cider

·       Baby formula, baby bottles, baby food

No Dish Cooking:

·       Can opener (manual), pliers, garbage bags

·       Paper plates, paper cups, paper bowls (large)

·       Plastic utensils (sturdy), paper towels

·       Canned meat, fish, soup, stew, chili, vegetables

Natural Gas:

·       Gas turn-off tool or large crescent wrench

·       Hat, gloves, scarf, sweater, long underwear, warm blanket

·       Fireplace insert, wood stove, propane heater (indoor), or small tent (create micro environment)

Electricity:

·       Flashlights

·       Radio (battery powered)

·       Extra batteries

·       $50 - $100 cash (small bills)

·       Keep gas tank half full

·       Car cell phone charger, spare batteries

·       Generator or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

First Aid Kit:

·       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

Medications:

·       Prescription medications (week supply)

·       Vitamins, nutritional supplements

·       Pain reliever, antacids

·       Pepto Bismol, laxative

·       Benadryl

Mental Health:

·       Familiar blanket, stuffed animal

·       Toys, games, puzzles

·       Reading books, scriptures

Shelter:

·       Tent (large), trailer, or camper

·       Sleeping bags (warm)

·       Pillows (small)

·       Air mattress or foam pads

·       Change of clothes

Emergency toilet:

·       5-gallon bucket ($3 - $5)

·       Toilet seat for 5-gallon bucket ($13 - $15)

·       Garbage bags (heavy duty kitchen)

·       Kitty litter, pine bedding, or both (2 large bags, scented)

·       Toilet paper (in plastic)

·       Paper towels (in plastic)

·       Hand wipes or sanitizer

Personal hygiene supplies:

·       Tissues (in plastic)

·       Comb or brush

·       Toothbrush, tooth paste, dental floss

·       Mouthwash, deodorant (travel size)

·       Wash cloth

·       Mirror (small)

·       Feminine hygiene products

·       Cleaning solution for glasses/contacts

·       Diapers, baby wipes, diaper rash cream

·       Litter box, poop bags (for pets)

April Preparedness Challenge: Participate in the Great Utah Shakeout

 Emergency Preparedness Challenge for April: Participate in the Great Utah Shakeout (Thursday, April 20th) and choose your own earthquake prep challenge. Some ideas: 

• do a "hazard hunt" for items in your home that might fall during an earthquake and secure them
• create a personal or family disaster plan
• organize or refresh your family emergency supply kits
• hold an earthquake drill with your family on April 20th
• make a grab and go kit

More info here: https://www.shakeout.org/utah/

https://beready.utah.gov/

Emergency Shelter- March 2023

 Last month we put together first aid kits. This month we will learn about evacuating to an emergency shelter.

Week #1—Know When to Evacuate

Nationally, fires and floods cause the most evacuations. However, the biggest concern for our neighborhood is a large earthquake, hazardous chemical spill, or major winter storm. Leave your home if…

·      Local officials tell you to evacuate

·      Your home is severely damaged

·      Power, water, or gas are out for several days

Week #2—Know Where to Go

During small emergencies, you can choose to stay in a hotel or with a friend or relative. However, in large emergencies you may have to stay in an emergency shelter. Which church or school our neighborhood will use will depend on the size of the emergency and if any buildings are damaged. To find the closest emergency shelter to Zip Code 84123, Text “Shelter 84123” to 43362 (4FEMA).

Week #3—Know What to Take

Even though a shelter will probably open quickly, you will need your own food and water for the first few days. Bring your 72-hour kit with you.  You can prepare children for this major change by watching this 3-minute video.

Week #4—Evacuation Tips

If you need to evacuate, do the following:

·      Listen carefully to instructions given by local officials

·      Evacuate immediately when told to do so

·      Lock your doors and windows before you leave

·      If damage forces you to walk to the shelter, put your 72-hour kits in the large green Murray City recycling bin.

·      Notify shelter staff of any special needs

·      Offer to help out at the shelter

·      Be patient waiting in long lines

Extra Credit—Shelter in Place

If it is safe, staying at your home has several advantages— you can watch over your property, have more privacy than staying with lots of other people, and have all of your stuff close by. However, you need to be totally self-sufficient.

Add the following items into your 72-hour kit:

·      Tent (large), trailer, or camper

·      Sleeping bags (warm)

·      Pillows (small)

·      Air mattress or foam pads

·      Change of clothes

First Aid

 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.

Natural Gas in an Emergency- January 2023

 

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness
January 2023 – Natural Gas

Last month we prepared for extended power outages. This month we’ll learn how to stay warm without natural gas.

Week #1—Got Gas? 😊

Most people have a natural gas furnace and water heater. Staying warm is the biggest concern about losing natural gas during the winter.

Week #2—Do Not Turn Off Gas…

Unless you are sure you smell gas (rotten eggs) and can safely get to the gas meter. To turn off the gas, keep a large crescent wrench in an accessible place, like your 72-hour kit. Only a professional should turn the gas back on.

Leave the area immediately and call 911 from a safe place. Do not smoke, use a lighter/match, or start a vehicle/machine.

Gas lines are remarkably resistant to earthquake damage. The most common cause of broken gas lines is a water heater falling over. Buy and install a water heater strap ($17 - $20).

Week #3—Staying Warm

If you lose natural gas or electricity, you lose your furnace too. You can stay warm, even during the winter, by…

·      Create a micro environment by setting up a small tent inside your house (very effective)

·      Layer clothing (long underwear, shirt, sweater, coat)

·      Winter hat, gloves, boots, etc. (while indoors)

·      Breathe through a scarf (works wonders)

·      Have everyone stay together in the same room

·      Sleep with extra blankets and quilts

Include a hat, gloves, scarf, and warm blanket in each person’s 72-hour kit.

For a 3-minute video, click here.

Week #4—Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a big concern during the winter. You can get warm by evacuating to an emergency shelter, but your pipes may freeze, break, and flood your home while you’re away. Prevent this by either (1) leave faucets dripping just enough to keep your pipes from freezing or (2) turn off the main water valve to your house and drain the water out of all of your pipes. Keep cabinet doors open so the heat in the house will keep pipes warm longer.

Extra Credit—Alternate Heat Source

It’s wise to have an alternate heat source, like a fireplace insert or wood stove. Test your carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working.

A small propane heater is another option. There are several simple models made for indoor use ($80 - $110). Make sure it will automatically shut off if tipped over, pilot light goes out, or detects low oxygen. Read and follow all of the instructions.

Electricity- December 2022

 

Last month we added a 3-day supply of easy-to-prepare food into our 72-hour kits. This month we’ll focus on what to do when the lights go out.

Week #1—Got Power?

Electricity is the utility we use the most. However, it’s also the one we lose the most. You need to plan on how to get along without electricity for a few days.

Use surge protectors (not cheap power strips) on electronic devices to protect them from power spikes. Stay away from downed power lines. Know how to turn off the electricity to your home and to override your electric garage door opener.

Week #2—Flashlights and Radio

The first thing you’ll need when the lights go out is a flashlight. Keep some in your 72-hour kit and by your bed. It’s also wise to have candles, matches, and a battery powered radio. (Store the batteries with but not inside the flashlight to avoid damage from battery corrosion.)

Include enough batteries to last several days.

Week #3—Cash and Gas

Because credit card readers need electricity to work, keep $50 - $100 cash in your 72-hour kit. This allows you to buy groceries and supplies while the power is out. Smaller bills are best because stores may not be able or willing to give change.

Gas pumps need electricity to work, so keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Since stop lights will be out, eliminate unnecessary travel.

Week #4—Cell Phone Considerations

Because you may be able to send text messages when you can’t make phone calls, a cell phone is vital for emergencies.

Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you don’t need. Know how to use Power Saving mode and switch to it before your battery gets low.

Buy a car charger so you can charge your cell phone off your car battery. You can also buy spare batteries for some cell phones.

Cordless phones don’t work when electricity is out, so keep at least one corded phone in your home if you have a land line.

Extra Credit—Buy a Generator

If you can afford it, a generator can keep your house warm, food cold, kitchen working, and phones charged. However, it must be properly installed, maintained, and operated. Fuel must be rotated and there are fuel storage regulations. Read all the instructions and heed all the warnings. Improper use can cause property damage and even death. For a 3-minute video, click here.

A simple inexpensive alternative for short outages is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS; $50 - $80). It can automatically keep your router (Internet) working and recharge cell phones for a few hours.

Contact: Amy Dennison amymorris@gmail.com onesteptoprep.blogspot.com

Food- November 2022

Last month we added 3 gallons of water per person into our 72-hour kit. This month we’ll add a 3-day supply of food.

 

Week #1—Got Food?

You need a 3-day supply of non-perishable easy-to-prepare food. The physical, mental, and emotional stress of the situation will make you very hungry. Store more food than you normally eat.

When your world is turned upside down, you will crave familiar food. Emergency stores sell entrees that last 20 years. However, they are often expensive, low calorie, high sugar, and high salt. You will save money and feel better if you store food you normally eat and rotate it by the expiration date.

If the power is off over 8 hours, the food in your fridge may spoil, even if you keep the door closed. When in doubt, throw it out.

Week #2—No Cook Food

Because your microwave and stove may not be available, store a variety of ready-to-eat food in an insulated waterproof container like an ice chest.

·      Ice chest

·      Nuts, trail mix, peanut butter, beef jerky

·      Energy bars, granola bars, fruit bars

·      Canned fruit, raisins, dry fruit, fruit juice

·      Cold cereal, granola cereal

·      Powdered milk, Morning Moo milk

·      Crackers, graham crackers, snacks, candy

·      Pet food, food bowl, water bowl

Week #3—Hot Water Food

If you don’t own a camp stove or grill, buy a folding stove for each person ($9 - $16 each) and 3 days of fuel ($3 a can). Do not store fuel in the house. Try it a few times to know how it works.

·      Camp stove, fuel, matches

·      Small pan to heat water

·      Instant oatmeal, dry soup, Ramen noodles

·      Hot chocolate, apple cider

·      Baby formula, baby bottles, baby food

Week #4—No Dish Cooking

Even though canned food can be eaten cold, it’s much nicer hot. To heat it in the can, remove the label and drain some liquid. Before it boils over, pick it up with pliers. Avoid dishes by using paper products.

·      Can opener (manual), pliers, garbage bags

·      Paper plates, cups, and bowls (large)

·      Plastic utensils (sturdy), paper towels

·      Canned meat, fish, soup, stew, chili

·      Canned vegetables

Extra Credit—Advanced Kitchen Supplies

If you would like to eat better or prepare for longer emergencies, store dishwashing supplies, extra water, cooking pans and tools, camp oven, foil, seasonings, etc.

 

Contact: Amy Dennison amymorris@gmail.com onesteptoprep.blogspot.com

 

Neighborhood Radio Net: Sunday, Nov 13, 4 pm: Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd Sunday at 4 pm. Eric & Amy Dennison will be available to answer questions about the GMRS radios. If you have a GMRS radio, we can do a test and help you get started using it.

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