Part of an ongoing series dedicated to raising health and safety awareness across the Temple community.
Emergencies happen and can never be predicted, so the best approach follows the old motto, “be prepared.” The American Red Cross suggests some specific, easy-to-follow ways you can be prepared to handle unexpected emergencies.
In general, the Red Cross lists six basic supplies you should stock at home in case of an emergency: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items for medical conditions. This “kit” will enable you to shelter in place or evacuate if necessary.
More specifically, the Red Cross recommends that you keep, at a minimum, one gallon of water per person per day, and that you keep a three-day supply per person. This one-gallon per person breaks down to two quarts for drinking and two quarts for food preparation and sanitation. Remember that in hot weather you will need to increase your water supplies. The water should be stored in containers that won’t decompose or break down. Soft drink bottles are ideal.
Also store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Choose foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. Store a can of Sterno if you must cook.
For a detailed description of all the recommended supplies, visit www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_91_,00.html.
The American Red Cross list is complete, but it has three drawbacks: It is expensive (one estimate is $343 for a family of two), some supplies will need to be replaced every three to six months, and it is heavy. Remember that if you can’t lift it, you can’t take it with you.
The answer is to prioritize and minimize. Try to choose items that can do double, or even triple, duty. Make sure you have enough room in the car for what you take; try packing the car to make sure you know what room you will have. Decide what you will absolutely need to stay alive and healthy, and what papers you will need to bring with you in case you need to rebuild your life.
— Provided as part of an ongoing series of health and safety articles aiming to raise awareness among Temple University employees, faculty and students about a range of health and safety issues. The initiative was developed by Temple’s Health and Safety Awareness Committee, comprising members from across the university community. For further information on emergency preparedness at home, please contact Environmental Health and Radiation Safety at 215-707-2520. If you have other health and safety questions, suggestions or concerns, please e-mail the Health & Safety Committee at safetyawareness@temple.edu.