In recognition of National Emergency Preparedness Month, the Brighton Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will share an emergency preparedness tip with citizens each week throughout the month of September to encourage all citizens to prepare themselves and their families for natural and human caused disasters. The goal is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to motivate individuals to take action.Tip #1: Prepare a 72 Hour Family Emergency Survival Kit
Every individual and family is encouraged to have what is commonly called “A 72 Hour Family Emergency Survival Kit” or 72 Hour Kit. This kit should be readily accessible and should be refreshed periodically. Following is a list of items to consider.
WATER: Store one gallon of drinking water per person per day. A family of four will need to store 12 gallons of water for a three day supply. This will provide water for drinking as well as for cooking and sanitation.
FOOD: Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable foods which may include:
· Canned meats, soups, vegetables, fruits, juices, and milk
· High energy foods such as peanut butter, trail mix, granola bars and crackers
· Foods for infants, elderly and people on special diets
· Daily vitamins
· Staples such as sugar, pepper, salt, instant coffee etc.
· A manual can opener
CLOTHING AND BEDDING: Sturdy, well fitting shoes or work boots, one complete change of clothing per person, extra socks, lightweight rain gear, sleeping bags or blankets and pillows, hats, gloves and thermal underwear.
MEDICAL,HEALTH AND SANITATION SUPPLIES: Have a well-supplied first aid kit, prescription and over the counter medications and supplements, including associated supplies such as needles, swabs, lancets, etc., glasses, contact lenses and solution, hearing aids and batteries, sunscreen, buckets, and garbage bags.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: Many businesses transmit their vital business records electronically to offsite storage locations. Individuals can also subscribe to data backup and storage services. Backup electronic copies of records and store the copies offsite electronically or in a safe deposit box. Print a paper copy and mail it to a relative out-of-state for safe keeping. Think about safe storage of vital family documents (birth, death, and marriage certificates, mortgage papers, vehicle titles, insurance policies, personal identification documents, and credit card information).
TOOLS AND OTHER SUPPLIES: battery powered radio, flashlight, utility knife, matches, dust masks, duct tape, work gloves.
MISCELLANEOUS: Cash, phone and address information, books, cards, etc., for entertainment, comfort items for children, chargers for electronic devices, etc.
For a more detailed list of suggested items, visit the Colorado Division of Emergency Management Web site at www.dola.state.co.us/dem/public_information/emergency_kit.htm or Ready Colorado at www.readycolorado.com.
In addition, during their regular meeting this evening at 7 p.m., the Brighton City Council will present a proclamation declaring September 2010 at National Emergency Preparedness Month in the city of Brighton. To view the Presidential Proclamation, visit
www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/08/27/presidential-proclamation-national-preparedness-month-2010.
For more information on Emergency Preparedness, visit www.brightonco.gov, www.readycolorado.com or www.ready.gov.
