September is National Preparedness Month and Livingston County wants its residents to have the knowledge and ability to “build a kit.”
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare disaster supplies kits for home, work and vehicles. Make sure all family members know where the kits are kept.
A disaster supplies kit for your home is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Visit https://www.livingstoncounty.us/902/EmergencyPreparedness for a preparedness checklist.
After gathering basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors. Don’t forget to include additional items like cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces which help prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu, or other viruses. To assemble your home kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or duffel bags. Remember it is important to maintain your kit so it is ready when needed.
Below are some helpful tips:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed and re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
A Work Kit should be stored in a “grab and go” case with items that you will need for at least 24 hours. Items include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes.
Build a Car Kit in case you get stranded in your vehicle. Keep an emergency supply kit in your car that include jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, blanket, map and cat litter or sand (for better tire traction).
For more information please visit https://www.ready.gov/kit. If you have any questions about emergency preparedness, please contact the Livingston County Department of Health at 585-243-7524, Office of Emergency Management at 585.243.7160, or visit our website at
www.livingstoncounty.us/doh.htm.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]