Monroe County, Indiana

Personal Preparedness

Family Preparedness

Your family can be better prepared in advance for all types of emergencies.

• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones ~ fire, police, ambulance, etc.
• Teach your children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
• Check to see if you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Teach each family member how to use the Fire Extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt.
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR class.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home.
• Find two ways out of each room.
• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

Preparing an Emergency Supply Kit

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water (One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank Radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and Extra Batteries for both
• Flashlight and Extra Batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust Mask, to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or Pliers to turn off utilities
• Can Opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local Maps

 Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.)
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

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