When preparing for emergency situations, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Encourage everyone to have a Portable Kit customized to meet personal needs, such as essential medications.
- NOAA weather radio
- With tone-alert feature, if possible, that automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued in your area. Tone-alert is not available in some areas.
- Include extra batteries.
- It is recommended that you have both a battery-powered commercial radio and a NOAA weather radio with an alert function. The NOAA weather radio can alert you to weather emergencies or announcements from the Department of Homeland Security. The commercial radio is a good source for news and information from local authorities.
- Keep copies of important records such as site maps, building plans, insurance policies, employee contact and identification information, bank account records, supplier and shipping contact lists, computer backups, emergency or law enforcement contact information and other priority documents in a waterproof, fireproof portable container. Store a second set of records at an off-site location.
- Talk to your co-workers about what emergency supplies the company can feasibly provide, if any, and which ones individuals should consider keeping on hand.
Recommended emergency supplies include the following:
- Water, amounts for portable kits will vary. Individuals should determine what amount they are able to both store comfortably and to transport to other locations. If it is feasible, store one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First Aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust or filter masks, readily available in hardware stores, which are rated based on how small a particle they filter
- Moist towelettes for sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to "seal the room"
- Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
