Homeland Security's Ready.Gov Site on Preparedness

Are You Ready? US Guide for Preparedness by FEMA

PLANNING SAFE ROOM IN EVENT OF BIOLOGICAL / CHEMICAL ATTACK

Chances are you'll never have to take refuge in your home, but setting up An improvised shelter isn't a big deal. Pick an upstairs room, because nerve gas and other toxic gases and mists are often heavier than air, settling at ground level. Stash a couple of rolls of duct tape and plastic sheeting or trash bags in the room to seal around doors and windows and to close off heating and air conditioning ducts.  (If you recall, when you have seen the anthrax contaminated rooms on television, you will notice how they have used plastic sheeting and duct tape around all the edges of the door, windows, and vents.)

STOCK A SURVIVAL PACK

In a "worst case scenario" world, the thinking goes, the best way to sleep well at night is to follow that old Boy Scout motto and be prepared. Experts suggest a range of simple steps that families can take that would prepare them not only for a biological or chemical attack, but also for a natural disaster.

Think like quake-plagued Californians. Put a battery-operated radio, a couple of flashlights and spare bulbs, perhaps a battery-operated fan, and plenty of extra batteries in a carton. Add several six-packs of bottled water, a few compressed food bars or candy bars, and a first-aid kit. That should be enough to keep a family of four going for up to a day.  You might want to plan for up to three days, but there's no need to prepare for weeks of isolation. Put the carton somewhere that's easy to recall in a stressful situation; make sure all family members know.  Additional suggestions on contents of survival pack, unlike the American Red Cross recommendations, are described in the following paragraphs.

"During the first few hours or days following a disaster, essential services may not be available," reads the Web site for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "People must be ready to act on their own."

 One way to act is to create an emergency kit to keep at home, for use in case you have to leave your house quickly. It should be kept in a place that's easily accessible, and it should have supplies to last at least three days, including:

  -- A supply of nonperishable food (canned meat, fruits and vegetables, health food bars, canned or powdered milk and juice)

  -- A first-aid kit, which includes bandages, tape, scissors, tweezers, needle, aspirin and other over-the-counter medication, rubbing alcohol and antiseptic

  -- Two quarts of water to drink and two quarts for sanitation for each person every day

  -- One extra warm outfit for each person; include rain gear and footwear.

  -- Temporary shelter

  -- A battery-powered radio (and batteries), flashlights, spare car keys, tools, matches, backup eyeglasses, sanitation supplies, important family documents, non-electric can opener, sleeping bags.

  -- Supplies for pets, including food and medicine

  -- Cash

  -- The value of Shortwave Radio is described here - it is not necessary for minimum survival pack, but could be valuable
 

EMERGENCY SURVIVAL PACK STORAGE AND SHELF-LIFE

Finally, if you already have an emergency kit in your house, you should check its contents to make sure they're still usable. Items like packaged food, water and batteries need to be changed out periodically.  Some families use a "barrel" approach to storing disaster supplies, which could be used either at home or in the car. 

   --- Red Cross: recommended approach to storing emergency supplies

   --- Red Cross: summary of shelf-life of food and water, things to consider RE: emergency food and water

 
LINKS TO ORDER EMERGENCY SURVIVAL PACKS ONLINE:
 --- Vendors of Emergency Survival Kits and Supplies

RED CROSS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container--suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*). Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.

Water

• Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
• Store one gallon of water per person per day.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*

Food

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Canned juices
• Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
• High energy foods
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex gloves (2 pairs)
• Sunscreen
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Triangular bandages (3)
• Non-prescription drugs
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-Prescription Drugs

• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for stomach upset)
• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Tools and Supplies

• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
• Emergency preparedness manual*
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
• Flashlight and extra batteries*
• Cash or traveler's checks, change*
• Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
• Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
• Tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Paper, pencil
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
• Whistle
• Plastic sheeting
• Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

• Toilet paper, towelettes*
• Soap, liquid detergent*
• Feminine supplies*
• Personal hygiene items*
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding
*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

• Sturdy shoes or work boots*
• Rain gear*
• Blankets or sleeping bags*
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses

Special Items

• Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons

For Baby*

• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications

For Adults*

• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Insulin
• Prescription drugs
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses

Entertainment

• Games and books

Important Family Documents

• Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
  • Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
  • Passports, social security cards, immunization records
  • Bank account numbers
  • Credit card account numbers and companies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
• Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medication