| Disasters could confine you to your home or cut off basic services such as water and electricity. Following a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene but they cannot reach everyone immediately. When disasters occur, people experience increased worry, anxiety, and anger. The Disaster Distress Helpline is a national hotline dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling. Click here for more information or call 1-800-985-5990 to speak with helpline staff, available 24/7. Make an Emergency Kit Delaware County Public Health encourages you to take the first step toward becoming better prepared and make an emergency supply kit. Collect essential items to help you shelter-in-place. Keep family emergency phone numbers with the supplies. Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. 9 Essential Items to include in your emergency supply kit: - Water, one gallon of water per person per day for three days (rotate every six months)
- Food, at least a three day supply of non-perishable food (rotate every six months)
- Change of clothes and footwear per person
- First-aid kit
- Battery powered radio and extra batteries (replace batteries annually)
- Flashlight along with extra batteries (replace batteries annually)
- Manual can opener
- Hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, moist towelettes, etc.)
- Unique family needs (prescriptions, diapers, formula, etc.)
Other items to consider for an emergency kit are: - Blankets/bedding for each person
- Waterless hand cleaner
- Dust mask for each person
- A whistle to signal for help
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Garbage bags and ties
- Waterproof container for storage
For more information and resources, visit http://www.idph.state.ia.us/cdor/. |  |