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| Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects, both to people and property. Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters. Is it easy to prepare for everything that could possibly happen? No, but it is doable, one step at a time. This is an introduction to preparedness. We have provided links and a list of resources to give you more information. You can collect items separately or you can click to purchase the recommended products that we use personally. Six Steps and Resources For Getting Prepared |
2. Make a plan
Talk with your family about potential disasters and why it's necessary to prepare for them. Involve each member of your
family in the planning process. By showing them simple steps that can increase their safety, you can help reduce their
anxiety about emergencies.
Checklist
Talk with your family about potential disasters and why it's necessary to prepare for them. Involve each member of your
family in the planning process. By showing them simple steps that can increase their safety, you can help reduce their
anxiety about emergencies.
Checklist
- Make sure everyone knows where to find your disaster supply kit and Go-bags.
- Have a flashlight and a pair of shoes under everyone’s bed in case there is an earthquake during the night. Use a
plastic bag tied to the leg of the bed to keep these items from moving during an earthquake. - Plan where to meet after a disaster if your home becomes unsafe. Choose two places, one just outside your home and
one outside your neighborhood in case you are told to evacuate. Be sure your gas tank is always at least half full. - Determine the best escape routes from your home. Try to identify two escape routes.
- Make sure each member knows who your family’s out-of-state contact is and instruct them to call this person and tell
him/her where they are. - Locate the gas main and other utilities and make sure family members know when and how to turn them off.
- Practice your evacuation routes, Drop, Cover & Hold and Stop, Drop & Roll drills.
- Teach each member of your family how to use a fire extinguisher.
- Create emergency response cards for each of your family members.
- Take into account the special needs of children, seniors or people with disabilities, family members that don’t speak
English and pets.
1. Prepare a "Go-bag"
A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put emergency items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container
in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag, or save
time and money by purchasing a 2 or 4 person family Go-bag. Remember, you may not be at home when an emergency strikes,
so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.
A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put emergency items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container
in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag, or save
time and money by purchasing a 2 or 4 person family Go-bag. Remember, you may not be at home when an emergency strikes,
so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.
Providence Basic - 2 Person Kit
contains:
contains:
- Bright Sticks (2)
- Metal Whistle (2)
- First aid and CPR booklet
- First aid Kit
- Dust Mask N95 (2)
- Survival Handbook
- Work Gloves (2)
- Toothpaste
- Generic Hand Sanitizer (1)
- Go Towel (2)
- Tissue pack (2)
- Toilet Paper (1)
- Toothbrush (2)
- Wet Naps (4 packs)
- Pocket knife
- 10 yard Duct Tape
- Rope
- Backpack
- AAA Batteries (2)
- D Batteries (2)
- Note Pad
- Pencil
- 2400 Calorie Bar (4)
- Aqua Blox Water (12)
- Heat Pack (4)
- Waterproof Matches
- Emergency Blanket (2)
- Poncho (2)
- Tube Tent
- Heavy Duty Flashlight
- AM/FM Radio
Personal items to add:
- Emergency cash in small denominations
and quarters for phone calls - Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and
a warm hat - Local map
- Some water and food
- Photos of family members and pets for
re-identification purposes - List of emergency point-of -contact
phone numbers - List of allergies to any drug (especially
antibiotics) or food - Copy of health insurance and
identification cards - Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing
aid or other vital personal items - Prescription medications and first aid
supplies - Extra keys to your house and vehicle
- Any special-needs items for children,
seniors or people with disabilities. (Don’t
forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.)
Pictured pack now featured in navy blue.
Available in 1, 2 and 4 persons kits
in 72 hour, Basic, Supreme and Extreme.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS AND PRICES
in 72 hour, Basic, Supreme and Extreme.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS AND PRICES
3. Store Food
When a disaster occurs, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. Store enough
emergency food to provide for your family for at least 3 days and add to your supply as your budget allows.
When a disaster occurs, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. Store enough
emergency food to provide for your family for at least 3 days and add to your supply as your budget allows.
- Store food items that are familiar, rather than buying special emergency food. Consider any dietary restrictions and
preferences you may have. - Ideal foods are: Shelf-stable (no refrigeration required), low in salt, and do not require cooking such as freeze dried
foods. - Mark a rotation date on any food container that does not already have an expiration date on the package.
- Include baby food and formula or other diet items for infants or seniors.
- Store the food in airtight, pest-resistant containers in a cool, dark place.
- Most canned foods can safely be stored for at least 18 months. Low acid foods like meat products, fruits or vegetables
will normally last at least 2 years. Use dry products, like boxed cereal, crackers, cookies, dried milk or dried fruit within six
months. - After a power outage, refrigerated food will stay cold longer if you keep the door closed. Food should generally be
consumed within 4 hours. Food in the freezer will normally remain safe for 2 days.
Or, use our emergency kits planner to
customize your needs
customize your needs
- Choose number in family
- Choose your duration, 3 days to weeks
- Choose the plan
- Choose a specific kit for home, school or travel
- Edit as needed
- Add customized items such as first aid kit
- Purchase as needed and fits in budget
Store what you eat and eat what you store!
- Thrive Planner
- Recipes, Online community
- The "Q"
- Food rotation storage systems
- Economical, helps you save money on food
- Business Opportunity-earn food and money
- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Health Benefits of Freezed-dried fruits and Vegetables
According to the American Dietetic Association, Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables contain the same
amounts of antioxidants as their fresh counterparts.
Researchers at the American Institute for Cancer Research have been studying the effects of the
phytochemicals and antioxidants in freeze-dried foods on cancer cells found in the colon and
esophagus. The researchers suggest that the antioxidants and phytochemicals in freeze-dried fruits
and vegetables reach and travel through the blood stream just as they would if they were consumed
fresh and while the water and oxygen are removed from foods, the nutritional value of the food is not
decreased or altered.
Fewer Preservatives
The American Dietetic Association suggests that freeze-dried foods do not require the addition of
preservatives to maintain their shelf life. The Mayo Clinic says that this is a significant health benefit
when compared with canned foods, which contain large amounts of sodium or potentially harmful
chemicals are used to extend the storage life.
What about Organic?
Thrive has many grains and gluten free choices such as amaranth, that are certified organic. In a
phone conversation, they assured me that they are working on a complete line of certified organic
fruits and vegetables. They also said that they are non-GMO and use minimal pesticides. I couldn't
find another source of organic freeze dried produce and felt that Thrive had so much to offer that it
was worth the wait.
In the meantime, The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Shoppers Guide to Pesticides has a list
of 15 foods that are considered "clean" produce that, when grown conventionally, poses the least risk
of exposure to pesticides. According to the EWG, eating five servings a day from this “Clean 15″ list
reduces your exposure to pesticides by almost 90 percent compared to five servings daily from the
“Dirty Dozen.” To the right are fruits and vegetable from the list that are sold by Thrive.
We also offer organically raised chicken, soups, bouillion and broth (canned) in Your Wellness Store
and a dehydrator with heat controls to dry your own organically grown fruits and veggies at low
temperatures.
According to the American Dietetic Association, Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables contain the same
amounts of antioxidants as their fresh counterparts.
Researchers at the American Institute for Cancer Research have been studying the effects of the
phytochemicals and antioxidants in freeze-dried foods on cancer cells found in the colon and
esophagus. The researchers suggest that the antioxidants and phytochemicals in freeze-dried fruits
and vegetables reach and travel through the blood stream just as they would if they were consumed
fresh and while the water and oxygen are removed from foods, the nutritional value of the food is not
decreased or altered.
Fewer Preservatives
The American Dietetic Association suggests that freeze-dried foods do not require the addition of
preservatives to maintain their shelf life. The Mayo Clinic says that this is a significant health benefit
when compared with canned foods, which contain large amounts of sodium or potentially harmful
chemicals are used to extend the storage life.
What about Organic?
Thrive has many grains and gluten free choices such as amaranth, that are certified organic. In a
phone conversation, they assured me that they are working on a complete line of certified organic
fruits and vegetables. They also said that they are non-GMO and use minimal pesticides. I couldn't
find another source of organic freeze dried produce and felt that Thrive had so much to offer that it
was worth the wait.
In the meantime, The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Shoppers Guide to Pesticides has a list
of 15 foods that are considered "clean" produce that, when grown conventionally, poses the least risk
of exposure to pesticides. According to the EWG, eating five servings a day from this “Clean 15″ list
reduces your exposure to pesticides by almost 90 percent compared to five servings daily from the
“Dirty Dozen.” To the right are fruits and vegetable from the list that are sold by Thrive.
We also offer organically raised chicken, soups, bouillion and broth (canned) in Your Wellness Store
and a dehydrator with heat controls to dry your own organically grown fruits and veggies at low
temperatures.
4. Store or Purify Water
In a disaster, water supplies may be cut off or contaminated. Store enough water for everyone in your family to last for at
least 3 days.
Store one gallon of water per person, per day. Three gallons per person per day will give you enough to drink and for
limited cooking and personal hygiene. Remember to plan for pets.
If you store tap water:
If you buy commercially bottled “spring” or “drinking” water:
Treating Water after Disaster:
If you run out of stored drinking water, strain and treat water from your water heater or the toilet reservoir tank (except if you
use toilet tank cleaners). Swimming pool or spa water should not be consumed but you can use it for flushing toilets or
washing.
Treatment Process:
Strain any large particles of dirt by pouring the water through layers of paper towels or clean cloth. Next, purify the water
one of two ways:
In a disaster, water supplies may be cut off or contaminated. Store enough water for everyone in your family to last for at
least 3 days.
Store one gallon of water per person, per day. Three gallons per person per day will give you enough to drink and for
limited cooking and personal hygiene. Remember to plan for pets.
If you store tap water:
- Tap water from a municipal water system can be safely stored without additional treatment.
- Store water in food grade plastic containers, such as clean 2-liter soft drink bottles. Heavy duty, reusable plastic
water containers are also available at sporting goods stores. Empty milk bottles are not recommended because their
lids do not seal well and bottles may develop leaks. - Label and store in a cool, dark place.
- Replace water at least once every six months.
If you buy commercially bottled “spring” or “drinking” water:
- Keep water in its original container, and don’t re-store a bottle once it’s been opened.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- If bottles are not marked with the manufacturer’s expiration date, label with the date and replace bottles at least once
per year.
Treating Water after Disaster:
If you run out of stored drinking water, strain and treat water from your water heater or the toilet reservoir tank (except if you
use toilet tank cleaners). Swimming pool or spa water should not be consumed but you can use it for flushing toilets or
washing.
Treatment Process:
Strain any large particles of dirt by pouring the water through layers of paper towels or clean cloth. Next, purify the water
one of two ways:
- Boil – bring to a rolling boil and maintain for 3-5 minutes. After the water cools, pour it back and forth between two
clean containers to add oxygen back; this will improve its taste. - Disinfect – If the water is clear, add 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water. If it is cloudy, add 16 drops
(1/4 teaspoon) per gallon. Make sure you are using regular bleach— 5.25% percent sodium hypochlorite— rather
than the “ultra” or “color safe” bleaches. Shake or stir, then let stand 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste and smell is
normal.
Berkey Light Water Filter With 2 Black Filter Elements
The Berkey Water Purification Systems are the ultimate in water purification and the ideal personal
protection traveling companions. Used worldwide for normal, hostile and emergency environments to
provide the purest, sparkling clean water possible. The revolutionary Black Berkey self-sterilizing and
re-cleanable purification elements, purify water by removing pathogenic bacteria, cysts, and parasites
entirely and by extracting harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, organic solvents,
radon 222 and trihalomethanes. They also reduce nitrates, nitrites, sediment and unhealthy minerals
such as lead and mercury.
Constructed of a shatter resistant, high impact strength non BPA copolyester; the system comes
complete with two purification elements, a base and utilizes the latest technological advances. This
system has a storage capacity of about 2.75 gallons and when in use it stands 26.5" in height with a
diameter of 9". The system stands 21" when used without the included base. This system comes with two
Black Berkey® purification elements, and can purify up to 4 Gallons per hour. The Berkey Light system
is designed for use during travel, outdoor activities and during unexpected emergencies. This powerful
system purifies both treated water and untreated raw water from such sources as remote lakes, streams,
stagnant ponds and water supplies in foreign countries, where regulations may be substandard at best.
Perfect for outdoor activities and a must in hostile environments where electricity, water pressure or
treated water may not be available.
Click here for more information http://astore.amazon.com/artwithboun-20/detail/B002EGJ3L0
The Berkey Water Purification Systems are the ultimate in water purification and the ideal personal
protection traveling companions. Used worldwide for normal, hostile and emergency environments to
provide the purest, sparkling clean water possible. The revolutionary Black Berkey self-sterilizing and
re-cleanable purification elements, purify water by removing pathogenic bacteria, cysts, and parasites
entirely and by extracting harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, organic solvents,
radon 222 and trihalomethanes. They also reduce nitrates, nitrites, sediment and unhealthy minerals
such as lead and mercury.
Constructed of a shatter resistant, high impact strength non BPA copolyester; the system comes
complete with two purification elements, a base and utilizes the latest technological advances. This
system has a storage capacity of about 2.75 gallons and when in use it stands 26.5" in height with a
diameter of 9". The system stands 21" when used without the included base. This system comes with two
Black Berkey® purification elements, and can purify up to 4 Gallons per hour. The Berkey Light system
is designed for use during travel, outdoor activities and during unexpected emergencies. This powerful
system purifies both treated water and untreated raw water from such sources as remote lakes, streams,
stagnant ponds and water supplies in foreign countries, where regulations may be substandard at best.
Perfect for outdoor activities and a must in hostile environments where electricity, water pressure or
treated water may not be available.
Click here for more information http://astore.amazon.com/artwithboun-20/detail/B002EGJ3L0
5. First Aid
In any emergency, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Keep the following basic first
aid supplies so you are prepared to help when someone is hurt.
In any emergency, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Keep the following basic first
aid supplies so you are prepared to help when someone is hurt.
- Two pairs of disposable gloves
- Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
- Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
- Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
- Burn ointment
- Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
- Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
- Scissors
- Over-the-counter medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication
- Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine, or asthma inhaler
- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose monitoring equipment or blood pressure monitors
326 Piece OSHA First Aid Kit
This ultra-deluxe first aid kit meets OSHA and ANSI guidelines. Packaged in a hard multi-
compartment organizer case, this kit can be easily carried or mounted to a wall or
cabinet for easy access and organization. This kit contains a total of 326 pieces and
includes:
•30 Antiseptic Towelettes
•30 Alcohol Pads
•6 Sting Relief Pads
•3 Hand Sanitizers
•6 Antibiotic Ointment packets
•6 Burn Cream packets
•3 Hydrocortisone Cream packets
•10 Antacid Tablets
•10 Non-Aspirin Pain Relief Tablets
•10 Aspirin Tablets
•1 First Aid Guide
•1 Instant Cold Compress
•125 Rectangular Adhesive Bandages
•10 Butterfly Bandages
•18 Wound Closure Strips
This ultra-deluxe first aid kit meets OSHA and ANSI guidelines. Packaged in a hard multi-
compartment organizer case, this kit can be easily carried or mounted to a wall or
cabinet for easy access and organization. This kit contains a total of 326 pieces and
includes:
•30 Antiseptic Towelettes
•30 Alcohol Pads
•6 Sting Relief Pads
•3 Hand Sanitizers
•6 Antibiotic Ointment packets
•6 Burn Cream packets
•3 Hydrocortisone Cream packets
•10 Antacid Tablets
•10 Non-Aspirin Pain Relief Tablets
•10 Aspirin Tablets
•1 First Aid Guide
•1 Instant Cold Compress
•125 Rectangular Adhesive Bandages
•10 Butterfly Bandages
•18 Wound Closure Strips
Other options include 1,2, 4 person first aid
kit; automobile kit; snake bite kit, Deluxe
first aid kit
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
AND PRICES
kit; automobile kit; snake bite kit, Deluxe
first aid kit
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
AND PRICES
Emergency Essentials
Tips for Preparedness: Quick and Easy-To-Use Information on Food Storage, First Aid And Emergency
Preparedness to Safeguard Your Family
By Larry Barkdull
Quick and easy-to-use information on food storage, first aid, and emergency preparedness to safeguard your
family. Topics include how to store and treat water, the basics of first aid, and how to prepare for
weather-related emergencies and disasters. Each section contains valuable information, insights, and how-to
tips on creating a customized preparedness plan for your family.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tips for Preparedness: Quick and Easy-To-Use Information on Food Storage, First Aid And Emergency
Preparedness to Safeguard Your Family
By Larry Barkdull
Quick and easy-to-use information on food storage, first aid, and emergency preparedness to safeguard your
family. Topics include how to store and treat water, the basics of first aid, and how to prepare for
weather-related emergencies and disasters. Each section contains valuable information, insights, and how-to
tips on creating a customized preparedness plan for your family.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
6. Home Safety
During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. However, there are simple steps you can
take to make your home safer. Start by viewing each room with a “disaster eye” and identify potential hazards –
bookshelves that could tip over in an earthquake and block exits or heavy objects that could fall and cause injury.
During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. However, there are simple steps you can
take to make your home safer. Start by viewing each room with a “disaster eye” and identify potential hazards –
bookshelves that could tip over in an earthquake and block exits or heavy objects that could fall and cause injury.
- Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and change batteries every 6 months.
- Move beds away from windows.
- Move mirrors and heavy pictures away from couches or places where people sit.
- Clear hallways and exits for easy evacuation.
- Store heavy items on the lowest shelves.
- Keep an ABC type fire extinguishers on each level and know how and when to use them.
- Strap down your water heater and fit all gas appliances with a flexible gas supply line.
- Store flammable or highly reactive chemicals (such as bleach, ammonia, paint thinners) securely and separate from
each other. - Secure pictures and wall hangings and use restraints to secure heavy items such as bookcases and file cabinets.
- Know how and when to switch off your utilities.
- Ensure that all window safety bars have emergency releases.
- Be sure your home number is visible from the street so emergency vehicles can find you.
The Briefcase Solar Generator can charge a wide range of applications, can be served
as battery maintainer for marine boat, motor house or big vehicle. Supplying power to
notebook computer, satellite telephone, electric hand tool like cordless drill. Or as a
independent power source for outdoor activity like camping, exploration. A blinking
charging indicator to give a clear view that the generator is working and a built-in diode
to prevent reverse charging. Comes with the Solar Briefcase, battery clamps, and
cigarette lighter plug.
LEARN MORE
as battery maintainer for marine boat, motor house or big vehicle. Supplying power to
notebook computer, satellite telephone, electric hand tool like cordless drill. Or as a
independent power source for outdoor activity like camping, exploration. A blinking
charging indicator to give a clear view that the generator is working and a built-in diode
to prevent reverse charging. Comes with the Solar Briefcase, battery clamps, and
cigarette lighter plug.
LEARN MORE
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: (bookmark this site before you go)
Emergency Preparedness Checklist http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/emergency-preparedness-checklist
Taking Baby Steps in Preparedness http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/taking-baby-steps-preparedness
Preparedness Planning: Where to Begin, How to Continue
http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/preparedness-planning-where-begin-how-continue
Preparing for a Hurricane http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/preparing-hurricane
Creating an Emergency Evacuation Plan http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/creating-emergency-evacuation-plan
Preparing Your Pets for an Emergency http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/preparing-your-pets-emergency
Emergency Preparedness and Financial Stability
http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/emergency-preparedness-and-financial-stability
The Emergency Planning Guide for Food and Water
http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/emergency-planning-guide-food-and-water
Emergency Preparedness Checklist http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/emergency-preparedness-checklist
Taking Baby Steps in Preparedness http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/taking-baby-steps-preparedness
Preparedness Planning: Where to Begin, How to Continue
http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/preparedness-planning-where-begin-how-continue
Preparing for a Hurricane http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/preparing-hurricane
Creating an Emergency Evacuation Plan http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/creating-emergency-evacuation-plan
Preparing Your Pets for an Emergency http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/preparing-your-pets-emergency
Emergency Preparedness and Financial Stability
http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/emergency-preparedness-and-financial-stability
The Emergency Planning Guide for Food and Water
http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/university/article/emergency-planning-guide-food-and-water
•2 Gauze Rolls•
3 Protective Earloop Masks
•2 Eye Pads
•10 Sterile Gauze Pads
•4 Sterile Gauze Pads
•1 Sterile Trauma Pad
•20 Cotton Tip Applicators
•1 Adhesive Tape Roll
•4 Finger Splints
•1 Triangular Bandage
•3 Splinter Removers
•4 Examination Gloves
•1 Metal Scissors
•1 Metal Tweezers
3 Protective Earloop Masks
•2 Eye Pads
•10 Sterile Gauze Pads
•4 Sterile Gauze Pads
•1 Sterile Trauma Pad
•20 Cotton Tip Applicators
•1 Adhesive Tape Roll
•4 Finger Splints
•1 Triangular Bandage
•3 Splinter Removers
•4 Examination Gloves
•1 Metal Scissors
•1 Metal Tweezers
Preparedness Course
Wellness Workshop
If you are interested in learning more about a career in helping
others get prepared, click here
others get prepared, click here
"Clean" produce sold by Thrive
Onions
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Sweet peas
Mangoes
Cabbage
Sweet potatoes
Mushrooms
Onions
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Sweet peas
Mangoes
Cabbage
Sweet potatoes
Mushrooms
How much will you need?
The easiest way is to use the THRIVE planner (link above) but if you want to figure it out yourself, here's a guideline:
The easiest way is to use the THRIVE planner (link above) but if you want to figure it out yourself, here's a guideline:
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