September is National Preparedness Month, and the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is asking families, businesses, schools and organizations to take steps to become better prepared for emergencies.
Emergency preparedness kits should include: enough supplies for at least three days in case you have to evacuate; water (one gallon per person per day); nonperishable food; a flashlight; battery-powered or hand-crank radio; extra batteries; a first aid kit; a seven-day supply of medications; a multipurpose tool; sanitation and personal hygiene items; and copies of important personal documents.
Members of households should work together on an emergency plan. Designate a meeting place right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. Each person should know how to reach other members of the household. The plan should also include an out-of-area emergency contact person and a location where everyone should meet if they can't get home.