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Viewing Know How to Make First Aid and Survival Kits for DisastersKnow How to Make First Aid and Survival Kits for Disasters
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A disaster is defined as 'a sudden event bringing great damage, loss, or destruction'. Do you know what you need to prepare for a disaster? Henry Garman provides specific guidelines in this article. By Henry Garman WHAT IS A DISASTER? A disaster is defined as 'a sudden event bringing great damage, loss, or destruction'. The risks of disasters are generally believed to be increasing in modern times due to: * Increasing population size and density; * Increasing settlement in high risk areas (hillsides, riverbanks, etc.) * Increasing transportation of dangerous goods; and * Increasing world tension DISASTER PREPARATION The best protection in any emergency situation is preparation. Getting through any emergency successfully - whether it is a natural or man-made disaster - requires planning and preparation. Carefully think about the possible emergencies, hazards, and risks that you could face in your home or community. Then make your plans and prepare the best possible first aid and survival kit, to ensure that the most appropriate resources are available when needed. Your safety is of primary importance. * Identify any possible hazards and risks in your home and community. * Prepare your first aid kit/survival kit and place it in a convenient location. Be sure that all family members know where it is located and how to access it. * Identify individual and family responsibilities for each major hazard. Involve all family members, including children and the elderly. * Have fire drills and practice evacuations - and make sure that all family members understand their roles. FIRST AID KITS Keep a first aid kit with you at all times. Store one with your survival kit in a dry place, out of children's reach, and renew supplies regularly. Not all emergency situations can be anticipated; therefore additional supplies and training may be required in various situations. Contents of a typical first aid kit: * Adhesive bandages * First aid guide * CPR Mask * Burn medication * Disposable gloves (nitrile) * Adhesive tape * Sterile gauze dressings * Eye wash * Triangular bandages * Scissors * Soap or antiseptic wipes * Ice pack * Tweezers, safety pins * Flashlight SURVIVAL KIT Survival kits should be customized according to your family needs. Suggested contents: * Fire extinguisher * First aid kit * Water, 1 gallon per adult per day * Food * Eating utensils * Disposable cups and plates * Manual can opener * Utility knife and wrench to turn off utilities * Money for a payphone * Map and compass * Flashlight and spare batteries * Disposable 12-hour light sticks and flares * Disposable respirator or cotton T-shirt (may be used to help filter air) * Radio and spare batteries * Cash (including change for pay phones) and credit cards or travelers checks * Documentation for family members, stored in watertight and fireproof containers (medical cards/records, passports, social security number, bank account numbers, insurance policies, credit card numbers, birth and marriage certificates, etc.) * Rain gear, hat and mittens, work gloves * Seasonal change of clothing with extra socks * Footwear (sturdy boots or runners) * One sleeping bag and blanket per person * Emergency thermal blanket * One whistle per person * Soap/liquid detergent * Antibacterial wipes * Plastic bucket with lid (for latrine) * Toilet paper and personal supplies * Garbage bags and plastic ties * Camp stove, fuel, and waterproof matches in sealed container * Plastic sheeting and duct tape to 'shelter-in-place' * Tent * Extra car keys * Medications (all prescribed medications required over 72-hour period) as well as over-the-counter medications (pain killers; fever control, anti-diarrheal, antacids) * Entertainment such as games, playing cards, books, puzzles (avoid power or battery required items) * Any special need items based on individual needs (children, elderly or disabled) About the Author: Henry Garman is the webmaster at Redi-Medic®, manufacturer and wholesaler of soft-shelled promotional first aid kits. For more information on promotional and private label first aid kits, which range from small pocket kits, auto safety, sports, pet, golf, and marine kits, up to professional paramedic kits, visit http://www.redimedic.com. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com |
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