Have a Go Bag Ready
Having a go bag standing by can save valuable time if the need to evacuate arises. The Brookline Office of Emergency Management suggests the following considerations when assembling go bags: Remember the essentials- A first-aid kit
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- A battery-operated transistor radio
- Medications
- Some form of entertainment, like a book
- Any item you cannot go without for days at a time
- Baby food
- Food for those with dietary restrictions
- Special toys or books for children
- Extra eyeglasses and hearing aids
- Battery chargers
- Medicine
- Oxygen
- Insulin
- Other medical supplies
- Copies of important documents, including prescriptions, doctor’s orders and insurance information
- Pet food
- Pet medications and supplies
- A list of hotels in the area that accept pets.
Build an Emergency Kit
Not every emergency necessitates an evacuation, but they can still cause interruptions to essential utilities. As a result, having an emergency kit ensures you have the items you need at a moment’s notice during a significant incident or severe weather. An emergency kit should contain:- Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days, plus water purification tablets
- Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that do not need cooking (ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, or juices, protein or granola bars, cereal, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, baby food, comfort foods)
- Tools and Supplies: Manual can opener, Radio (battery-powered or hand crank), flashlight or lantern, extra batteries, cell phone with charger, wrench, pliers, and other basic tools
- Personal Items: Prescription medications (two-week supply), personal hygiene items, eyeglasses, contact lenses, dentures, extra batteries or supplies for medical equipment, change of clothes, sturdy shoes
- Pets: Collar, leash, harness, crate, food, bowls, current photo, license and medical information
- Documents: Insurance policies, bank account records, identification cards (IDs), medical information, and other copies of important documents
- Money: Extra cash and traveler’s checks (ATMs may not work during a power outage)
- Other Items: First-aid kit, emergency whistle, waterproof matches/lighter, local area maps, diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food and supplies (if needed)