Shelter In Place Information

What Shelter-in-Place Means:
One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency where hazardous materials may have been released into the atmosphere is to shelter-in-place. This is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining indoors. (This is not the same thing as going to a shelter in case of a storm.) Shelter-in-place means selecting a small, interior room, with no or few windows, and taking refuge there. It does not mean sealing off your entire home or office building. If you are told to shelter-in-place, follow the instructions provided in this Fact Sheet.

Why You Might Need to Shelter-in-Place:
Chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants may be released accidentally or intentionally into the environment. Should this occur, information will be provided by local authorities on television and radio stations on how to protect you and your family. Because information will most likely be provided on television and radio, it is important to keep a TV or radio on, even during the workday. The important thing is for you to follow instructions of local authorities and know what to do if they advise you to shelter-in-place.

How to Shelter-in-Place:

At Home:

• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains.
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.
• Close the fireplace damper.
• Get your family disaster supplies kit and make sure the radio is working.
• Go to an interior room without windows that’s above ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
• Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.
• It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.

• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
• Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

At Work:

• Close the business.
• Bring everyone into the room(s). Shut and lock the door(s).
• If there are customers, clients, or visitors in the building, provide for their safety by asking them to stay – not leave. When authorities provide directions to shelter-in-place, they want everyone to take those steps now, where they are, and not drive or walk outdoors.
• Unless there is an imminent threat, ask employees, customers, clients, and visitors to call their emergency contact to let them know where they are and that they are safe.
• Turn on call-forwarding or alternative telephone answering systems or services. If the business has voice mail or an automated attendant, change the recording to indicate that the business is closed, and that staff and visitors are remaining in the building until authorities advise it is safe to leave.
• Close and lock all windows, exterior doors, and any other openings to the outside.
• If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains.
• Have employees familiar with your building’s mechanical systems turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Some systems automatically provide for exchange of inside air with outside air – these systems, in particular, need to be turned off, sealed, or disabled.
• Gather essential disaster supplies, such as nonperishable food, bottled water, battery-powered radios, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and plastic garbage bags.
• Select interior room(s) above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents. The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit in. Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms if necessary. Large storage closets, utility rooms, pantries, copy and conference rooms without exterior windows will work well. Avoid selecting a room with mechanical equipment like ventilation blowers or pipes, because this equipment may not be able to be sealed from the outdoors.
• It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room(s) you select. Call emergency contacts and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door(s) and any vents into the room.
• Write down the names of everyone in the room, and call your business’ designated emergency contact to report who is in the room with you, and their affiliation with your business (employee, visitor, client, customer.)
• Keep listening to the radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

At School:

• Close the school. Activate the school’s emergency plan. Follow reverse evacuation procedures to bring students, faculty, and staff indoors.
• If there are visitors in the building, provide for their safety by asking them to stay – not leave. When authorities provide directions to shelter-in-place, they want everyone to take those steps now, where they are, and not drive or walk outdoors.
• Provide for answering telephone inquiries from concerned parents by having at least one telephone with the school’s listed telephone number available in the room selected to provide shelter for the school secretary, or person designated to answer these calls. This room should also be sealed. There should be a way to communicate among all rooms where people are sheltering-in-place in the school.
• Ideally, provide for a way to make announcements over the school-wide public address system from the room where the top school official takes shelter.
• If children have cell phones, allow them to use them to call a parent or guardian to let them know that they have been asked to remain in school until further notice, and that they are safe.
• If the school has voice mail or an automated attendant, change the recording to indicate that the school is closed, students and staff are remaining in the building until authorities advise that it is safe to leave.
• Provide directions to close and lock all windows, exterior doors, and any other openings to the outside.
• If you are told there is danger of explosion, direct that window shades, blinds, or curtains be closed.
• Have employees familiar with your building’s mechanical systems turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Some systems automatically provide for exchange of inside air with outside air – these systems, in particular, need to be turned off, sealed, or disabled.
• Gather essential disaster supplies, such as nonperishable food, bottled water, battery-powered radios, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and plastic garbage bags.
• Select interior room(s) above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents. The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit in. Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms if necessary. Classrooms may be used if there are no windows or the windows are sealed and can not be opened. Large storage closets, utility rooms, meeting rooms, and even a gymnasium without exterior windows will also work well.
• It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room(s) you select. Call emergency contacts and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
• Bring everyone into the room. Shut and lock the door.
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door(s) and any vents into the room.
• Write down the names of everyone in the room, and call your schools’ designated emergency contact to report who is in the room with you.
• Listen for an official announcement from school officials via the public address system, and stay where you are until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

In Your Vehicle:
If you are driving a vehicle and hear advice to “shelter-in-place” on the radio, take these steps:

• If you are very close to home, your office, or a public building, go there immediately and go inside. Follow the shelter-in-place recommendations for the place you pick described above.
• If you are unable to get to a home or building quickly and safely, then pull over to the side of the road. Stop your vehicle in the safest place possible. If it is sunny outside, it is preferable to stop under a bridge or in a shady spot, to avoid being overheated.
• Turn off the engine. ? Close windows and vents.
• If possible, seal the heating/air conditioning vents with duct tape.
• Listen to the radio regularly for updated advice and instructions.
• Stay where you are until you are told it is safe to get back on the road. Be aware that some roads may be closed or traffic detoured. Follow the directions of law enforcement officials.

Local officials on the scene are the best source of information for your particular situation. Following their instructions during and after emergencies regarding sheltering, food, water, and clean up methods is your safest choice.

Remember that instructions to shelter-in-place are usually provided for durations of a few hours, not days or weeks. There is little danger that the room in which you are taking shelter will run out of oxygen and you will suffocate.

Information provided by NationalTerrorAlert.com.

HAM - Grab And Go Kit Contents

Creating a Ham Radio Grab And Go kit is an essential part of being prepared to communicate during an emergency.  Below I have listed items the Herriman Amature Radio Club suggests to it's members to keep in a kit.  You may wish to include additional items not listed based on your individual needs:

1.   Small backpack for equipment / essentials

2.   2M or 2M/70cm (preferred) synthesized handheld radio

3.   Alkaline battery pack for handheld radio

4.   5/8 or wave gain antenna for handheld radio

5.   Earphone for handheld radio

6.   Reflective Vest

7.   50 feet of coax (RG8 mini or better) with PL259 connectors

8.   Barrel Connector

9.   SO239/BNC male adapter
10. PL259/BNC female adapter

11. Flashlight (AA)

12. Personal first-aid kit

13. Five dollars in bills and change

14. 8 AA alkaline batteries

15. Pocket knife / Multi-tool

16. Roll of electrical tape

17. Car charger for your HT’s

18. Copy of your radio manual or a cheat sheet

19. Any special size tools / fuses your radio uses like tiny screwdrivers, etc

20. Water (2 quarts minimum)

21. Light snacks

22. Your "favorite" pain relievers - aspirin / Tylenol / Advil / sinus / Rolaids / Chap stick /
       hand cream / throat lozenges /Imodium / sun block / mosquito repellant / etc.

23. Resource Book with the following materials:

        Sheets of blank paper (notebook)

        Zipper pouch with pens and pencils

        Map of Salt Lake City

        Multiple copies of forms

Preparing for an Earthquake - ksl.com

Below is a link to 3 video newcasts on Preparing for and Earthquake...good information!!

"The biggest thing is being prepared locally and being capable of taking care of yourself until other resources are brought in to areas to help sustain you."

March 20: Preparing for an earthquake - ksl.com

Radio Amateurs in Japan Provide Communications Support after Earthquake

Below is a link to information from the ARRL about emergency amature radio communication in Japan:

http://www.arrl.org/news/radio-amateurs-in-japan-provide-communications-support-after-earthquake

'Communicating' is a critical element of preparedness

On March 1, 2011 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints published an article relating to communication and preparedness.  It was included in last Sunday's Deseret News.  Check it out at the following link:

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/60548/Communicating-is-a-critical-element-of-preparedness.html

Emergency Water Supply

Why have an emergency water supply?We often take our household water supply for granted. However, when safe drinking water is unavailable, it is more than just an inconvenience - it can become a health emergency. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and winter storms are examples of natural disasters that can interrupt the supply of safe drinking water. Interruptions may be for only a short period of time, or for days. Every household should have an emergency water supply to meet its members' needs during these situations. You may be able to purchase bottled drinking or distilled water at the time of need, but stores may quickly sell out.
 

How much water should I store?Having an ample supply of water is a top priority in an emergency. Everyone's needs will differ, depending upon age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate. Most people need to drink at least two quarts (64 ounces), which is equal to eight cups, of water each day. Hot environments can double the amount needed as the body uses water for cooling. The amount of water you need will also depend on the total amount of juices, soups, other drinks, and high moisture foods that are available. Children, nursing women, and ill people will need more. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing your activity level. Additional water will be needed for food preparation and hygiene. In general, store at least one gallon of water per person, per day of expected need. If you have pets, allow 1 quart per day for each dog or cat.
Storing at least a three-day supply is recommended, but consider storing a two-week supply if your home has enough space for it.
 

What containers should I use?You can store water in food grade plastic or glass containers with tight fitting screw-on caps. Food-grade containers include those that previously held beverages, such as 2-liter soda bottles and other water, juice, or punch containers. Plastic milk bottles should be avoided, because it is difficult to remove protein and fat residues, which may allow bacteria to grow during storage.
You can buy new plastic containers for water storage in most housewares and sporting goods departments, and clean food-grade containers may be available for purchase at water vending machines. Only purchase containers labeled for storage of food or beverages.
Containers not labeled for food or beverage storage could release harmful chemicals into the water. Never use a container that has held toxic substances, because tiny amounts may remain in the container's pores. Some plastic containers may affect the taste of stored water. Chlorine bleach bottles may be a food approved plastic, but contain an anti-static agent which prevents accumulation of dust during storage and are thus not recommended. Most plastics used in waterbeds are not approved food storage plastics. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. Also, some old glass jars were made with glass that contains lead, and unacceptable amounts of lead can leach into water stored in them even for short periods.
 

How should I prepare the containers?Wash the containers and lids thoroughly with hot tap water and dish detergent. Rinse thoroughly with hot tap water.
 

Can I store my tap water?Municipal Water Supply
If you are on a municipal water supply, the water you are currently using for drinking and cooking should also be suitable for storing for emergencies. Municipal water supplies include public water supplies such as "city water", or "county water". Water from a public water supply is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North Carolina Division of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). EPA and the State of North Carolina require that all public water suppliers regularly test for bacteria and deliver water that meets EPA drinking water standards. While you can expect that water from a public water supply will be safe, remember that the container used to collect and store the water must also be clean.
Private Water Supply
Private water supplies include individual wells and springs. If you are on a private water supply, it is recommended that you buy bottled water to store. Be sure the bottled water label has the IBWA (International Bottled Water Association) or NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) seal, or an NYSDH certification number. These organizations require periodic water testing and inspections of the bottling facility . Only sealed, unopened bottles should be stored.
The quality of the well construction and of the water in private water supplies varies greatly in North Carolina. Wells and springs are not subject to any regulation, except that in some counties they are inspected when they are installed. There are no requirements for testing the water. Even if the water has been tested for coliform bacteria, there are other microorganisms that could cause problems during storage. Organic matter, which may not be visible in the water, can make chlorine ineffective. For these reasons, it is risky to store water from private wells and springs.
If you are on a private water supply, a generator will allow you to continue pumping water when there is a power outage. Contact your local Extension center for information about safe use of a generator.
Community Water Systems
If you are on a community water system, this water should be tested regularly by the operator. The EPA requires regular testing of any system that has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves at least 25 individuals. This testing is more extensive than just bacterial testing, and should be conducted at least quarterly. Water quality can vary with weather and other conditions, so test results should show a pattern of meeting EPA standards year-round. The owner or operator should be able to show you documentation of these test results. Water from a system which meets these requirements should be safe to store, with the same treatment as municipal water.
If your community water system owner or operator cannot provide documentation that EPA requirements have been met year-round, this water should be considered the same as water from a private well. Storing bottled water (see private water supplies, above) is probably much less risky than storing water from such a supply.
Vended Water Supply
Water vending machines are systems where customers fill their own containers with water that has been treated in some way. Vended water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since FDA requires that water for vending machines come from an approved public water supply, the assumption is that the water meets EPA drinking water standards. The vending machine normally provides additional treatment to that done by the municipality. However, the machine must be kept clean, and the treatment equipment must be properly maintained, in order for the vended water to be good quality. Additionally, the container used to collect and store the water must be clean, as anything remaining in the container after cleaning could result in bacterial contamination.
 

Should I boil the water before storing it?Boiling the water before storage is not recommended. It will not prevent all problems that may occur during storage. In addition, boiling may concentrate other contaminants as the water evaporates away.
 

What if I have a water treatment device?If you are on a municipal water system, water from a properly installed and maintained treatment system may be stored for emergency use. It should be treated the same as untreated tap water from a municipal supply.
If you are on a private water system, you should still consider purchasing bottled water for storage. Most water treatment systems and purification pitchers are effective for treating some types of contaminants, but may not remove other types of contaminants at all. Most improve water for day-to-day use, but do not remove the contaminants we are concerned about during storage.
An improperly maintained water treatment system may actually make the water quality worse, by adding contaminants back into it instead of removing them.
If a person on a private water supply has a whole-house treatment system that includes a process such as reverse osmosis or distillation, the water could be safe to store if the system was installed correctly, and if the owner has properly maintained the system.
 

How should I treat the water for storage?Be sure that the water you are treating is drinking-quality water to begin with. To treat water for storage, use liquid household chlorine bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use bleach with soaps or scents added. Add the bleach according to the table below, using a clean, uncontaminated medicine dropper.
 

4 drops bleach per quart or liter container of water

8 drops bleach per 2-quart, 2-liter, or ½ gallon container of water

16 drops bleach, or 1/4 teaspoon, per gallon or 4-liter container of water

When treating larger quantities of water, use the following table to convert drops to standard measuring units. 

8 drops = 1/8 teaspoon

16 drops = 1/4 teaspoon

32 drops = ½ teaspoon

64 drops = 1 teaspoon

192 drops = 1 Tablespoon

384 drops = 1/8 cup which is equal to 2 Tablespoons

Stir the water and allow it to stand for 30 minutes. Chlorine should be detectable by odor after the 30 minute waiting period. If the water does not smell like chlorine at that point, repeat the dose and let it stand another 15 minutes. Place caps on containers and attach labels describing the contents and when each was prepared.
Water stored in metal containers should not be treated, prior to storage, with chlorine since the chlorine compound is corrosive to most metals. Therefore, only very pure water should be stored in metal containers.
 

Where should I store the water and for how long?Store containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Because most plastic beverage containers degrade over time, store them away from heat and light to prevent leakage. Because hydrocarbon vapors can penetrate polyethylene plastics, store water in plastic containers away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or similar substances.
Water weighs over 8 pounds per gallon. Make sure the shelves or area in which you store the water is strong enough to support the weight. For best quality, replace water stored from a public, or vended water supply every six months. For commercially bottled distilled or drinking water, check the label for an expiration date. If none is given, bottled water with the IBWA or NSF seal should have a shelf-life of at least one year. To improve the taste of water stored for a long time, pour it from one clean container to another clean container several times, to put air back into it.
You can also store water for an extended period of time in the freezer. If you lose electricity, the frozen water will help keep foods in the freezer frozen until power is restored. Leave 2 to 3 inches of air space in the top of containers before freezing, to keep the container from breaking as water expands during freezing. Some glass containers may break regardless of the air space provided.
 

How do I keep water in opened containers safe?Do not use water that is cloudy, or water that has any odor other than the chlorine you added. Once opened, sanitary measures are important when using the water to keep it safe and to control exposure to bacteria. To reduce the chance of water contamination, do not open more containers than are needed at the time. If electrical power is available, store opened containers in a refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If refrigeration is not available and containers are stored at room temperature, be extra careful to avoid introducing bacterial contamination into the bottled water. Use water in opened containers within one or two days.
 

What if I don't have enough stored water, and run out when I need it?If supplies run low, never ration drinking water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing your activity level.
Hidden Water Sources in Your Home:
If a disaster catches you without a big enough stored supply of clean water, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes, and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).
Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You'll need to shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines, or a failure at the water treatment plant.
To use the water in your pipes, shut off the incoming water valve. Let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your house at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house.
To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure that plumbing fixtures and the water heater are not submerged by flood. Turn the electricity or gas off, and turn off the water intake valve. Start the water flowing by opening the drain at the bottom of the tank and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty.
Waterbeds hold up to 400 gallons of water, but some water beds contain toxic chemicals that are not fully removed by purifiers. If used as an emergency water resource, drain it yearly and refill it with fresh water containing two (2) ounces (1/4 cup) of bleach per 120 gallons of water. Do not add algicides or other additives (with the exception of chlorine bleach) if this water is to be used as a water reserve. Before use, water should be boiled.
Other Sources of Water
If you need to find water outside your home, the only sources may contain harmful bacteria. Be sure to purify the water according to the instructions listed below before drinking it.
Some possible sources are: collected rainwater; streams, rivers and other moving bodies of water; ponds and lakes; and natural springs. Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. Use saltwater only if you distill it first. You should not drink floodwater.
Three Ways to Purify Water:
In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis. You should purify all water of uncertain purity before using it for drinking, food preparation or hygiene.
There are many ways to purify water. None is perfect. Often the best solution is a combination of methods. Two easy purification methods are outlined below. These measures will kill most microbes but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. Before purifying, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of paper towel, coffee filter, or clean cloth.
1.Boiling Boiling is the safest method of purifying water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking.
Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water.
2.Disinfection You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, color-safe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners.
Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.
The only agent used to purify water should be household liquid bleach. Iodine, water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores, and other chemicals that do not contain 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.
While the two methods described above will kill most microbes in water, distillation will remove microbes that resist these methods, and heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals.
3.Distillation: Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not include salt and other impurities. To distill, use a clean pot with a lid that has a knob-type handle in the center. Fill the pot halfway with water. Turn the pot's lid upside-down and tie a cup under the handle, so that the cup will hang right-side-up (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.
 

SummaryEvery home should have a supply of water stored for at least three days of emergency use. Store one gallon per person per day, and one quart per small pet. The water should be either municipal or bottled water, because these sources are inspected and tested regularly for many different contaminants. The container used for storing water must be clean, and made for food and water use. Household bleach is the only disinfectant needed in the water for storage. Rotate or use the stored water supply every six months.
With only a small amount of effort and money, your family can be prepared with this most important necessity: a safe, adequate supply of drinking water during any natural disaster or power outage.
 

References:FEMA preparedness document, "Food and Water in an Emergency", http://www.fema.gov/pte/foodwtr.htm
Skipton, S. et al: "Storing an Emergency Drinking Water Supply", University of Nebraska NebFact, in press
Lauritzen, Georgia: "Water Storage", FN 176, Utah State University, January 1999

How to Make a First Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit is an important part of emergency preparedness. You should have a first aid kit for both your home food storage and (as a condensed version) 72 hour kits.  This checklist gives basic recommendations for putting together a standard first aid kit.

Standard First Aid Kit Supplies*

• Container (metal, wood, or plastic) with a fitted cover to store first aid kit
• First Aid Booklet (including CPR)
• Prescribed Medications
• Any critical medical family histories
• Adhesive
• Ammonia
• Bicarbonate of soda
• Calamine lotion (sunburn/insect bites)
• Diarrhea remedy
• Elastic bandages
• Gauze bandages
• Hot-water bottle
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Ipecac syrup (induces vomiting)
• Knife
• Matches
• Measuring cup
• Medicine dropper
• Needles
• Paper bags
• Razor blades
• Rubbing alcohol
• Safety pins
• Scissors
• Soap
• Thermometer
• Triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• Prescriptions
• Consecrated oil

Additional First Aid Kit Supplies

• Immunization records
• Medications for children (if applicable)
• Fever reducing medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
• Allergy medication
• Antibacterial wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic wipes
• Band-aids
• Burn ointment/spray
• Cotton balls
• Cough syrup/cough drops
• Disposable blanket
• Eye drops/eye wash
• Feminine Hygiene
• Gloves
• Hand sanitizer
• Hot and cold instant packs
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Lip ointment (chap stick)
• Medical tape (waterproof & regular)
• Nail clippers
• Needle and thread
• Snake bite kit
• Sterile strips
• Sunscreen/lotion
• Tourniquet kit
• Vaseline
• Water purification tablets

Notes:

1. Update your first aid kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to replenish and check all supplies. Expired or contaminated items should be replaced.
2. Check with your family doctor for any specific medicines and first aid supplies your family might require for an emergency.
3. Some items may leak or break open. Using tubes, plastic bottles, or Ziploc bags can help prevent contamination.
4. All first aid supplies should be labeled and organized for quick and easy use.
5. Supplies may be divided and organized into compartments or sections for easier access when using your first aid kit.
6. You may include any other first aid items you feel would be useful or necessary.
7. A condensed version of this first aid kit should also be included in your 72 hour kit.

Frequently Asked Earthquake Questions

The following link is a GREAT website for your earthquake questions.  It is created by the University of Utah Seismograph people.  Check it all out:

http://www.quake.utah.edu/REGIONAL/eqfaq.htm#L

MASSIVE QUAKE HITS JAPAN

Look to all sources of media for further information...our hearts and prayers go out to Japan and those affected by this disaster.

Tokyo (CNN) -- The most powerful earthquake to hit Japan in at least 100 years unleashed walls of water Friday that swept across rice fields, engulfing towns, dragging houses onto highways and tossing cars and boats like toys, apparently killing hundreds.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the "enormously powerful" earthquake has caused "tremendous damage over a wide area."

The quake, which struck at 2:46 pm local time, sparked fires in at least 80 locations, Japan's Kyodo News Service reported, and prompted the U.S. National Weather Service to issue tsunami warnings for at least 50 countries and territories.
Police in Miyagi Prefecture say between 200-300 have been found in the coastal city of Sendai alone, Japan's Kyodo News Agency reported late Friday. The death toll is likely to rise as there are few casualty counts yet from the worst-hit areas.
Japanese authorities ordered the precautionary evacuation of a nuclear plant affected by the earthquake, saying that while there was no immediate danger, crews were having trouble cooling the reactor. The Fukushima plant is one of four closest to the quake that the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency said were safety shut down.

The epicenter was offshore 373 kilometers (231 miles) away from Tokyo, the United States Geological Survey said.

But residents there continued to feel aftershocks hours after the quake. More than 30 aftershocks followed, with the strongest measuring 7.1.

Calender Items

Just a couple of calender items to note:

*     Thursday, March 10th beginning at 7:30pm, The Utah Amature Radio Club will be holding their monthly in-person meeting and the topic will be:  ALL ABOUT BATTERIES.  Please visit the following website for more information:

http://www.xmission.com/~uarc/

*     Saturday, March 12th beginning at 8:45am, Herriman ARC will be conduction an emergency drill.  Ham communications will be operating on 146.460mhz simplex.  More information can be found on their blog at the following link:

http://herrimanarc.blogspot.com/

*     Saturday, March 19th beginning at 9:00am, there will be a Neighborhood Emergency Fair at the LDS Stake Center located at 1933 South 2000 East.  Much information regarding preparedness and communications will be available.

How To Make a 72 Hour Kit

Federal, State and local officials have counseled all to have food storage and be prepared for an emergency - which includes having a 72 hour kit. This kit should be put together in a practical manner so that you can carry it with you if you ever need to evacuate your home. It is also important to prepare one for each member of your family who is able to carry one.

You can Google 72hr kit and find many, many different ideas for your kit.  You can also purchase "standard" kits online and at local emergency preparedness outlets.

Below is a list of items to store in a 72 hour kit so a family can be prepared in case of an emergency.  You will want to modify it to fit your individual needs: 

Food and Water
(A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available)

·                        Protein/Granola Bars

·                        Trail Mix/Dried Fruit

·                        Crackers/Cereals (for munching)

·                        Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc

·                        MRE meals - "Meals Ready to Eat" can be purchased from local emergency stores

·                        Canned Juice

·                        Candy/Gum (warning: Jolly Ranchers can melt and using mint gum might make everything taste like mint.)

·                        Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters Per Person)

Bedding and Clothing

·                        Change of Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)

·                        Undergarments

·                        Rain Coat/Poncho

·                        Blankets and Emergency Heat Blanks (that keep in warmth)

·                        Cloth Sheet

·                        Plastic Sheet

Fuel and Light

·                        Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps, etc.) Don't forget batteries!

·                        Extra Batteries

·                        Flares

·                        Candles

·                        Lighter

·                        Water-Proof Matches

Equipment

·                        Can Opener

·                        Dishes/Utensils

·                        Shovel

·                        Radio (with batteries!)

·                        Pen and Paper

·                        Axe

·                        Pocket Knife

·                        Rope

·                        Duct Tape

Personal Supplies and Medication

·                        First Aid Kit and Supplies

·                        Toiletries (roll of toilet paper- remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc.)

·                        Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Warning: Scented soap might "flavor" food items.)

·                        Immunizations Up-to Date

·                        Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)

·                        Prescription Medication (for 3 days)

Personal Documents and Money
(Place these items in a water-proof container!)

·                        Scriptures

·                        Genealogy Records

·                        Patriarchal Blessing

·                        Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc)

·                        Vaccination Papers

·                        Insurance Policies

·                        Cash (small bills and coins)

·                        Credit Card

·                        Pre-Paid Phone Cards

Miscellaneous

·                        Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!

·                        Infant Needs (if applicable)

Notes:

1.               Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure   that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged.

2.               Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.

3.               Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.

4.               You can include any other items in your 72 Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.

5.               Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, "flavor" other items, or break open. Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.