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TO:             Administration & Facility Risk Management Coordinators

FROM:       Ron Null, Risk Manager

DATE:         05/19/03

RE:             Disaster Supplies, Kits & Gear  

Survival in the wilderness and survival in an urban environment that has experienced a disaster are one and the same.  People need food, water, shelter, warmth, and to signal available help. Surrounding areas of a disaster are likely to be without power and that means no gas or electricity for heat, lights or cooking. Many disasters abate within a few hours, rather than days or weeks. Most experts agree that everyone should prepare to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours following an emergency of any type. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (www.ready.gov/) advocates “Make a kit, make a plan, and stay informed” as the best advice for all citizens. (see site for details.)

 The American Red Cross provides excellent, time-tested guidance on supplies, kits and gear – for individuals, at work, in the vehicle, and at home. Item for item, the documents below are the best no-nonsense information on the Internet.  Some titles are new, some recently updated. All are free for viewing, printing or distribution. Consider printing a hard copy for the home.

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Ben Franklin

• Personal Workplace Disaster Supplies Kit

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/workkit.html

• Family Disaster Planning

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/familyplan.html

•  Disaster Supplies Kit

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/supplies.html

• Food Supplies In Case Of Disaster

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/food.html

• Water Storage Before Disaster Strikes

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/water.html

• Your Evacuation Plan

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/evacuation.html

• Looking For A Home?

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/looking.html

• Food & Water In An Emergency

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/foodwtr.html

• Shelter-In-Place In An Emergency

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/shelterinplace.html

• Disaster Preparedness For People With Disabilities

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/apendixa.html

• Children & Disasters

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/forchildren.html

• EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE: “the definitive source for independent reviews on outdoors gear and survival equipment and techniques.”  This website offers a free information forum, articles, kit recommendations, product reviews, and extensive readings for both novice and expert.

http://www.equipped.com/