phone with chargers (inverter or solar chargers). Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper are good to have. One part chlorine to nine parts water can be a “home-made” disinfectant. You can also use chlorine to treat water by applying sixteen (16) drops to a gallon of water. Other items to meet special needs: Prescription meds and prescription glasses, infant formula and diapers, pet food and extra water for your pet, important family documents (copies of insurance policies, ID, bank account records, etc. stored in a waterproof container), cash or traveler’s checks and change, pen and paper. Sleeping bags or warm blankets could be life-savers. A change of clothing, sturdy shoes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, paper supplies (cups, plates, etc), matches (in waterproof container), and even books, games, puzzles for children are good to have. Including a fire extinguisher is a smart move.
Per Joe Bowman of First Trust Industries, “Don’t store them in the garage where it could be under a pile of mess in an earthquake. Put them in a sturdy garbage can, seal them and leave them outside where you can access them more easily, or
keep them in your car.” Take advantage of online services. Seniors should highly consider direct deposit of federal benefits, investment checks, etc. because we may lose mail serv- ice if a major disaster strikes and if they are evacuated, checks may be stolen. Federal benefit recipients can request direct deposit to a bank account by calling 800 333-1795 or signing up at
www.GoDirect.org. For those who don’t have a bank account, there is a prepaid debit card called The Direct Express® which is a reliable alternative to paper checks. Sign up online at
www.USDirectExpress.com or call 877-212-9991.
Know how you will find each other should you need to evacuate. If there is Internet, register with the Red Cross (dis-
astersafe.redcross.org) to let your family know that you are safe. Encourage them to do the same. If there is no Internet, you and your family can call 1-866-GET-INFO. There is also a free voicemail service where you can leave information for your loved ones and they can let you know that they are safe as well at 1-443-992-4890 or go through
www.contactlovedones.org. You all should program these phone numbers in
your cell phones and take note of the web- sites – you won’t remember this data when your life is in danger.
Preparing for a major disaster is a low priority for many. Start with the recom- mendations above and increase your chances for survival. In the next issues, I will continue to provide you with informa- tion that could help you with your plan. In the meantime, please stay safe, be alert and stay healthy. That will help you in more ways than one. SOURCES: Ready America
www.ready.gov/america Gilroy Fire Captain Roy Shackel Mike O’Connor – Fire Marshall, Hollister Fire Dept. Joe Bowman – First Trust Industries
www.redcross.org DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purpose only and does not include all there is to know about Disaster Survival Planning. Neither the writer nor the magazine benefit from mention- ing names of kit vendors.
~Dorie Sugay is the Executive Director of Visiting Angels, providing living assistance servic- es to the Santa Clara and San Benito Counties. You can reach her at
dorie@visitingangels.com.
adsales@outandaboutmagazine.com
Out & About • July 2011 47
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