Emergency planning

It is a great idea to have a "72 hour Emergency Kit" available to meet your family's basic survival needs. Here are a few ideas from the Colorado Office of Emergency Management. This kit should be stored in a 32 gallon trash can, suitcase or duffle bag in case evacuation is necessary.

EMERGENCY NEEDS

• First Aid Kit
• Radio
• 1 gallon/day of water
• Blankets
• Non-Perishable Foods
• Flashlight
• Extra Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses
• Essential Medications
• Utility Knife
• Emergency Candles
• Can Opener
• Waterproof Matches

• Plastic Bucket
• Plastic Bags with Ties
• Soap
• Personal Hygiene Items
• Paper Cups/Plates/Utensils

1. Plan a meeting place ahead of time.
2. Choose one place in your neighborhood and one place outside your neighborhood.
3. Plan one relative or friend out of town to call with updates if you are involved in a crisis.
4. Have other family members call your emergency contact, not you. This reduces phone traffic into the affected area.
5. Make sure everyone in your family knows the plan.
6. Refresh your memory now and then!