EMC 147 Home Disaster Kit 2/2
To:   Emergency Communications Units - Information Bulletin
To:   Emergency Management Agencies via Internet and Radio
By:   Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) of the
        California Governor's Office of Emergency Services  

EMC147 Home Disaster Kit 2/2       8/31/98

Last week, we mentioned a few of the items necessary to being 
prepared for an emergency.  In addition to preparing your home, 
family and employer for an emergency, you need to be mentally 
and physically prepared as well.

In the home, make sure that the family has enough food and water 
available to last for several days.  Potable water can be stored in 
rinsed out bleach bottles, or you can rotate a few extra bottles of 
water through the water you buy from a commercial service.

Make a plan between yourself and family members that you and 
they will contact a family member out of state in case of a disaster.  
While telephone lines into an affected area may be restricted for the 
first few hours or days after a disaster, it is usually possible to get a 
call out.  Have all family members call this same person, who can 
pass messages along for you.  You will be a better responder with 
the knowledge that your family is safe.

Going away to a disaster isn't the same as going on vacation.  It 
generally means long, tiring hours and little sleep.   What meals 
you get may be your own; it's a good idea to bring your own stuff.  
A trail mix of fruits and nuts provides quick energy and is easy to 
prepare at home.  If you like to be comfortable when sleeping, 
consider bringing your own foam sleeping pad along with your 
sleeping bag.  Responders on campaign wildfires who have had 
to sleep in paper sleeping bags tend to get an education in a hurry.  
Veterans know: take your own gear.

Mentally, you will be in a confusing environment.  People who are 
not used to working together are suddenly confronted with high-stress 
situations that call for patience and diplomacy.  Remember, you are 
on someone else's home turf.  Respect their wishes as if you had
guests in your own home.

Physically, are you prepared?  A disaster situation will call for your 
body to be as fit as possible.  While it may not be practical to have 
all responders be marathon runners, it's important that you don't 
become a burden on others by becoming a victim of the disaster
yourself.  Get enough sleep.  Eat foods that are good for you.   
Watch your diet.

Take along good, sturdy clothing.  Be prepared for sudden changes 
in weather conditions.  Leather gloves, sunblock and extra toilet paper 
are invaluable in an emergency kit.

While many articles have been written that mention taking extra 
batteries for yourequipment, not a lot has been written on the 
need for responders and their loved ones to be prepared mentally, 
physically and emotionally for disaster.  Make a checklist for yourself 
and your family.  You'll be a more capable responder, and feel better 
knowing that your family is better prepared as well.
                               ---
ACS Web page: http://acs.oes.ca.gov       FTP archive:
ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/incoming for new
bulletins and ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/races for earlier ones.
Landline BBS: 916-262-0856 (graphical & standard interface).
Dave Larton, ACS Training Officer: email: Dave_Larton@oes.ca.gov
EOM EMC147