Create a disaster kit for a homebound neighbor

So your neighbor is disabled or elderly and can’t really leave the house. What would happen to him if a disaster struck? Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. A highway spill of hazardous material could prompt an evacuation. A winter storm could confine him at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado, fire, or any other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones-for days.

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they it’s impossible for them to reach everyone immediately. Your neighbor could get help in hours or it could take days. Is your neighbor prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives? You can help!

Help your homebound neighbor cope better with a disaster by preparing him for it before it strikes. The Red Cross says that one way to prepare is by assembling an Emergency Kit. If you've gathered supplies in advance, your neighbor can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

How to create a disaster kit

Things to remember:

• Place the supplies your neighbor would most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container like a duffle bag or camping backpack.
• Make sure these supplies are in an easily accessible place (say his hallway closet) and that everyone in his home knows where it is.

There are six basics you should stock for his home:

1. water
2. food
3. first aid supplies
4. clothing and bedding
5. tools and emergency supplies
6. special items

Water

Store a minimum of one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. You should store a three day supply. Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of ready-to-eat, canned food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. (And if your neighbor has a pet, don’t forget to store food and water for him too!)

First Aid Kits

You should have two: one for your neighbor’s home and one for his car. Both should include the following:

• sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• assorted sizes of safety pins
• soap
• latex gloves
• sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
• bandages (various sizes)
• ace bandages (various sizes)
• scissors
• tweezers
• needles
• moistened towelettes
• antiseptic
• thermometer

Special Items

• Heart and high blood pressure medication, Insulin, Prescription drugs, Denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eye glasses
• Entertainment: Games and books
• Important Family Documents: Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
  • Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
  • Passports, social security cards, immunization records
  • Bank account numbers
  • Credit card account numbers and companies
  • Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
  • Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

A few things to remember:

• Store the kit in a convenient place known to all family members.
• Place a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your neighbor’s car.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags.
• Change the stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
• Replace the stored food every six months.
• Remind your neighbor to re-think his kit and family needs at least once a year.
• Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
• Have your neighbor ask his physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Sources:
Red Cross
FEMA
National Hurricane Center
National Fire Protection Association

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