Prepare for an Emergency and Your Food Kit

For many of us, life has changed in many ways since we were 12 years old. The days of going to and fro, from work, family errands, church, school, etc., are so very different. Today we must be aware of our surroundings and the constant threat of natural and man-made incidents that could happen at anytime.

Yes, 911 and Katrina have changed our worldview. We must constantly be prepared to meet life’s challenges for our-selves and those close to us. For those families, friends, neighbors, colleagues many of them may depend on us to help-out in times of an emergency or a disaster. Those incidents can range from a fire, flood, tornado, or man-made threats.

For these and many others reasons we should take special consideration to begin planning for an emergency. The US Department of Homeland Security states that we should be prepared for an “all hazard” environment, which can determine various levels of emergency preparedness. Saying that another way, we should have a certain level of readiness and be prepared for any type of an incident, at anytime.

The American Red Cross (ARC) has a very simple and easy way to consider having a preparedness plan for everybody – you, your family, workplace, kid’s school, etc. This is called Be Red Cross Ready! The main theme in their tag line: Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed. To get more information, go to www.RedCross.org

There are easy instructions to follow on the ARC website and several checklists. For now, we will focus on one area, preparing food kits for the family in case of a disaster. Following are three things to consider when making-up your food kits for an emergency or a disaster:

- Packaging
- Eating Healthy
- Staying Well

Packaging: It is considered to a very important aspect of your preparing your food kit. The way that you prepare and carry your personal items can mean the difference in them getting wet or otherwise damaged while you are in different outdoor/indoor setting. Suggest using lightweight material that is waterproof. Have a nametag that identifies each member of the family on the outside.

Consider having a backpack for each member of the family and one at the office and in the auto. For the little kids, you might have a backpack on wheels. You may be separated from your children and they should be able to be self-sustaining for several hours until you can reach them.

Eating Healthy: Items in the food kit are one of the most important items to be prepared. The topic of food brings up memories of all types of food and different occasions. However, we should consider a focused approached for having, eating, dispensing and recycling food (save what you can for extended periods) in times of an emergency or disaster. Because current research has made us aware that obesity in America, is in epidemic proportions and growing. We should consider having a food kit that will support a healthy lifestyle.

Having non-perishables, lightweight items that are healthy and tasty, are good for you and will usually keep the spirits up. Get food items that are low or no salt/sugar, that are easy to prepare. Water – whistle – list medical condition and medications (if needed) – sanitation and hygiene items. Games for kids, cash, family emergency contact numbers, family picture, blanket, flashlight, Cell phone charger, etc. You can find some additional information at www.Ready.Gov.

Staying Well: This well-being of the family is another aspect of consideration, regarding their age or, special needs. Depending on the area you live in, knowing what the most likely incidents that may occur, it is recommended you consider the make-up of your food kit for each family member. You may have to share with others and think about the approximate time you would be involved or away from your home, work, school or business, during an emergency.

The food kit you prepare will be important during an incident. Have the kit close at hand. We never know when and where an emergency will happen.

Gaston Armour, is the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Illinois Department of Human Services