PGFD Community Outreach Advice on "Emergency Kits"

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

Many of our citizens have asked about an "emergency kit" and items they should include.  Teresa Ann Crisman is the PGFD Community Outreach Coordinator and she has compiled some general guidelines you would try to include.  Remember that an emergency kit can be adjusted to you specific needs.

Citizens, visitors and businesses can reach out to Teresa Crisman and the Fire/EMS Department Community Outreach office at TACrisman@co.pg.md.us or at 301-883-5250.

Here is a list of items you may want to consider for your emergency kit:

BUILD A KIT A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages. BASIC DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items: Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Manual can opener for food Local maps Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger Remember the unique needs of your family members, including growing children, when making your emergency supply kit and family emergency plan. For Baby: • Formula • Diapers • Bottles • Powdered milk • Medications • Moist towelettes • Diaper rash ointment For Adults: • Denture needs • Contact lenses and supplies • Extra eye glasses Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin and other prescription drugs. If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including: • Jacket or coat • Long pants • Long sleeve shirt In any emergency a family member or you yourself may suffer an injury. If you have these basic first aid supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. You may consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination. • Two pairs of Latex or other sterile gloves if you are allergic to Latex • Sterile dressings to stop bleeding • Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes • Antibiotic ointment • Burn ointment • Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes • Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminate • Thermometer Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates. • Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies Non-prescription drugs: • Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever • Anti-diarrhea medication • Antacid • Laxative Other first aid supplies: • Scissors • Tweezers • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant