Listing of accessible items important for disaster prep

    All Nebraskans are encouraged to be ready when a disaster strikes during September’s National Preparedness Month.
    Knowing what type of disaster is most likely to occur in the community is important when making emergency plans and building an emergency kit.
    The disasters most likely to be encountered in southwest Nebraska are severe weather, loss of electricity or communications and exposure to hazardous materials.
    “Prepare to protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love,” said Kay Schmidt, Emergency Response Coordinator for Southwest Nebraska Public Health Dept.
    “Set aside a few minutes each month to check for items that you might need to add or replace. Re-think your items and family needs, especially if new medications are needed or if children have grown,” she said.
    Involve all members of the family and supportive circles and practice the plan regularly. Practice is crucial for your emergency plan to be successful, Schmidt said.
    It’s important to have a plan for sheltering in place for emergencies that don’t require leaving home. Also plan for evacuation, including which route you will take, places to travel to for safety and phone calls that need to be made to loved ones, she added.
    Items for family disaster preparedness kits may include:
    Food and water for three days (or more). Rotate food every six months.
    Personal supplies like clothing, blankets, gloves and boots, along with hygiene items.
    First aid kit with scissors.
    Important documents: (Keep in a waterproof container).
    Contact list.
    Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water in case authorities advise you to do so.
    Home inventory list with photos and videos.
    Supplies for family members with unique needs such as infants, seniors and pets, including any special foods and medications.
    Other items should include batteries, cash, compass, camera, duct tape, crowbar, extra set of car and house keys, flashlights, hand crank or battery-operated radio, area maps, matches in a waterproof container, notebooks and pens, permanent markers, plastic sheeting, rope, small toolbox, shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water, utility knives, whistle and a cell phone charger or solar charger.
    Other helpful preparedness tips to remember:
    Place loose items in airtight plastic bags and keep these items in large easy-to-carry, waterproof containers like a trash bin or plastic tub.
    Label each container with your name and address.
    Have last-minute items ready to add when a warning or evacuation order is issued.
    Store the kit in a safe place near a main exit.
    More information on how to prepare for disasters can be found at Ready.gov. You can also get informed by downloading the FEMA app for disaster resources, weather alerts and safety tips.