By
Nancy Harvey Steorts,
Author, "Safety and You"
Former Chairman, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Even though we can not always avoid
those things which can cause injury, we can take some
very important precautions. Injuries often occur from
very minor problems that have been overlooked. It is essential
that we develop a few new rules that
will help us not to fall victim of our own carelessness.
There are things, such as acts of nature, that we can
not control. A snowstorm, tornado, earthquake, hurricane
or other natural or unnatural disasters may cause us
to be without the life essentials of water, food or heat.
What can we do to avoid such a disaster? We can not stop
the storm or act of nature that causes our home to be
without heat, electricity, food and water. We can plan
ahead to be ready should such an occurrence take place.
First, we need to have a family consultation so everyone
knows the plan of action if disaster hits. It is important
for each home to have some survival essentials put together
in one place that each member of the family can reach.
What should be in this Survival Box? Here are 21 must
haves for your family.
- Flashlights
with fresh batteries
- Candles
with candle holders
- Bottled
water for several days
- Canned
food with a portable can opener
- Dried
food, such as cereals, dried fruits, crackers or peanut
butter
- A
first aid kit
- Battery-powered
radio
- A
mobile phone with backup battery pack
- Emergency
phone numbers
- Smoke
detector with batteries
- A
quality fire extinguisher
- A
carbon monoxide detector with batteries
- Prescription
drugs for family members
- Paper
logs or wood logs
- Matches
- Toilet
paper and wipes
- Diapers
(if there are babies)
- Blankets
- Portable
heater if it is new
- A
good book and some games for the children
- Copy
of the book, "Safety and You" or another safety handbook
With the
possibility of an emergency happening to any of us, the above information will
help you survive in a more comfortable manner. Nothing is easy, but being prepared
is essential!