Lissenellys Valdez

Prof. D' Arrigo

Bus 52 Fall 2011

09/13/2011

What to have in your hands: Go Bag

Every household member should consider assembling a Go Bag- a collection of items that will be needed in the event of an emergency. The Go Bag must be easily accessible, ready at any time and must contain the following items:

•      Sufficient bottle of water and energy bars (if heavy food is carried, there is a good chance that t will have to be left behind.  On the other hand, water and energy bars can sustain you for a long period of time.

•      Copies of house and cars keys ( this will allow you to have a back up in the case it is lost during the emergency)

•      At least $100 dollars in cash for adults and an extra $50 per children ( no one ever know for how long the emergency will occur; therefore this will provide a chance to relocate in the meantime)

•      Copies of all necessary personal documents in a water proof bag such as: passport, birth certificates, ID, license, and any other valuable document in your possession. (  by having this documents in your hands; will prevents from spending additional money to get original ones later)

•      Blankets, socks, and hat ( the blanket to cover yourself from the night temperature and the socks  and hat because sicknesses usually enter the body thru your feet, and the head)

•      A battery operated radio ( to keep yourself informed)

•      Extra Cell phone batteries ( in the event a black out occurs and electricity is not accessible, the extra batteries will last for a few days until everything is back to normal

•      Medicine for allergies and in the event someone may not feel well

•     Emergency kit

•      Flash light, burners, lighters, matches ( very useful to make fire)

•      Child care supplies ( a child’s comfort may be the most important thought for anyone)

•      Always have a list of the nearest evacuation centers ( if you cannot make it to your designated evacuation center, the list can be your plan B if plan A no longer works)

•      Soap, Toothpaste and toothbrush ( for your everyday hygiene) 

Evacuation: always pay attention the media and direct warning. This will guide you on what to do in case of an evacuation.  When the city announces to evacuate do not hesitate to do so. It is very important to follow orders when there is time than to regret it later on.  Always update yourself on evacuation plans by reading brochures or by calling 311 to clarify what to do under emergencies circumstances.