Home Emergency Preparation Info Sheet

In case of an emergency, the town has plans to protect lives and property, and is prepared to implement them if and when needed, but here are some precautions citizens can take on their own.

Water: Keep at least a three-day supply (one gallon per person per day) stored in a cool dark location. (Note water purification methods below.)

Food: Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking such as canned fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, powdered milk, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, and granola bars. Store these items in dry, covered containers.

Recommended Tools & Supplies: A battery operated radio with extra batteries, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, basic tool kit, manual can opener, toilet paper, soap, personal hygiene items, prescription drugs, house-hold unscented chlorine bleach, money, and matches in a waterproof container, fire extinguisher, at least one blanket or sleeping bag per person

Water Purification Methods

1. Boiling – Bring the water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes. Let the water cool before drinking. Boiling water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two containers.

2. Disinfection – You can use household liquid bleach (unscented, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite) to kill microorganisms. Do not use scented bleaches, color safe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners. Add sixteen drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand for 15 minutes.

If the Electricity Goes Out: Do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. If the power outage is less than 2 hours you need not be concerned with refrigerated food. However, any perishable food that has been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more, or any food with an unusual odor, color or texture should be discarded. Keeping a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer at all times helps you know if the food has maintained a safe temperature.

How to Cook If the Power goes Out: For emergency cooking you can use the fireplace, an outdoor charcoal grill, or an outdoor camp stove. Caution: Do not use outdoor cooking units indoors.

Remember to:

1. Listen to your battery powered radio for news and instructions.

2. Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.

3. Stay away from downed power lines.