Being prepared means having your supply kit ready

September 08, 2021

OMA’s Ushio reminds you to pack lot of treats

Submitted by Emergency Management Specialist Sherry LoSapio. 

Hello again, it’s me Ushio (You-she-oh). My mom Sherry LoSapio, from the Office of Mission Assurance, has been super busy this month ensuring that our house is prepared. Lately, she’s been gathering all these yummy treats, food and water and storing them in our “safe place.”

Do you have a “safe place” too? We have one and when scary things happen, we get to go there. I like it there because I get to snuggle in my blankets and spend time with my humans. My mom puts special things in our space and I heard her call one of them a disaster supply kit. It contains basic household items we may need in case of emergency. She packs it with human things and supplies for furry friends too. If we had cold-blooded friends she would add stuff for them too. 

My mom uses this recommended supplies list. Some of the things I’ve heard my mom mention are:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation. Bottled water typically lasts for 1-2 years if stored properly.).
• 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.
• Flashlight.
• First aid kit.
• Extra batteries.
• Whistle (to signal for help).
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air).
• 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 and a backup battery.

Mom says that the CDC has recommended that humans include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of viruses and the flu. Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit:

• Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces.
• Prescription medications.
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives.
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution.
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream.
• 

  Ushio snacks on a treat from the emergency supply kit.
  Pet food and extra water for your pet (and snacks, don’t forget the snacks - you can see I got into mine early).
• Cash or traveler's checks.
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and pet records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person and fur friend!
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Matches in a waterproof container.
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils.
• Paper and pencil.
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children and toys for the furry ones!  I love my hide and seek chipmunks!

This is just one of the many steps that humans can take to prepare themselves and their families (fur babies too) to be ready for any emergency situation that may occur. Once your kit is assembled, you can take action and utilize the opportunity to test it. 

Oh, Mom says to go to Ready.gov for all of your preparedness needs.

Look for more tips from me next week! *smooches*

Respectfully,

Ushio