Prepare for the Unexpected – Infographic

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
 Water and non-perishable food for several days
 Extra cell phone battery or charger
 Battery-powered or hand crank radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts and extra batteries
 Flashlight and extra batteries
 First aid kit
 Whistle to signal for help
 Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
 Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
 Non-sparking wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
 Can opener (if kit contains canned food)

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
 Prescription medications and glasses
 Infant formula and diapers
 Pet food, water and supplies for your pet
 Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a portable waterproof container
 Cash and change
 Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
 Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
 Consider additional bedding if you live in a coldweather climate.
 Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
 Consider additional clothing if you live in a coldweather climate.
 Fire Extinguisher
 Matches in a waterproof container
 Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items and hand sanitizer
 Mess kits, Paper cups, plates and disposable utensils, paper towels
 Paper and pencil
 Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

KEEP VITAL RECORDS IN A SAFE PLACE
Store paper copies in a waterproof and fireproof box, safe, or bank deposit box. Leave copies with trusted relatives or friends. Secure electronic copies with strong passwords and save them on a flash or external hard drive in your waterproof box or safe.

What to do if you lose power:

Your electronics and appliances can be vulnerable to outages too, and knowing how to care for them during power losses will help keep you safe and protect them from damage.
1. Unplug Appliances
Televisions, computer equipment, advanced technology washers and dryers, game consoles, fans, lights, etc., should be unplugged, especially if they were in use when the power went out.
2. Use Surge Protectors
It’s strongly recommended that expensive electronics be unplugged during an outage to protect them from power surges when electricity is
restored, but for when you can’t unplug, surge protectors will help prevent damage to electronics like computers and televisions.
3. Keep the Fridge & Freezer Closed
Make sure food stays as cold as possible, by keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed and placing blocks of ice inside.
4. Turn Out the Lights
Turn all light switches and lamps off except for one, so you will know when power returns. If the power is still out when you go to sleep, leave a bedroom light on to wake you so you can safety check your home.
5. Use a generator but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
6. Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
7. Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
8. Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.

How to Protect Yourself During A Power Outage

Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme. Preparing for a Power Outage
• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank.
• Have flashlights for every household member.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.

Know Your Medical Needs
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines.
• Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.

Using Appliances During Power Outages
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment,
or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.

Food Storage
• Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
• Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
• Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.

Returning After A Power Outage
• When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
• If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.

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332 Main Street
Wareham, MA 02571
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Pam@ACTSmartIT.com