SERVPRO® of Augusta South Wants You to be Safe!

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

An Emergency Can Happen at Any Time

As emergency service responders, we have witnessed the tremendous toll an unexpected disaster can have on a household. Due to that, we have come to be well versed on the steps people can and should take to be prepared in the face of a catastrophe. Our biggest recommendation is to create disaster kit ready to go.  

Disaster Supplies Kit

It is recommended that a household should have at least one kit prepared in the even of an emergency, below are some items that can be vital to pack:

• One gallon of water per person for several days’ worth – for drinking and sanitization.
• Several days’ worth of non-perishable food.
• Battery powered radio and a NOAA Weather radio with tone alert.
• Two flashlights and batteries.
• First aid kit.
• Extra batteries.
• Whistle to signal for help.
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape in case sheltering in place.
• Tools like wrenches or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Manual can opener.
• Local maps.
• Cellphones with chargers and extra batter backups or battery banks.
• Prescription medications.
• Non-prescription medications.
• Prescription glasses and contact lenses.
• Infant formulas, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream.
• Pet food and extra water
• Cash, checks, or traveler’s checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, bank records, saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Sleeping bags or warm blankets for each person.
• Matches in waterproof container.
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
• Mess kits, paper cups, paper towels, and plastic utensils.
• Paper and pencil.
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children.

Maintain Your Kit

Once you have assembled your kit, it is important to maintain it regularly. You can do this by following these tips:

• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Keep canned food in a cool, dry location.
• Regularly replaced expired items as needed.
• Re-evaluate your needs every year and update the kits accordingly.

Kit Storage Locations

Since a disaster can occur anywhere, we recommend creating multiple kits. Preparing supplies for home, work, and vehicles is the best course of action to always keep you safe.

• Home: Keep the kit in a designated place and have in ready to go in a pinch. Ensure that all member of the household is aware of its importance and location.
• Vehicles: In the event of getting stranded, it is good to have an emergency kit in your car.
• Work: There may come for a time where you need to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water, medicine, and comfortable walking shoes that can be stored in a “grab and go” bag.

If you find yourself in need of water or damage repair, SERVPRO® of Augusta South / Wilkes & Burke Counties is ready and available to help in your time of need. You can contact us at (706) 843-1990.