Disasters come in all sizes. Tornadoes, chemical spills, fires, flooding or ice storms can change our daily activities in the blink of an eye. Is your family ready to evacuate or shelter in place depending on what you’re instructed to do? Each family needs to have a disaster kit and a plan to be prepared. When a disaster strikes, you need to know what to do and implement the plan. Over the next 21 weeks we will be guiding you how to become informed, make a plan and build a kit.

Build a disaster kit.
Focus on your family's needs, catering to children, elderly or those with special needs. We will provide the basics for each week and you will have the opportunity to enhance the lists to meet your family’s needs. Participating stores will assist you in obtaining items for your kit and will be listed in the media, www.sckyredcross.org website and through signs on each stores door. Inside the stores you will find displays showing that week’s items. Several stores will also offer sale prices on those items during that week. Shelf talkers (signs designating disaster items) will be on the shelves next to items as a reminder.

Each month we will also be providing articles that will assist you in helping your family prepare. In February, Dr. William Pfohl will discuss preparing children for times of stress in a disaster.
Check our website www.sckyredcross.org for a complete list of our sponsors and a list of participating retailers

Start today to Prepare, Prevent and Respond for the unexpected the Red Cross Way,

Winter Car Kit

Keep in your vehicle:

Bright color cloth to tie to antenna, shut in window or door
Flashlight with extra batteries or windup light
A windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal
Small sack of sand to generate traction under wheels
Matches in a waterproof container
Candle and sturdy can (this is the only time we suggest the use of candles, they can generate both heat and light)
Cards and games
Jumper cables
Small shovel, pocket knife and small tools

If you will be driving in wintry conditions, in addition to the usual emergency supplies you keep in your vehicle, be sure to keep enough of the following for each person:

Several blankets or sleeping bags
Rain gear, set of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a hat(preferably wool)
Bottled water(eating snow will lower your body temp, if necessary, melt it first)
High energy bars, fruit and nut “munchies”
First aid kit and necessary medications
Newspapers for insulation
Plastic bags for sanitation

Always:

Keep cell phones charged
Keep vehicle gas tank full to prevent fuel line from freezing
Check to see that your car is winterized
Before leaving, listen to weather reports and check latest road conditions
Let someone know your destination, route and arrival time
Travel during daylight when possible and take another person
If you become stranded, tie brightly colored cloth to antenna
Stay with the car unless you can see assistance within 100 yards