While it seems as if the Midwest and Chicagoland is safe from hurricanes, earthquakes and other life-threatening natural disasters, we’re still exposed to tornados, floods and fires.
In fact, Illinois is at the northeast edge of “tornado alley”, about 400 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Detroit, Michigan. From 1950 to August 30, 2007, there have been 2,103 tornadoes in Illinois. 99 of Illinois’ 102 counties have been declared major disaster areas due to flooding since 1981 and Illinois ranked 4th in the United States in total thunderstorm catastrophes between 1949 and 1998. All of Illinois is at risk from severe winter storms and winter never passes without a severe winter storm somewhere in the state; a blizzard, heavy snow storm or ice storm. Our community also faces technological hazards caused by tools, machines and hazardous substances.
Autumn is the perfect time to create a plan to handle a disaster. In this part 1 of a two-part series, Maertin Heating and Cooling is here to explain emergency preparedness kits.
Get Your Kit Together
In the event of any emergency, you may not have access to basic necessities for several days, especially if there are long-term power outages. Recommended items for a basic emergency supply kit includes:
- Water, about one gallon per person per day for several days
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- Prescription medications
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Battery-powered radio/NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties
- Whistle, to signal for help
- Masks, to help filter contaminated air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Local maps
If space allows, you might also include:
- Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, diarrhea relief medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Cash
- Vital documents such as copies drivers licenses, birth certificates, passports, insurance policies and bank account records. These can be saved on a thumb drive, or in the cloud electronically or as paper copies in a waterproof container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate, with comfortable sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and additional water for any pets
- Feminine personal hygiene items
- Paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper, pens and pencils
- Books, games, puzzles and other activities
Place all items in a waterproof container, tightly sealed. Store your kit in an easily accessible, cool, dry place, informing all family members of its location. Check your kit every year to replace expired items and update items as your family needs change.
Besides this home kit, keep a “grab and go” kit at work with 24 hours of food, water and medications, and comfortable walking shoes included. Keep another “grab and go” kit that includes food, water, medication, shoes and a warm blanket and signal lights in each of your vehicles too.
As summer turns to fall and Chicagoland’s most volatile weather season begins, Maertin Heating & Cooling is here to make sure your furnace is at its absolutely top performance when the first cold weather hits – and for every window-rattling storm after that. Call 708-479-9350 or click here to schedule your fall check up and tune up.
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