Advice from the Emergency Response Team Inc. - What to Do If You Have to Evacuate Your Home

I'd like to thank the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Los Angeles County Fire Department, City of La Canada Calif., and San Gabriel Valley Volunteer Emergency Response Team Inc. for teaching me and my family how to be prepared for emergencies. What I have to share with you here is some of the things I have learned. While it is not a complete guide to emergency preparedness it will help you to be prepared in the event you must evacuate your home.

Put together a 72 hour "go kit". A large duffel or tote can be used to store your supplies. This kit should contain :

Basic First Aid Kit- You want things to control bleeding and cover minor wounds - Absorbent dressings, roller gauze, bandages, bandage scissors, first aid tape, and rubber or latex gloves. Include one or two sanitary napkins or disposable diapers in your first aid kit. They make a great absorbent dressing for deep wounds. If you don't normally use these products ask a neighbor who does to supply you with a few and offer to trade extra supplies you may have to help them be prepared to evacuate. You may want to expand your first aid kit depending on your level of training.

Tool Kit - flashlights, work gloves, dust mask, goggles, duct tape, rope, markers, & a multi use tool (folding pliers with screwdriver, knife and other attachments)

A complete change of clothing for each family member including , long pants, long sleeve shirt, jacket, sweater, or coat, sturdy shoes & extra set of under garments & socks.

Consider any special needs like personal hygiene, hearing aids , extra pair of glasses even if you normally wear contacts. The air may be full of dust or debris making contacts uncomfortable or you may not have the facilities necessary to properly care for your contact lenses.