Can you believe it’s been 30 years since the devastation of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake hit San Francisco and the Bay Area? When it comes to earthquakes, it’s just a matter of time before the big one strikes. At our recent workshop, HOW TO CREATE YOUR EMERGENCY KIT, which took place on Oct. 9th in Noe Valley, we learned all about how to get prepared for an earthquake, fire, or any other disaster. Rebekah Shapiro Gonzalez, a local State Farm Insurance Agent, was a wealth of knowledge and provided a handy EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT CHECKLIST. We thought we’d share it here for anyone who wasn’t able to make it to the workshop. We also compiled a handy EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST for your PETS.
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT CHECKLIST
☑️Water, One gallon of water, per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
☑️Food, at least a three day supply of non-perishable food
☑️Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and NOAA Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
☑️Flashlight and extra batteries
☑️First Aid Kit
☑️Whistle to signal for help
☑️Dust mask to help filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting, and duct take to shelter in place.
☑️Sanitary wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
☑️Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
☑️Can Opener for Food
☑️Local Maps
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT CHECKLIST for PETS
☑️IDENTIFY EVACUATION LOCATIONS
• Find places that can accommodate pets if you evacuate; consider pet-friendly hotels, kennels and/or loved ones
• Write down locations and store them with your disaster kit
• Practice loading your pets into carriers and your vehicle
☑️ASSEMBLE A DISASTER KIT
• Assemble a kit for each animal in your household
• Keep the kit near an exit so it is easy to grab in case of an emergency. Include food, water, and medication for 3-7 days, a pet first aid kit, a leash, blankets/towels, and bags to collect waste. Also, include your Vet’s contact info.
☑️MICROCHIP YOUR PETS
• It is the single best way to reunite lost pets and families
• Update microchip registration when you move, change phone numbers or get a new emergency contact
• Secure a sturdy, legible ID tag on your pets’ collars, too
☑️START A BUDDY SYSTEM
• Exchange keys with someone who can evacuate your animals if you are not home when disaster strikes
• Give your buddy your pets’ information and your emergency contact information
• Make sure your buddy is comfortable handling your pets
☑️TAKE PHOTOS OF YOU WITH YOUR PET(S)
• Photos can prove ownership if you are separated from your pets
• Keep copies in your wallet and your disaster kit
• Give copies to a loved one who lives outside of your area
• Storing photos on your cell phone can also be useful
A FEW MORE ITEMS FOR YOUR EMERGENCY KIT provided by Gwen McClure of Place It
EMERGENCY PACK
LATCHES FOR CABINETS
FIND PET INSIDE STICKER
FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS|
WATER CONTAINER
HEAD LAMP
NERT
NERT is a free training program for individuals, neighborhood groups and community-based organizations in San Francisco. Through this program, individuals will learn the basics of personal preparedness and prevention. The training also includes hands-on disaster skills that will help individuals respond to a personal emergency as well as act as members of a neighborhood response team.
