Emergency Preparedness

Be informed. Make a plan. Build a kit.

This is the perfect time to prepare for winter and the wet weather it brings. Although we are currently in a drought, we can still experience flooding. The recent earthquake and aftershocks in Napa Valley remind us that we live in an unpredictable world and always need to be prepared.

It helps to think about preparedness in terms of how you can help your community. If you are prepared, will you be able to help your neighbors?

Assemble the following items to create an emergency supply kit for your family: 

  • Water
  • Food-nonperishable, easy to prepare items
  • Flashlight
  • Battery powered or handcrank radio
  • First aid kit
  • Medications and medical items
  • Multi purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Maps of the area/GPS

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to meet additional needs are:

  • Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
  • Games and activities for children
  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, food, carrier, bowl)
  • Two way radios
  • Extra set of car and house keys
  • Manual can opener

Additional supplies in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area: 

  • Whistle
  • N95 or surgical masks
  • Matches
  • Rain gear
  • Towels
  • Work gloves
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Household liquid bleach
  • Blankets or sleeping bags

Pack items in easy to carry containers, label the containers clearly and store them where they would be easily accessible. Duffle bags, back packs and covered trash receptacles are good candidates for containers. In a disaster situation, you may need access to your disaster supplies kit quickly-whether you are sheltering at home or evacuating. Following a disaster, having the right supplies can help your household endure home confinement or evacuation.

Make sure the needs of everyone who would use the kit are covered, including infants, seniors and pets. It's good to involve whoever is going to use the kit, including children, in assembling it.

For more information please contact Colusa County Public Health at (530) 458-0380. For your local American Red Cross click here.

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Source: Center for Disease Control Emergencies & Ready.gov

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Shelter Information Printable Flyer in Spanish (PDF)