Eye on Extension: Emergency preparedness starts at home

VALLEY — The best way for every individual to help during an emergency situation in a community is to first prepare themselves.

With the arrival of tornado, wild fire and flood season, it is time to plan ahead so property and precious lives can be protected. State and national government agencies, along with Colorado State University Extension have extensive resources for all types of emergency situations. Here are some basic guidelines to help your family prepare for basic needs such as food and water.

First, prepare a three-day supply for each person in your family. Consider these tips when preparing your shelf-stable food supply:

* Store food you like and normally eat.

* Rotate and use food and water every 6 to 12 months.

* Consider small can sizes that provide just the number of servings you will consume at one time. If your power is off, refrigerating leftovers is not an option.

* Keep disposable eating utensils and a manual can opener on hand. 

* If you don’t have an alternative way to boil water, do not include instant foods.

* Store food packaged in cardboard boxes, thin plastic or paper in a metal, glass or rigid plastic container to avoid insect and rodent damage.

* Choose shelf-stable foods that do not require a refrigerator or freezer for storage. Once opened or prepared, many foods no longer are shelf stable.

A three-day supply of emergency food for one adult includes: 18-33 servings from the Grains Group, 12-16 servings from the Vegetable Group, 6-9 servings from the Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Bean, Eggs, Nuts Group, and 6-9 servings from the Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese Group.

The Grains Group includes bread, cereal, rice, crackers, pretzels, ready-to-eat cereal, granola bars, and rice cakes.

Easy to store fruits might include canned fruits, fruit leather, applesauce, dried fruits and canned or bottled vegetable juice.

For the Dairy Group, select a variety of canned evaporated milk, canned pudding, processed cheese, dry milk, shelf-stable milk canned sardines, salmon and other fish canned with bones (the bones are a source of calcium).

Meat and other protein foods may include canned or pouched tuna, sardines, salmon or chicken, other canned meats, canned beans, peanut butter, nuts, and commercially prepared jerky.

Water is a critical item. Plan and store one gallon of water per day, per person for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene. Food-grade plastic or glass containers or any container that previously held food or beverages and are cleaned properly are suitable for water storage. Label each of the containers “drinking water” with the current date.

For more information on water storage and how to treat water go to:  http://extension.colostate.edu/disaster-web-sites/water-storage/.

In addition to ensuring a supply of food and water, include an Emergency Supply Kit.  Many of these items you already have around the house. Gather and organize them into a duffle bag, small suitcase or plastic tote, and label it. Suggestions for an emergency supply kit include:

* Personal first-aid kit

* Battery-powered flashlight with extra batteries

* Battery-powered radio with extra batteries

* Personal medication record

* Extra prescription medications or a list of all prescriptions

* Hygienic items (toothbrush/hand sanitizer)

* Extra clothing

* Blankets

* Rain poncho

* 12-hour light sticks

* Whistle to alert rescue parties

* Face mask to avoid inhalation of dangerous bacteria or smoke/debris)

Educating yourself about the different types of common emergency situations for your area or state is another important way to prepare ahead of time. There are several on-line resources listed below that will help you make emergency plans.

www.fema.gov

www.redcross.org

http://extenson.colostate.edu/disaster-web-sites/emergency-preparedness-information-2/

www.ready.gov/wildfires

  For more information contact Mary Ellen Fleming at 852-7381, or visit the CSU Extension Office for the San Luis Valley Area at 1899 E. Hwy 160 in Monte Vista. Please feel free to visit our website at:  http://sanluisvalley.colostate.edu for information about services provided.

Extension programs are available to all without discrimination, Colorado State University Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado Counties cooperating.