I don't know why the emergency kits are recommended.

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Turn back the clocks, organize emergency kits
By Cathy Locke

Published: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 - 11:00 pm | Page 1B

The switch to and from daylight saving time comes with reminders to
change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and otherwise make
sure homes are squared away for the coming season.

Public safety officials say it also is a good time to assemble or update
emergency supply and evacuation kits.

When people talk about emergency preparedness, they typically think of
large-scale catastrophes like floods, earthquakes or wildland fires,
said Carol Willis, spokeswoman for the Sacramento Fire Department's
Community Emergency Response Team.

But the most common disasters, she said, are residential fires.

Emergency kits should contain supplies to sustain each family member for
at least 72 hours without any outside assistance. They should include a
minimum of a gallon of water per day per person, non-perishable food,
medications, clothes, toiletries, flashlights with spare batteries, a
battery-powered radio and first-aid kit.

It also is important, Willis said, to regularly update the kits.

For fall and winter, she said, "Make sure you have seasonal clothing – a
warm jacket, rain gear, and waterproof shoes or boots."

Also check foods and medications for expiration dates. Remove those that
are about to expire and replace them with new items.

"Put in food that won't make you too thirsty but is high in protein,"
Willis said.

And be sure to include a manual can opener, utility knife and pair of
scissors.

Items should be placed in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack
or duffel bag, and kept in the garage or a closet near the front door –
someplace you can get to easily if you need to make a hasty exit.

Willis recommends having a similar kit in the car and the office. She
also suggests assembling a small bag containing a snack and water or
juice for children to keep in their desk at school. Many schools, she
said, don't have emergency supplies of water for each classroom.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that a disaster
supplies kit include:

• A supply of water. Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers.
Identify the storage date and replace every six months.

• A supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food and a nonelectric
can opener.

• A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.

• Blankets or sleeping bags.

• A first-aid kit and prescription medications.

• An extra pair of glasses.

• A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.

• Credit cards and cash.

• An extra set of car keys.

• List of family physicians.

• A list of important family information, and the style and serial
number of medical devices such as pacemakers.

• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

The Humane Society of the United States also recommends preparing a
disaster kit for pets that includes:

• Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls and a manual
can opener, if you are packing canned pet food.

• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a
first-aid kit, with a pet first-aid book.

• Cat litter box, litter, garbage bags to collect all pets' waste and
litter scoop.

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely and to
ensure that pets can't escape. Carriers should be large enough for the
animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Blankets or
towels may be needed for bedding or warmth.

• Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify
them – and to prove that they are yours – in case you and your pets
become separated.

• Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them.

• Information about your pets' feeding schedules, medical conditions,
behavior problems, and the name and phone number of your veterinarian in
case you have to board pets or place them in foster care.

Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags,
grooming items and household bleach.

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