Disaster Preparedness Kit: Bobble Barton

Bobble Barton is Red Cross Ready.
We love the color coordination.

This September marks my fourth Preparedness Month with the Red Cross. (Eeeek!) One year we focused on the three basic steps to being prepared:  Build a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed. Last year, we introduced 21 Weeks to Prepare, offering suggestions on building a fully stocked disaster kit. Something that 21 Weeks to Prepare strongly encouraged was customizing your disaster kit to fit your needs.

Some families have babies or small children; others have multiple pets that must be taken care of. Some take medication essential to their health or have a family member with special needs.  These are all things to consider when planning for a disaster. To have a little fun, we’ve decided to take a look at how some people might customize their disaster kits, starting with our very own American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton.

Bobble Barton is a practical gal. She keeps things basic and light that way she doesn’t have to tote around a heavy bag while out in the field helping affected residents.

Her must-haves:

• water
• beef jerky
• extra set of clothing
• First Aid Kit (just in case someone is injured)
• closed-toe work boots
• hair pins (because you can’t have your hair in your face while dressing wounds)
• pen and notebook (to take down names of people that have been separated from their families. We need to get her trained in Safe and Well.)

Just in case:

• rain boots
• wool socks

What else do you think Clara would have in her disaster kit? Post your suggestions in the comments below. Anyone who offers a suggestion will be entered to win a prize :)

Visit www.redcross.org/prepare for a complete list of tips on how to prepare your family today!

21 Weeks to Prepare: Weeks 10 & 11 Daylight Savings Time

We started this journey in September when the sunshine was plentiful and shorts and tank tops were necessary to survive 90 degree temperatures. As we move into shorter days and cooler weather, remember to update your disaster kit accordingly. Scarves, gloves, hats and earmuffs are great sidekicks during winter months and will be your best friends during winter storms (especially if the power goes out.)

My hero

Another great item to consider adding to your kit is a box of hand warmers. I first learned of these wonderful devices while standing on the sidelines of a high school football game freezing my fingers off. You can throw them in the bottom of your shoes as well to warm your feet.

Sunday is Daylight Savings Time and is the perfect time to update your disaster kit. While switching out clothing options, remember to check foods for expiration dates. Something else you'll want to update this weekend with your clocks and kit are your smoke alarms. Check to make sure that your alarms are in working condition. Even if your battery is still working, go ahead and buy and extra one to have on hand.
This post is the halfway mark to a completed disaster kit, and we would love to see what you have put together! If you have any photos of your kit so far, please share them here or on our Facebook page.

Download 21 Weeks to Prepare Shopping List

Weeks 4 & 5: TP to the Rescue!

If you follow our blog, you might recall local disaster volunteer, Joe Brennan, sharing his packing method before heading to South Dakota to assist flood relief efforts:

“Within 20 minutes, I can pack,” Joe says. “I have it all in a box—everything from toothpaste, to toilet paper, to shirts. When I give an orientation, I tell people, “You never know.”

I'm guessing the part that caught my attention also caught yours—toilet paper! I, for one, would have never thought of it before my conversation with Joe. His philosophy is a good one to follow when building your disaster kit. Also pack soap and hand sanitizer. It might be a while before you have access to a proper wash room, so this is crucial in preventing the spread of germs.

Download 21 Weeks to Prepare Shopping List

Are you duct tape savvy?

One of my first lessons as a college student was the importance of duct tape. Duct tape is a magical tool that can be used to fix just about anything.

Is the binding on your organic chem book coming apart?
Slap on some duct tape!

Are your flip flops in serious need of replacement?
No problem! Just fix them up with a little duct tape.

Most recently, I watched a fellow AmeriCorps turn a fashion emergency into a fashion statement with two pieces of duct tape. Speaking of fashion statements, check out the winners of this year’s “Stuck at Prom” contest, which challenges contestants to create a prom ensemble using duct tape.

You may not have time to create anything that elaborate, but the next time you make a trip to the supermarket, pick up a roll of duct tape for your disaster kit. Actually, pick up two—one for your kit and one for your purse ;)

For a list of items to keep in your disaster kit, go to www.redcross.org.

How has duct tape helped you in the past? Post your comments below.

Disaster Kit friendly foods

So, I am absolutely addicted to Yahoo! Articles, especially the ones that can save you money and calories, but check out this one that could save your life during a disaster.

The top foods you should keep in case of an emergency

The list includes commonly known items, but a few may surprise you. Oh, and as our community disaster educators know well, when you are compiling food for your disaster kit, don’t forget the can opener!

For a full list of items you should include in a disaster kit go to www.redcross.org.

Your New Year's Resolution

So many New Year’s resolutions concern improving oneself. Tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, make a resolution to keep you and your loved ones safer. Be Red Cross Ready! It only takes three steps:

1. Build a Kit
2. Make a plan
3. Be informed

Don’t let disaster catch you off guard in 2010. For more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.louisville-redcross.org.

Fire Prevention Week

Congratulations to Mr. Brad Jones, winner of an American Red Cross Disaster Kit. As part of Fire Prevention Week, chapter employees were given a goody bag containing fire safety and prevention tips, a 9-volt battery, LAC magnet and an Emergency Preparedness Checklist.

Everyone was asked to draw out their home emergency escape plans using the checklist floor plan. They labeled multiple exits and windows as well as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, disaster kits and first aid kits.

Even though Fire Prevention Week is almost over, it's never too late to safeguard your residence against fires.

Create your own emergency escape plan, indentifying two ways out of every room and a designated meeting spot outside. Install smoke alarms on every floor, inside bedrooms and sleeping areas, and don't forget to test them once a month and replace batteries as needed.

With that said, Happy Fire Safety Month!