What to Put in an Emergency Flood Kit

Super typhoon Pepeng is expected to hit the Philippines this weekend, thanks for bringing this up Nicole! It helps to be prepared! Stay safe and dry everyone!



We always think it will never happen to us, but whether or not your home is at risk from flooding, it's always a good idea to prepare an Emergency Flood Kit as recommended by the Gloucestershire County Council.

Remember to keep your flood kit in a safe place as you may need to grab it quickly in the event of a flash flood.

Ideally, your kit should include...

* Insurance documents and any other important documents
* Insurance emergency helpline number, local council and emergency services numbers, family and friends' telephone numbers and local radio frequencies
* Torch/Flashlight
* Batteries (not rechargeable)
* Portable radio (preferably wind-up)
* Mobile phone
* First aid kit with essential prescription medication and any repeat prescription forms
* Bottled water (check use-by date)
* Non-perishable food items (including energy or cereal bars)
* Blankets and warm clothes
* Wash kit and essential toiletries (including toilet paper and wet wipes)
* Children's essentials (milk, baby food, sterilised bottles and spoons, nappies, wipes nappy bags, clothing, comforter, teddy or favourite toy)
* Camera to record damage for insurance purposes
* Emergency cash
* Additional items for flood kit: wellington boots, waterproof clothing, rubber gloves

Now, here's a useful tip on how to store water, and a detailed list of what to put in your food stash and first-aid kit from The Old Educator:

WATER

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.

Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation) *

Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.

FOOD

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. *Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

* Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
* Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
* Staples: sugar, salt, pepper
* High energy foods: peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
* Vitamins
* Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets
* Comfort/stress foods: cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags


FIRST AID KIT

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should include:

* Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
* 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
* 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
* Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
* Triangular bandages (3)
* 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
* 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
* Scissors
* Tweezers
* Needle
* Moistened towelettes
* Antiseptic
* Thermometer
* Tongue blades (2)
* Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
* Assorted sizes of safety pins
* Cleansing agent/soap
* Latex gloves (2 pair)
* Sunscreen

NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

* Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
* Anti-diarrhea medication
* Antacid (for stomach upset)
* Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
* Laxative
* Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)