Do you have a disaster kit ready? (image via do1thing)

As part of our goal to make sure that businesses and communities are prepared for the next Bay Area disaster, we’ve been urging people to have disaster supply kits on-hand, but what does that really mean? When a disaster strikes, it will be a confusing time, and many basic things we rely on now, like ATMs, and  running water may be unavailable.  By thinking ahead and figuring out what you’d need in case of emergency, you can make it easier for you and those around you to survive.

The website do1thing has tried to simplify this process by breaking down the disaster preparation process into one, easy monthly to-do. This month the goal is creating your own disaster kit.

The contents of your kit will vary depending on your particular needs, such as medication, and if you have pets, but what is important is to be able to take care of yourself and your family without outside assistance for at least 72 hours.  This is the amount of time experts suggest you be prepared for, since emergency personnel will be very busy, may not be able to get essentials like food and water to you. This is why your emergency kit is so important.

Some of the tasks they recommend doing include:

• Gather your emergency supplies in an easy-to-reach and accessible place.

• Stash some cash in case ATMs and credit card machines are not usable in a disaster.  Some experts say you should have at minimum $150.00 in cash stashed away.

• Include a basic tool kit – hammer, wrench, utility knife, screwdriver, nails.
• Have an emergency-supply for kit for any pets – a supply of pet food and any medications your pet may need.

• Maintain at least one regular phone at your residence that is not cordless.  - during a power outage, your cordless phone will not work.  However, those old-fashioned movement-restricting phones that  have a cord will work without  power if the phone lines are intact.
• Include a sanitation kit- moist towelettes, garbage bags, toilet paper, waterless hand cleaner
• Make sure you have a food kit – waterproof matches, a manual can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, a small pot or pan, portable grill or camp stove (never use indoors!)

Taking small steps such as these once a month will go a long way to ensuring you can survive at least a 72-hour period until emergency personnel can reach you.