During National Preparedness Month this September, the City of Hutto's Department of Emergency Management has two main priorities for public outreach. First, get those most vulnerable during disasters like ice storms registered for local emergency assistance. Second, get everyone to build a household "go kit." Here's how you can participate!
REGISTER YOURSELF OR LOVED ONES
Do you, or does someone you love, need a welfare check during an emergency such as severe weather? The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) is free to Hutto area residents! STEAR provides local emergency planners and responders with information on community needs, so we can better assist you or your family members when severe weather or other emergencies strike. Click here to register yourself or a loved one.
Who should be registered with STEAR?
• People with disabilities
• People who are medically fragile
• People who require transportation assistance
• People with access and functional needs such as:
◦ People who have limited mobility
◦ People who have communication barriers
◦ People who require additional medical assistance during an emergency event
◦ People who require personal care assistance
BUILD YOUR HOUSEHOLD "GO KIT"
When an emergency strikes such as an ice storm, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least three days. A "go kit" is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of disaster, whether you have to evacuate quickly or shelter in place.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Click here for a printable version. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what additional, unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.
To assemble your kit, store items in air-tight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit if needed, based on your individual needs:
- Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children