El Paso disaster experts offer tips on how to build your emergency supply kit
El PASO, Texas -- Disaster can strike at any moment, which is why El Paso's Office of Emergency Management is hoping to remind El Pasoans to take action and be ready in case of an emergency.
One way to do so is by building an emergency kit. You'll need food and supplies to last at least 72 hours.
Here are some of the items:
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Non-perishable food
- Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
"During (the pandemic) you want to make sure that you have mask hair sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, (and) moist towelettes for personal hygiene," said Tonya Clark, and emergency management specialist with OEM.
Clark suggests also having important documents ready to go, like your birth certificate, or social security card.
Building an emergency supply kit is just one of many steps in building an emergency plan for you and your family. OEM says you'll want to collect, share, and practice.
"Collect any information from your family members in regards to medical facilities, schools, meeting points, etc.," Clark said. "Share that information with your family. And lastly, you want to make sure you practice that plan, so it's not just a plan that's on paper, but in fact the plan that you have practiced."
For more tips on building your kit including how to maintain it and other items to include, click here.
