Emergency

by Janet Wahlquist

My nephew sent us an Emergency Preparedness video which he had made for the County of San Mateo. Many of the tips presented were gleaned from their experience responding to a recent earthquake there. We began to implement some of the ideas. One thing we have done is to compile a backpack for each member of the family to go under their bed in case of emergency. This kind of pack can be stored somewhere outside of the house also. Many situations can arise where a hurried exit from the home would be required. Here is a list of how we packed, hoping to be ready for anything.

Pr 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Knife (age appropriate)
First-aid kit (include butterfly strips and H2O2)
Sewing kit
Fishhooks
Backpack
Flashlight
Batteries
Rope
Matches
Pen
Notebook
Tracts
Dried food and energy bars
Pocket Bible
Compass
1 bottle water
Water purifying drops
Magnifying glass
Metal cup, bowl, spoon
Kleenex
Comb/brush (hair fix stuff)
Soap
Toothpaste/toothbrush
Towel
Vitamins/medicine
Change of Clothes
Blanket
Sweater
Scissors (age appropriate)
Money/valuables
Tweezers
Whistle
3 bandannas
Entertainment/special stuffed animal etc.
Socks (sturdy shoes beside pack)
Chapstick

This is how we prepared our pack. It was very instructive for each of the children and they felt empowered. Each family that feels that this might be a helpful tool should tailor the items to their area and specific needs. A place to meet outside the home should be agreed upon. Drills on exiting the house in case of emergency such as fire, should be practiced. My father and mother taught us what to do in case of fire (we lived in a very combustible house). We had drills exiting our bedroom windows. One night, Mom and Dad put us to bed a little early and hosted a fancy party for their friends. Half way through the evening, they heard a knock at the door. Some one arriving late? To their surprise, my little brother (4) was standing there in his pajamas. He calmly announced, "I'm having a fire drill. " He mingled with the guest for a little while and then nonchalantly went back to bed!