The first thing you want to do is buy a red 3-ring binder. The size (width) depends on how much information you want to store in the binder (more on this is a couple paragraphs). It doesn't really have to be red, red is just more visible and can usually be associated with an emergency, therefore, if you have a red binder amongst many of other colors, you will know which one you need to grab if your brain is going in a million different directions due to panic. Hopefully your red binder won't be in with a bunch of other stuff; pick a place to keep it so you can get it in a second. I'm keeping mine in my coat closet by the front door.
I'll be storing it in a red plastic tote (you should get one of these, too) that will serve as our "Go-Tote". We will use it to store the things we need to take with us in case of evacuation (more on this later). Also included will be a gas shut-off wrench, to use if necessary. Whatever spot you choose, make sure it's easy to get to and in a spot that will most likely NOT cave in during an earthquake.
Next, get some sheet protectors. Put a minimum of ten sheet protectors in your emergency binder. These will hold your family plan, family and contact information, evacuation plan, etc. You can add more than ten sheets to hold additional info. I would also get a good-sized zippered pouch to put inside and some waterproof pouches (optional) for important documents. You can buy these through Shelf Reliance (I'm a consultant) and a lot of other places, I'm sure.
Now for the documents that you will be printing. The first ten pages will go double-sided in the first five sheet protectors. Read through all of the information, then get together with your family and make a plan. Fill the sheets out completely (you may want to use pencil for your family and contact information sheets in case anything changes) and put them in the binder, which you will put in your "Go-Tote". Store it somewhere safe yet easily accessible. Then relax. First mission accomplished!
Side task: Start saving your empty 2-liter soda and juice bottles--plastic ones labeled with a number 1 or 2 on the bottom only. Don't save milk jugs; they are not sturdy enough. Soak them in bleach water and then wash with soap and hot water. Rinse well before filling with water that has been boiled and allowed to cool. We put duct tape over the lid and write the month and year the bottle was filled. This is NOT the ideal way to store water, but it's better than nothing and can be used for cleaning if nothing else. Rotate every six months to a year. Put them in the back of closets, in unused cabinets, under beds, anywhere there is wasted space. It's best if they're in a cool, dark area--no place that sunlight can reach.
Love you much! Until next week--
Teresa
Resource for waterproof pouches:
http://www.shelfreliance.com/waterproof-pouch.html
Below are the documents to print for this week, as well as for the missions over the next few weeks. You can click the menu button and download. I don't know if it will work for you to just print from the menu there. Let me know if it works or not. After you download, change whatever you need to make it fit your family's needs, then print and put it in your binder. Happy Preparing!!
Emergency Preparedness Plan
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