30 • Continued from previous page forward” and build back better. We encourage you to internalise the Basic Disaster Kit we have reproduced below. I suggest from my own experience that in terms of survival in relation to food water and medicines that you do your best to make your family capable of surviving on what you have in hand for about a week instead of three days, if you can. BASIC DISASTER SUPPLIES To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easyto-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) Roseau in Dominica has been hit by many storms and hurricanes. (Photos by Frankie Michael) • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food) • Battery-powered or hand crank radio • Flashlight • First aid kit • Extra batteries • Whistle (to signal for help) • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to keep 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 back-up battery Additional Emergency Supplies Since Spring of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu. Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs: Masks (for everyone ages two and above), soap, hand sanitiser, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces and prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for people to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organise 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 traveller’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 • Continues on next page
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