Are you Prepared for an Emergency

Buncombe County is encouraging individuals, families, workplaces, schools and organizations to take these simple actions to be prepared:

• Text BCAlert to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts for our community.  In the event of a weather related emergency or other hazard or emergency, Buncombe County would be able to alert those that sign up with instructions and/or warnings. 
• Develop an emergency communication plan for your family. This will help you be in touch if a disaster strikes and family members are in different locations.
• Collect important documents and keep them in a safe place. This will help you evacuate without delay and get back on track after the disaster passes.
• Gather emergency supplies. Pack a “go bag” to evacuate quickly, and have supplies in the home in case water and power are unavailable.

NOTE: Did you know Cooperative Extension has a great online resource for hurricane preparedness and up-to-date information from across the state on weather-related impacts?

PREPAREDNESS KIT

(via ready.gov/kit)

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

• Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food - at least a three-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 and 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

• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Glasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, 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
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
• 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

Maintaining Your Kit

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
• Replace expired items as needed
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Kit Storage Locations

Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.

Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.