Ensure Your Family Is Prepared for Any Emergency
Living in the Wasatch, we can sometimes take for granted the peace and serenity of our landscape. Ours is an environment of natural beauty, but it’s also an area of extremes. From the challenging backcountry trails to the steep slopes to the ever-changing climate, this area poses certain risks for natural disaster.
The most important thing you can do for yourself and your family is to be prepared should a natural disaster occur. Wildfires, avalanches, earthquakes—all are possible along the Wasatch Front. When disaster strikes, it’s important you are ready to keep you and your family comfortable for at least 72-hours. Situations such as blackouts, closed roads, or shutdown communication systems necessitate having supplies on hand at all times.
Please take the time to check this list of essential items for your 72-hour kit. Keep your kit in an easily accessible area of your home, and one that is cool and dry.
72-Hour Emergency Kit Items
Store all items in an airtight plastic bag and keep items in one or two easy to carry duffel bags for quick transfer if an evacuation is necessary.
Basic 72-Hour Emergency Supply List:
- 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 for all persons in your family
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlights
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape toshelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers toturn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Additional 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
- Emergency blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate
- 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
Remember to keep your kit in a cool, dry place to preserve food, water, and other items. As well, keep your food in tightly closed containers and replace expired items as needed.
As always, stay alert and stay safe Park City!
