Is your family prepared for an emergency?

Our TSL Adventures family, like the rest of the nation, has watched in sadness as families in Texas and Florida struggle in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and Irma. Our thoughts continue to be with them.

And while the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area doesn’t face the same threat of hurricanes as the Gulf Coast or the same threat of earthquakes as the Pacific Coast, we aren’t immune to emergency situations. Remember the ice storm of December 2008, which left 300,000 utility customers in the Capital Region without power?

Because of incidents like that one, every household should have an emergency kit. And what better time to assemble it than now, when the sun is still shining, before the temperatures drop and without the distractions of the holidays that are just around the corner. Take a few hours to put together your kit. You have many of the necessities in your home already. Get the kids to help!

Here’s what the Department of Homeland Security suggests you include in your kit. Remember to place your items in airtight plastic bags -- those vacuum-sealed large travel bags work great -- and store them in containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag that are easy for you to carry.
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The basics

• 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

Beyond the basics
Add the following items, based on your needs.

• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Extra glasses and contact lenses solution. (When you get new glasses to update your look, don’t get rid of the old ones. Put them in your kit!)
• 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 in a waterproof, portable container. At the very least, make sure you scan them and save them electronically by emailing them to yourself.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes. (Clothes that are still wearable but maybe you’ve grown tired of are perfect for this use.)
• 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 update your kit, as needed, and to remove and replace expired items.
Storing your kit
Since you don’t know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for your home, work and vehicles.

• 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.

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