IMPORTANT!
INFORMATION PACK
INCLUDES:
EVACUATION CHECKLIST will remind you of things you need to do when you are under stress and may not be able to think clearly.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM has general information about your medical facts, blood type, disabilities, allergies, eyeglasses, etc.
NEXT OF KIN included on emergency information form.
PERMISSION TO TREAT FORM for each child under the age of 18 years in case you are separated from the child and he/she needs immediate emergency medical treatment in order to save his/her life. This form needs to be placed in the kit the child will be using and near the top of the kit so emergency triage staff doesn’t have to search it out.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM fill out when you leave your home and place in the mailbox or on the door if you have time. (pick up a blank form at the post office)
PHONE LIST (include some change for phone calls)
o Bishop ____________________________________________________
o Ward address_______________________________________________
o Stake address_______________________________________________
o Contact relatives (include at least one out-of-state)
Name/phone_____________________________________________
Address________________________________________________
Name/phone_____________________________________________
Address________________________________________________
Name/phone_____________________________________________
Address________________________________________________
Five Steps to Peace:
1. Think it through
2. Build the kit
3. Be Alert and Be Aware
4. Have a Plan
5. Rehearse the Plan
“…if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”
(D&C 38:30)
EVACUATION CHECKLIST
Be familiar with this list of items before an emergency strikes.
IF TIME PERMITS:
TURN OFF UTILITIES- IN THIS ORDER:
ELECTRICITY
GAS (attach gas shut-off wrench to unit; aluminum wrench so it will not spark)
WATER (know where to turn off the utilities. Have the proper tools needed attached to the units or close by)
LOAD 72-HOUR KITS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS (make sure that everyone in the household knows where his/her kit is located and how to use all of the items in the kit.)
TAKE TENT OR SHELTER
LEAVE EVACUATION NOTICE
TAKE SUFFICIENT CASH OR CHANGE
TAKE LEGAL PAPERS, WILL, DEEDS, ETC.
GENEALOGY-FAMILY HISTORY
TAKE EYEGLASSES & SUFFICIENT MEDICAL NEEDS NOT IN
72-HOUR KIT
DRIVER’S LICENSE
MAKE PROVISIONS FOR PETS AND ANIMALS
BEFORE LEAVING NOTIFY POLICE, IF POSSIBLE
LOCK DOORS
POST CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR NOTE REVEALING DESTINATION
NOTE: KEEP A MINIMUM OF ½ TANK OF GAS IN ONE OR MORE VEHICLES AT ALL TIMES.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Name:________________________________________________________________________________
Gender: M / F Age:____________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________ County:_______________________ State: _____________
Phone number: _____________________ Spouse’s name: __________________________________
MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
MEDICATIONS YOU ARE TAKING (be specific):
BLOOD TYPE:
DISABILITIES & ANY APPLIANCES YOU USE (wheelchair, crutches, etc.)
ALLERGIES OR CHRONIC ILLNESSES:
NEXT OF KIN OR ANYONE TO BE NOTIFIED:
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Name:
Address:
Phone:
YOUR DOCTOR:
Name:
Address:
Phone:
RELIGIOUS PREFERENCE:
Clergyman Name:
Phone:
PERMISSION TO TREAT
FOR MINOR CHILD
I, (we) _____________________ (and) ____________________ of ________________________ County of _________________ State, do hereby proclaim that I am (we are) the natural parent(s)/legal guardian(s) having legal custody of _______________________________, a minor, age ______, who resides with me at ________________________________________ in the City of _____________________, County of __________________, in the State of ______________, to consent to any X-ray, examination, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis or treatment and hospital care, to be rendered to the minor under the general or special supervision and on the advise of any physician or surgeon licensed to practice in the State(s) of __________________ when the need for such treatment is immediate, and when efforts to contact me (us) are unsuccessful.
This authorization is to be effective from ____________ to ___________.
Dated this _________________ day of __________________, ________.
______________________________ ______________________________
Signature of Parent(s) or Legal Guardian
Expiration Date ___________________
Child’s Doctor ______________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________ Phone ______________________________
Child’s Allergies, if any:
Medications Child is Taking:
Any special conditions, diagnosis, or other helpful information:
SHELTER
*WOOL BLANKET wool does not readily burn and will keep you warm even if it is wet. Synthetics such as fleece will melt right into the flesh and skin if it gets too close to a heat source and cause severe burns.
*PLASTIC DEW CLOTH a piece of lightweight plastic sheeting large enough to cover an area you need to sleep on. This is to provide a moisture barrier between you and the ground in case you have to sleep outside. It can be used as a protective shelter from the rain if needed. Can be used to line a hole dug in the ground to catch water. Many uses for plastic dew cloth.
*PLASTIC TUBE TENT there are times that some kind of shelter will be required. These tents are usually large enough for 2 adults and are not expensive. They are usually made of fairly heavy plastic and are usually 10-12 feet long and require a rope to connect them to two anchors such as trees, etc.
*ROPE usually 50 feet nylon parachute-cord type. This is used to anchor the tube tent and for innumerable other uses; very lightweight.
*MYLAR SAFETY BLANKET will offer protection under extreme weather (cold) conditions. When wrapped in this blanket up to 80% of your body heat will be reflected back to your body. Could possibly save your life in very cold conditions. Is also cooling in hot weather.
*POCKET KNIFE-LEATHERMAN get a good quality pocket knife. This may be the most important piece of emergency equipment you will prepare. Have on of the pocket sharpeners to go with it. It is small and lightweight.
FUEL PACK
LIGHT * HEAT * WARMTH
*WATERPROOF MATCHES will still light under damp conditions.
*BUTANE LIGHTER back-up fire source.
*CYALUME LIGHT STICKS the only safe source following an earthquake. (Especially good for providing comfort to children. Provides a continuous source of light for 12 hours. Cannot be turned off when activated. Cannot be reused. Totally safe for children to handle. Need to watch the dates and replace them when expired.)
*HAND AND BODY WARMERS these are especially helpful where babies, elderly or the infirm are to be considered. Depending on the brand, some may be used for three consecutive days when returned to the original package after temporary use. Can be inserted under clothing but not against the skin of elderly people. Can be used in the blankets of babies. There are some on the market that can be reused over and again. They are activated by snapping a coin-type insert in the solution. When the time expires for its use the packet becomes hard. Boil it and it is ready to use again, just snap the coin.)
*TWO 15-HOUR CANDLES least safe source of light; cheap source of light and can be shared. NOT SAFE for children. Must be used with caution. Not to be used if there is any possibility of a gas leak present or other flammable substances near.
*FLASHLIGHT & BATTERIES can be used for intermittent signaling if needed. Can be turned off and used when needed. Provides a good light source… but only lasts as long as the batteries. To recharge alkaline batteries: slit the sides, soak in vinegar for an hour, and seal with duct tape.
or NEW LITHIUM FLASHLIGHT guaranteed for a lifetime and give off excellent light. They recharge when shook and are good for 100,000 charges.
NEWSPAPER a couple of pages of newsprint folded tightly can provide a cheap backup for those not desiring or able to start a warming fire with fire starter or kindling; does not add weight to your pack. Also can be a backup for toilet paper.
SPARKLIGHT TINDER QUICK also a backup. This is a small kit which contains a flint and tinder to light fires. Backpackers usually carry this kit in the back-country. It is small and guarantees a spark to light a fire.
ALCOHOL STOVE AND ALCOHOL a good cooking source and very reasonable. Uses regular alcohol for a fuel source and is very compact, lightweight and the alcohol can be used in medical applications. Can be used to heat water for babies’ formula, etc.
PERSONALIZED MEDICATIONS PACKET
PERSONALIZED MEDICATIONS- IMPORTANT These medications should be packaged in a separate airtight container, each medication wrapped individually to avoid absorption, for each kit or person for which the kit is intended- one person per container… DO NOT MIX! Include: patient’s name; physical description of medication, expiration/ purchase date, dosage instructions (time, with food, water or juice, etc.) with strength; doctor’s name; other pertinent information such as indications & specific instructions.
ROTATE MEDICATIONS TO ENSURE POTENCY: TABLETS, 1 YEAR AND LIQUIDS, 6 MONTHS.
EXTRA PAIR OF EYEGLASSES, if necessary.
CONSIDER SPECIAL NEEDS
If you are preparing a kit for a person with disabilities, take into consideration a plan of evacuation with consideration of mobility. You may need to stay where you are. If forced to evacuate, be ready to implement the plan as efficiently as possible. Provide a specialized kit to remain with that person and instructions for use.
PREPARE MEDICATIONS FOR FOUR DAYS include vitamins in each kit.
***NOTE***
If you are allergic to BEE STINGS- include a treatment kit along with instructions on how to use it. (Time is essential to treatment.)
If you have ASTHMA, ALLERGIES OR OTHER CONDITIONS- include information relating to causes and treatments. Include your usual medication and instructions. Remember you may be separated from your caregiver- leave detailed instructions to ensure your chances of receiving proper care.
Include all of your emergency information in your personal medication pack as well as in your general information pack. DARE TO BE REDUNDANT!
*POTASSIUM IODIDE or POTASSIUM IODATE this item would be needed in case of a nuclear accident or attack. It should be taken for a period of time from the first, second, or third day of the attack or accident through the 14th day following. (The thyroid gland takes up iodine from the air. This medication saturates the thyroid to block the possibility of picking up radioactive iodine from the air after an incident.)
*PAIN RELIEVERS Tylenol, Ibuprofen, aspirin- your choice.
*POTABLE AQUA water purification tablets. This particular brand will remove giardia cysts as well as other contaminants from water. One bottle will purify 25 quarts of water.
(and PA+) to remove objectionable taste left in the water. It neutralizes the effect of the water purification tablets in the water.
COUGH DROPS comfort item under certain conditions.
INSECT REPELLENT optional depending upon geographical location.
COMFORT PACK
*WASHCLOTH in a zip-lock bag to keep it isolated if it has been wet. It can be returned to the bag after use to isolate it from dry items and keep it from collecting germs.
*HAND TOWEL in a separate zip-lock bag to keep it dry and sanitary.
*TOILET PAPER in a separate zip-lock bag to keep it dry and sanitary, free from contaminants.
*SANITARY NAPKINS everybody gets ONE or TWO (even the men and boys) to be used for a medical compress. If applicable, add enough for three days. Include plastic bags (or wrapper) for disposal or containment during prevailing conditions.
*BAR OF SOAP in a separate zip-lock bag or a travel soap container to protect food from absorbing the perfume smell. Pack away from food.
*CHAPSTICK will provide protection and comfort if you are required to be out in the elements for a prolonged period of time.
*WET ONES provide an instant, disposable source to clean hands, face, noses, some wounds, babies, etc. Use of these will save your washcloth and hand towel. They are germ-free as packaged and extremely convenient.
*BABY WIPES if applicable &/or preferred. These are a necessity if preparing a kit for an infant or small child. They are larger and thicker than Wet Ones.
*COMB/BRUSH comfort item that can be used to remove debris out of hair if necessary.
*TOOTHBRUSH & HOLDER comfort item and tool to remove parts of broken teeth. The holder can be used to contain flex-straws with the toothbrush. Not a life or death item, however, it is important for hygiene to help sustain health and emotional well-being.
TOOTHPASTE: travel-size tube or baking soda. Not required.
LOTION may be a necessity depending upon geographic location or harsh conditions including sun, wind, or salt.
DISPOSABLE RAZOR is a comfort item and medical tool. Can be used to shave area in preparation for lesion repair.
DEODORANT could prove to be both a comfort and emotional item if confined with numerous persons in a shelter. Can also use baby powder or cornstarch.
SHAMPOO is a comfort item that can be used to wash contaminants or debris from hair.
TRAVEL KLEENEX may be necessary for small children.
EMERY BOARD to avoid being stuck with an irritating torn fingernail which can be an aggravating detriment to progress.
CORNSTARCH/TALCUM POWDER for diapering. Protects the skin from irritation, chafing & severe burns. Be sure the container is closed securely &/or put in a zip-lock bag to prevent it from “crawling” into every part of your kit. Corn starch can also be used to comfort sore feet from wearing wet shoes too long.
FLEX STRAWS include three or four of these inside the toothbrush holder. These can be valuable in administering water or other fluids to a person injured and unable to hold his/her head up.
SANITATION PACK
*SEWING KIT should include the following: 2 threaded needles, 10 assorted sized buttons, 2 large safety pins, 3 medium safety pins, and 4 small safety pins. Also, a single-sided razor blade, several thumb tacks. For thread, cut 2 small pieces of cardboard (3/4” by 2”), cut two small notches on each side. Wrap 5 yards of thread around each notch- four different colors for a total of 20 yards of thread. Can store efficiently in an empty 35 mm film container.
*PLASTIC BAGS both large and small. These can be used for wet clothes, trash, protective rain shelter, human waste, etc.
*PAIR OF RUBBER GLOVES
SLAKED LIME (sometimes called “builder’s lime”) can be used to treat human waste; dead bodies under conditions where proper disposal is not an immediate option. Should be labeled “POISON” and “DANGEROUS” Should never be included in children’s kits.
6 CLOTHES PINS can be used for anchoring the shelter and hanging wet items.
½ CUP LAUNDRY DETERGENT may come in handy if you have the room and can afford the extra weight in your kit. Close tightly and pack with other soap.
FIRST AID PACKET
*FIRST AID BOOK (pamphlet)
Just suggestions- must be modified to your particular needs, experience and family situation. Choose items that you think you may need to sustain you until help arrives.
*DISPOSABLE CPR FACE MASK this provides a protective barrier between you and the person receiving CPR. Can be purchased from medical supply houses, home health and the Red Cross.
*FRENEL LENS is an important item. It is a flat pocket-sized magnifying lens. Can also be used to start fires if there is enough direct sun.
*4 CLEANSING WIPES
*3 INFECTION PREVENTING WIPES
*3 or 4 TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC SALVE PACKETS
*2 TELFA PADS
*6 BAND AIDS
*2 2”x 2” GAUZE PADS
*2 4” x 4” GAUZE PADS
*2 DISPOSABLE DUST MASKS
*6 Q-TIPS
*4-6 COTTON BALLS
*2 SANITARY NAPKINS
*2 PAIR RUBBER GLOVES disposable-type like the hospitals use.
*4 LARGE SAFETY PINS can be used to pin together a makeshift sling or cloth around a rigid object to make a splint.
*BAKING SODA for minor upset stomachs, insect bites or stings.
*SMALL ROLL OF ADHESIVE TAPE
*ROLL OF 2” GAUZE
*EYEWASH
COMMUNICATION and SAFETY
*SMALL SENSITIVE TRANSISTOR RADIO with EAR PLUGS have an extra set of batteries. Know which stations broadcast emergency information. Teach the children how to operate the radio and recognize when they should be still and quiet.
*PLASTIC WHISTLE will not stick to your lips in freezing temperatures. Use to let someone know you are alive or to call for help. Children should be instructed when not to use as well as when to use it.
*NOTE PAD, PENCIL & INK PEN for leaving notes. Secure with thumb tacks from the sewing kit.
*DUCT TAPE it only takes a small amount. Wrap around a pencil or stick.
*RED FLAGGING TAPE can be used to mark a path. Roll off about 5 yards and secure it with a rubber band.
TIN FOIL one yard.
MESH FACE NET can be valuable in areas where mosquitos and bugs are prevalent. May be a necessity depending upon geographic location.
FOOD PACK
Remember that you need to provide food with good balanced nutrition that stores well. Also, the more protein as in meat products you pack, the more water or fluids you will need. In extreme cold, you will need more fats to maintain body heat. Plan for 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. Fluids are important and weigh heavy.
CONVENIENCE PACK
This can be as little or as much as you would like. You may have a Sierra Pack with utensils, cups, etc. or you may want to use the following in any way you please. With children it can tend to have a calming effect to be able to identify with some of the trappings of home. If this is your aim you may include the following: paper bowls packed with instant oatmeal, small sturdy paper cups, napkins, plastic spoons, forks and knives, individual packets of sugar for cereal, salt and pepper, and some form of treat a couple times a day. The trash can be used to start the fire.
EMOTIONAL PACK
An emergency can be an extremely stressful time. It is especially stressful on children. Remember that they may be too young to know exactly what is going on, you may not even know. Given the stress of the emergency, add to it fear, unfamiliar surroundings, no T.V., no Nintendo, no recreational outlet or other toys, modified food and diet supply, the possibility of no water, heat, light or telephone… and the situation could turn into a greater emergency than the one at hand. Plan ahead for the possibility of any or all of the above. Include small games, a small ball, crayons, color book, string for cat in the cradle, a book for you or the teens, crossword puzzles, hand held puzzles, or a hacky sack. Include hard candy that stores indefinitely, maybe some packs of instant cocoa or Tang, gum or tootsie pops. If you can spare the weight you might include a can of pop or small can of juice in their kits, after all it is fluid and will help them know that things will be better soon if they can experience something from normal life. Be creative!
EXTRA CHANGE OF CLOTHES
When preparing children’s kits, remember to update the kits often as their sizes change rapidly. Prepare accordingly considering your locality and the weather. Items to consider: winter gloves, hats, scarves, and socks. Have a good pair of walking shoes handy to put on. Remember emergencies happen at any hour anytime… studies show that many injuries happen because people run out without shoes sometimes through broken glass, nails, sharp metal, etc.
It is a good winter tip to include a pair of women’s knee high nylon stocking to be worn layered under your socks for added protection to the feet. (The military suggests this)
CHANGE THE CLOTHING ITEMS IN YOUR KIT WITH THE SEASONS & SIZE CHANGES. IT WOULD NOT BE WELL TO GO THROUGH A WINTER EMERGENCY WITH SUMMER CLOTHING… A SUMMER EMERGENCY WITH WINTER CLOTHING… OR FOR YOUR SIZE 12 CHILDREN TO HAVE SIZE 4 PANTS AND SHIRT.
ADDENDUM
these items were inadvertantly left off the first printing
*PICTURE a recent picture of the person to which the kit belongs. There could also be a picture of that person in a family group picture with that person’s face being circled. This could help in identifying the rest of the family in cases where children are separated, lost or deceased.
PATRIARCHAL BLESSING a reduced-sized, laminated copy will give peace and comfort during a period of stress and crisis.
SUNGLASSES: if you are forced into the elements, these will protect you from the sun and also prevent snow blindness.
SMALL PERMANENT MARKING PEN if it becomes apparent that your life may be in imminent danger or if there are dead among or around you, use the marker to write their names, addresses or other identifying information on their arms.
TOOTHPICKS can be used to pick out broken teeth or other particles a toothbrush may not be able to remove. This is a small item with miniscule cost that adds no weight to your pack.
SMALL HAND SCRUB BRUSH to cleanse some wounds or to use in clean up after some rescue efforts where contaminants or moving the dead, or where thorough cleansing may be indicated.
COMPASS direction finder if you are forced to relocate or if you are in a wilderness situation in difficult terrain and forced to walk out.
RAIN PONCHO: protection from the elements in stormy conditions.
SMALL DROP FISHING LINE with SINKER and a SMALL AMOUNT OF BAIT this is a geographical item whereby you may be in circumstances where fishing may provide some food in a prolonged time until help arrives.
SUPER GLUE for use in some emergencies where cuts or other wounds need to be closed.
“WET FIRE” or HEXAMINE TABLETS can be used to start fires quickly and easily. Very cheap, safe and can be purchased at Army-Navy Surplus stores.
CABLE SAW These saws are very lightweight, take up very little space in the pack and are very efficient in sawing small limbs to construct shelter, cutting fire wood, and removing debris in a rescue effort.
SNAKE BITE KIT this is an item to be used in a geographical area where snakes would be a problem or where flood conditions may bring snakes.
COLLAPSIBLE SHOVEL there are small collapsible shovels which are very lightweight and compact. They can be used for trenching, building shelter or burying human waste. Be careful not to buy sub-standard quality that will break easily. The military types are the best quality and solution.
CAYENNE PEPPER stops bleeding.
*TWEEZERS for extracting glass, splinters and a host of other things from wounds.
BEE STING KIT if the person the kit is being made for requires one.
MIRROR- can be used for signaling.
550 CORD the inside of the cord can be stripped out and used to construct a travois, gillnet, shelter or to suspend caches. Can also construct a backpack with it. It is very strong. Can support 100’s of pounds.
WATCH not a digital- one with a face and a bezel. Timex offers one very reasonable. This allows you to measure the distance you have walked.
BUNGEE CORD
