Perfect 10 Daily
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It’s a Perfect Day to Be Prepared!

As much as we would like to wish they were, sometimes days are not so perfect. In the case of an emergency, accident, natural disaster or other calamity, it pays to be prepared.

Creating a house or family emergency kit is a simple task. Simply look forward and think about what items all the members of your family would need in an emergency. Then pack these essentials in an easy-to-carry format - like a backpack or suitcase with wheels. Wondering where to start? If you break the categories up into manageable bits then the whole task will be easier to organize.

Let’s start with the most important things…
Medical : A good first aid kit is an absolute essential. Make sure that it includes disinfectant, and maybe throw in some extra bandages. Most pharmacies and department stores carry a pre-packed first aid kit for the home. While you are getting one – perhaps get a smaller one for your car. You never know when it may come in handy!
Prescriptions – have a list of all medication that your family takes and a photocopy of the prescription or bottle label. Some experts advise to have a three-day supply in your emergency kit – speak to your doctor and pharmacist about getting a special emergency pack of what you need. Don’t forget extra eyeglasses!

After getting your medications and first aid squared away, go onto our favorite topic:

Food!
Dried foods and canned goods are a great choice for an emergency pack. Again, three days worth of non-perishable food is advised by most emergency preparedness guides. Pack comforting, highly nutritious foods. (Don’t forget food for your pets too!) Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.

The Red Cross Disaster Supply Kit page recommends including a selection of the following foods in your emergency kit:
· Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
· Canned juices
· Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
· High energy foods
· Vitamins
· Food for infants
· Comfort/stress foods

Perfect 10 Natural Energy Bars are an ideal long-storing item for your emergency food pack. The bars don’t melt or freeze in high or low temperatures and are compact, high-energy, and easy to carry. They're healthy and delicious as well!

More Essentials : H20
Pack enough water for each member of your family for three days.
Your supplies of water should be replaced every three months to ensure freshness.

Now think of external factors:

Shelter : pack one blanket for each family member and a waterproof tarp or sheet.
Clothing : comfortable shoes, a full change of clothes, including a sweater,
Toiletries : soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, personal hygiene items.
Weather : rain ponchos, hand warmers, and if you live in a cold climate – mittens, scarves, cold weather clothing.

Tools : Pack a utility or small pocket-knife, a can-opener, matches, wrench or pliers, or perhaps a handy multi-tool.
Communications : a small radio doesn’t take up much room and can be a valuable source of information when the power is off. Don’t forget the batteries – and extras!

And finally, don't forget...

Important documents : Make photocopies of insurance policies, bank account and credit card numbers, property deeds, passports, birth certificates and other important documents. Also make a hard copy list of important phone numbers and addresses of friends and family and print one for each member of the family.

Additional items : Toys for the little ones, a deck of cards or a game for older kids, local maps, cash, including some coins, pencil and paper or small journals.

Got everything? Well then, you have yourself a household emergency kit.
We sincerely hope that you never have to use it.

Have a safe and healthy day!
P10Daily

For more information about disaster preparedness go to your blue pages of your phone book, contact your local government office or check out these websites.

The Government of Canada presents a fantastic collection of lists, advice and information so you can be prepared!
Canada's Emergency Preparedness Pages

United States Department of Homeland Security gives us the Ready Pages.
September is Emergency Preparedness Month!
http://www.ready.gov/

The ReadyKids section of the Ready.gov website is devoted to teaching kids to be prepared for any situation. This low-stress, friendly website includes checklists, facts about disasters, quizzes and games so you can easily get the kids involved in being prepared!

p10daily@perfect10bars.com

Discussions of emergency preparedness measures in Perfect 10 Daily are presented as editorial information. Please consult your local government disaster planning co-ordinator if you have any specific questions or concerns.