Summary
Ever had to shelter unexpectedly at home or tough it through a power outage? Electricity, water, heat, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and/or telephone service may be out in an emergency. Preparing disaster supply kits in advance can save precious time in the event you must evacuate or go without utilities for an extended period.
This 11-post toolkit was released as part of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management's yearlong 12 Ways to Prepare social media campaign in 2024. This campaign aimed to meet residents where they were at with informational action items, encouraging them to be #ReadyOK while equipping them to that end. October's focus was Assemble or Update Supplies, and the campaign educated residents on what to include in their emergency kits, where to store their kits and how often to update their contents.
1. Review
CHECK ✅ In September, we wandered our way to #KnowEvacuationRoutes. Now, we’re working to #AssembleSupplies!
Electricity, water, heat, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and/or telephone service may be out in an emergency. Preparing disaster supply kits in advance can save precious time in the event you must evacuate or go without utilities for an extended period ⏱️
Join us this month as we assemble and update our emergency supplies 💪
#YouCan #ResolveToBeReady #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK #OklahomaWay
2. Intro
If commerce as we know it shut down today, how long would you and your family make it on the supplies you have at home? 🤔
Utilities such as electricity, water, heat, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and/or telephone service may fail in a disaster ❌ Have an #EmergencyKit at the ready if the need arises!
Find out what you should keep inside at https://oklahoma.gov/oem/readyok/be-prepared/twelveways/assemble-or-update-supplies.html
We’ll be posting about this all month long 😉
#YouCan #AssembleSupplies #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK
3. What to Have: Water
Keep at least a 3️⃣-day supply of water (1️⃣ gallon per person per day) in your #EmergencyKit.
Store 💧 in sealed, unbreakable containers, and replace every 6 months.
#YouCan #AssembleSupplies #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK
4. What to have: Food
Keep a 3- to 5-day supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food in your #EmergencyKit.
Check expiration dates every 6️⃣ months, and don’t forget a can opener 😲💡
#YouCan #AssembleSupplies #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK
5. What to Have: Medical
Keep a #FirstAid kit and an extra supply of your prescription medications in your #EmergencyKit.
Check expiration dates every 6️⃣ months.
You should also keep moist towelettes or wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation 🧼
#YouCan #AssembleSupplies #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK
6. What to Have: Clothes
Keep a change of season-appropriate clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes in your #EmergencyKit, and switch out temperature-specific clothing every six months 🥾
Don’t forget extra underthings 🩲🧦
#YouCan #AssembleSupplies #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK
7. What to Have: Gear
Keep necessary gear in your #EmergencyKit, including but not limited to:
🔦 Flashlight with batteries stored separately
📻 Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
🔋 Extra batteries
🗺️ Local maps
🔧 Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
📲 Cell phone with charging cords and back-up battery bank
🪈 Whistle
😷 Dust mask
#YouCan #AssembleSupplies #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK
8. Low-Budget Options
Overwhelmed by the idea of buying all new items to stock your #EmergencyKit at once? 😱 You don’t actually have to do it that way.
🛒 Accumulate extra imperishable goods over time. Try adding one needed kit item to your grocery list each time you go.
🤑 Dollar stores are your friend. Many have most of the items you need for a kit at a reduced price.
♻️ Buy used. Jump on the plentiful resale platforms to find gently-used gear and tools, or visit your local thrift store and see what you can find 🏆
#YouCan #AssembleSupplies #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK
9. Store Items
We’ve spent all month gathering items for our #EmergencyKit. Now it’s time to divvy up our supply!
It’s best practice to keep two different-sized kits for you and your family:
🎒 Store items for a “go” kit in an easy-to-carry bag and keep it in a car or in the garage.
📥 A “home” kit can be stored in a plastic tub or garbage can and kept in your home’s safest place where you will take shelter.
#YouCan #AssembleSupplies #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK
10. Car Kit
Ever felt that hopeless feeling stranded on the side of the road? No more! Pack an emergency car kit for a fighting chance wherever you find yourself.
In addition to your go-kit, consider including these car-specific items:
⚠️ A reflective triangle or road flares
🐱 Cat litter or sand for tire traction
🗺️ Local maps
🧊 Ice scraper
⚡️ Jumper cables
🥶Emergency blankets
📲Car cell phone charger
#YouCan #AssembleSupplies #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK
11. Update Supplies
Now that we have our #EmergencyKit stocked, it’s time to set a reminder to check expiration dates 6️⃣ months from now.
You could also hedge this habit in with the daylight saving time change, when it’s good practice to maintain your smoke alarms, too.
Great job, Oklahomies! 🤩👍
#YouCan #AssembleSupplies #12WaysToPrepare #ReadyOK
