Submitted by Kris Downey, Information Advisory Committee member
All of us, as responsible adults, have earned the right to be considered self-sufficient. But in the context of an emergency - what does self-sufficiency really mean?
We live in a beautiful place with much to be grateful for. We also live in very close proximity to an active fault line, the San Andreas Fault. There is no way to predict exactly when the fault will “act up” but it’s best to be prepared.
Being prepared means being self-sufficient for a minimum of 14 days. Think about that for a minute. If you and yours needed to be self-sufficient for 14 days - what would you need?
HERE’S A LIST TO GET YOU STARTED:
- VIAL OF LIFE – Medical Info and Emergency Contacts (free, available at the lifestyle desk).
- FIRST AID SUPPLIES - (not just band aids!)
- WATER – a two (2) week supply, two gallons/per person/per day and don’t forget water for pets, too!
- PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS and Eye Glasses.
- NON-PERISHABLE FOOD - Rotate every 180 days.
- CAN OPENER - Hand operated.
- FLASHLIGHTS - Extra batteries, rotate annually.
- RADIO - Portable, extra batteries, test monthly.
- FIRE EXTINGUISHER – All-purpose A-B-C.
- CELL PHONE – Charged, charger handy, extra batteries or charging method.
- WHISTLE – Means to call for help.
- STURDY SHOES - Extra socks and a change of clothes.
- WORK GLOVES - Leather
- TOOLS – Adjustable wrench, pliers, and crowbar.
- IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS – Paper copies.
- DUCT TAPE - Scissors and rope.
- CASH – Small bills and change.
- HYGIENE SUPPLIES - Cat litter and garbage bags.
These items can be stored in a 35-gallon rolling trash can kept in your garage or your backyard.
Get started today, in the event of an emergency you will be glad you did.
*This list is an excerpt from the Emergency Preparedness article in the December, 2018 issue of The View Magazine written by Jeff Kirkpatrick. EPSC Chair.
The HOA Board provides a budget to operate an Emergency Operations Center, and the recruitment, training, and equipment for a cadre of trained resident volunteers responding to the aid of their neighbors and SCSH community. The Emergency Preparedness Sub-Committee is always looking for new members to assist when an actual emergency occurs at Sun City Shadow Hills.
If you are interested in volunteering with this or any committee, please fill out the Advisory Committee Interest Form: www.scshca.com/committeeinterest