Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

1. Review the checklists in this document.
2. Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.
3. Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*).
4. Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond.
5. A highway spill of hazardous material could mean instant evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado or any other disaster could cut off basic services--gas, water, electricity and telephones--for days.

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.

Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation)*

Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should include:

1. Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
2. 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
3. 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
4. Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
5. Triangular bandages (3)
6. 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
7. 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
8. Scissors
9. Tweezers
10. Needle
11. Moistened towelettes
12. Antiseptic
13. Thermometer
14. Tongue blades (2)
15. Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
16. Assorted sizes of safety pins
17. Cleansing agent/soap
18. Latex gloves (2 pair)
19. Sunscreen

1. Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
2. Anti-diarrhea medication
3. Antacid (for stomach upset)
4. Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison
5. Control Center)
6. Laxative
7. Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

There are six basics you should stock in your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container -- suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*). Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffel bag.

1. Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils*
2. Emergency preparedness manual*
3. Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
4. Flashlight and extra batteries*
5. Cash or traveler's checks, change*
6. Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
7. Fire extinguisher: small canister, ABC type
8. Tube tent
9. Pliers
10. Tape
11. Compass
12. Matches in a waterproof container
13. Aluminum foil
14. Plastic storage containers
15. Signal flare
16. Paper, pencil
17. Needles, thread
18. Medicine dropper
19. Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
20. Whistle
21. Plastic sheeting
22. Map of the area (for locating shelters)

1. Toilet paper, towelettes*
2. Soap, liquid detergent*
3. Feminine supplies*
4. Personal hygiene items*
5. Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
6. Plastic bucket with tight lid
7. Disinfectant
8. Household chlorine bleach

* Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

1. Sturdy shoes or work boots*
2. Hat and gloves
3. Rain gear*
4. Thermal underwear
5. Blankets or sleeping bags*
6. Sunglasses

Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.

1. Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
2. Passports, social security cards, immunization records
3. Bank account numbers
4. Credit card account numbers and companies
5. Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
6. Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

To get started...

Contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and your local American Red Cross chapter. Find out which disasters are most likely to happen in your community. Ask how you would be warned. Find out how to prepare for each.

Meet with your family. Discuss the types of disasters that could occur. Explain how to prepare and respond. Discuss what to do if advised to evacuate. Practice what you have discussed.

Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster. Pick two meeting places: 1) a location a safe distance from your home in case of fire. 2) a place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.

1. Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone.
2. Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas and electricity at main switches.
3. Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries two times each year.
4. Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
5. Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information and training.

Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster. Know your neighbors' skills (medical, technical). Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans for childcare in case parents can't get home.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Family Protection Program and the American Red Cross Disaster Education Program are nationwide efforts to help people prepare for disasters of all types. For more information, please contact your local or State Office of Emergency Management, and your local American Red Cross chapter. Ask for "Your Family Disaster Plan" and the "Emergency Preparedness Checklist."

Or write to:

FEMA 
P.O. Box 70274
Washington, D.C. 20024

FEMA L- 189
ARC 4463

Use the checkoff sheet  to make sure you have the supplies you need. This list is only a guide for planning. Use other sources to supplement your knowledge and lists for your needs.

For more information regarding disaster planning in South Berwick or Rollinsford contact the following:

South Berwick:
South Berwick RESCUE at 207-384-2300 or
South Berwick Town Hall at 207-384-3300.