Prepare Survival Kits Now for 2009’s Emergencies.

PRLog (Press Release) - Dec 08, 2008 -
Firefighter/EMT Jim German of www.SurviveAndLive.com was quoted as saying, "Each of us should prepare in advance for our own survival as well as the survival of those we are responsible for.  Sooner or later, most of us will face a medical emergency or be affected by either a natural or a man-made disaster.  We rely on calling 911 for help, however, during a large event rescuers may not be available to respond to you for days.  Now is the ideal time to prepare to survive."

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) supports this view and further states " You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. Those in need could get help in hours, or it might take days.”  FEMA wants each of us to assemble a disaster supplies kit.

Mr. German said utilities and transportation may be cut off for days.  People may not be able to shop for items they need.  Stores will run out of items in hours or within days.  Additionally, those at risk may need to evacuate their homes.  Evacuations are more common than most of us realize.  There are hundreds of evacuations each year resulting from industrial and transportation accidents releasing hazardous chemicals as well as fires, floods, and hurricanes.  These events force thousands to leave their homes often for days; sometimes for weeks.  

The most important first step, advises Jim, is “developing awareness and a self survival mind-set.  Start thinking and planning now for possible future events you're at risk for; create a plan, and then prepare the survival kits and evacuation plan”.  Do home fire drills.  Plan where to meet.  Survivors should choose a primary evacuation route as well as an alternate.  Add additional items to survival kits for family members with "special needs" including medicines.  And don't forget the pets!
Implement the survival plan by either assembling your own survival kit or purchasing a "pre-assembled kit" and then adding to it.

"Even small events such as a winter snow storm can interrupt local transportation and utility services.  A minimum of 3 day’s supply of food, water and essential items is similar to any other insurance policy.  You should increase these amounts if you live in a rural area." states Firefighter German, "Start now and you'll be prepared for your survival of 2009 disasters and beyond."