Federal Agencies Recommend that People Acquire Emergency Survival Kits

ST. LOUIS - Sept. 11, 2017 - PRLog -- National Preparedness Month opened with disaster for millions of people as Hurricane Harvey's death toll now exceeds 70 people in Texas, Hurricane Irma wreaks havoc in Florida and Hurricane Jose gains strength to cause more devastation in the Caribbean.

"Since September 11, 2001, the U.S. government has encouraged citizens to make their own emergency survival preparations," says Quake Kare's Brian Houser. Quake Kare is a not-for-profit St. Louis company that provides emergency survival kits to help people endure man-made and natural disasters, such as being stranded in a flood.

"Congress chose September as National Preparedness Month because the September 11 tragedy inspired Americans to be more prepared," Houser says. "September also was chosen because the Atlantic hurricane season (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_hurricane_season) peaks in September – so far we have experienced record-breaking hurricanes and abysmal flooding across southern states and in Mexico with Hurricane Katia, in addition to Mexico's killer earthquake."

"National Preparedness Month is a government initiative to strengthen U.S preparedness with prevention, protection, response and recovery efforts to prepare for hurricanes, tornadoes, terrorism, school lockdowns and other disasters," says Houser.

"Quake Kare is proud to provide more than 100 different survival kit products and equipment to help individuals and families survive virtually any disaster situation," Houser says (https://www.quakekare.com/).

"We have donated 36,000 emergency water pouches to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts," he adds. "The 36,000 pouches will provide life-sustaining amounts of water for 6,000 people for three days. The pouches are being shipped to Food Bank Corpus Christi for distribution to relief efforts in the area."

Quake Kare is owned by the not-for-profit Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis. All Quake Kare revenue from product sales directly supports Lighthouse service programs for people who are blind or visually impaired in Missouri and Southwestern Illinois (http://www.lhbindustries.com/).

"Government research shows that many families, schools and businesses are not prepared to deal with disaster, and many don't have a disaster plan in place," Houser says. "In today's uncertain environment and especially during hurricane season, it is crucial for people to plan for emergencies to help save lives."

"This year's theme for National Preparedness Month is 'Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can,'" Houser points out. "In addition, 'National Prepareathon Dayis Friday, September, 15. Many Americans will participate in grassroots campaigns to help people and communities prepare for earthquakes (https://www.fema.gov/earthquake), floods (http://msc.fema.gov/portal), hurricanes (http://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2016/hurricane-survival-preparedness-tips.html), tornadoes (https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1409003506195-52740fd2983079a211d041f7aea6b85d/how_to_prepare_tornado_033014_508.pdf), wildfires (https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1409003859391-0e8ad1ed42c129f11fbc23d008d1ee85/how_to_prepare_wildfire_033014_508.pdf) and winter storms (https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1408633655071-32caae446efef4ab2f4fcccdb55f725c/PrepareAthon_WINTER%20STORMS_HTG_FINAL_508.pdf). The campaign also helps prepare communities for active shooter (https://community.fema.gov/hazard/active-shooter-en_us/be-smart?lang=en_US) and terrorism incidents.

"We advise people in all walks of life to follow these steps for emergency preparedness":

·         Acquire emergency survival kits and supplies for homes, offices and vehicles, including for children and pets.

·         Develop emergency preparedness plans based upon different disaster scenarios – and practice them.

·         Stay informed about disaster preparedness news and updates by following media reports.

Quake Kare's ER™ Emergency Ready Two Person Tornado/Hurricane Survival Kit contains essential, lifesaving items necessary to sustain two individuals for three days in the event of home evacuation or needs for shelter-in-place following a devastating tornado or hurricane. Packaged in a portable, water-resistant six-gallon container, this kit offers strategic emergency preparedness equipment and related advantages.

"It contains effective and reliable survival food, water, lighting, radio/communication, first-aid, sanitation and shelter supplies to help people survive earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, terrorist incidents, lockdowns and other catastrophes," Houser says.

"Its contents also include a solar/hand-crank powered flashlight, NOAA weather band radio and USB device charger for charging smartphones and other USB devices so disaster victims can stay in touch with loved ones," he notes.

"As a not-for-profit organization we do not want to profit from disaster," Houser asserts. "But our sales do increase during National Preparedness Month and whenever there is a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, terrorist act or mass shooting" he says.

"Every penny of Quake Kare product sales revenue directly supports Lighthouse service programs. The Lighthouse currently employs 48 people who are legally blind in two manufacturing plants in St. Louis County to assemble, pack and ship Quake Kare survival kits and other products."

"We are very proud of our people, our products and our mission statement," Houser asserts.

For Quake Kare product information, see the website https://www.quakekare.comor contact Brittney Bettonville at 800.277.3727 or 314.423.4333. For details about Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis services and programs, please call 800.542.3697 or 314.423.4333, or visit the website www.lhbindustries.com.

See these websites to learn more about National Preparedness Month:

community.fema.gov/
www.redcross.org/          https://www.quakekare.com

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