Over the last few years with the Y2K hysteria and the very real emergencies of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks Americans have been inundated with information on preparing for emergencies. Much of that hysteria has been accompanied by sales pitches for high priced supplies to help you survive. The hype and hysteria has leveled off to a dull roar but the advice to stay prepared remains important. While the likelihood of being involved in a terrorist attack are remote for most of us, there are other emegencies we must stay prepared for. There are earthquakes, floods, tornados, hurricaines and blizzards to contend with

Some simple preparations will help ride out most emergencies should there be any outages or computer problems. Here are some suggestions on ways to prepare for those emergency situations that will help protect your health and safety.

• First Aid Kit
  A well-stocked first aid kit is a necessity for all households. You can buy a prepared one or put one together yourself. The American Red Cross has a basic first aid manual that should be included.
• Medical Records
  Ask your doctors office to give you paper copies of all of your pertinent medical records, including allergies (especially drug allergies), medications you are taking, any surgeries you have had and any information on any medical devices you may have implanted (pacemakers, heart valves etc.). Your doctor's office is a small business and he may not have his computer systems Y2K compliant.
• Medications
  Ask you doctor for a new copy of any prescriptions. This will prevent any complications in getting medication refills should your pharmacy have problems with their computers. If you do require any medications in the days before and just after the new year, check them carefully - especially refills. It is always a good idea to check the label on all medications when they are prescribed. Pharmacists have as hard a time reading doctors hand writing as anyone else.
• Emergency Power
  There are many seniors that have medical equipment in the home that requires electrical power. Any time this life sustaining equipment is used in the home the local Power Company should be notified. If there is a power outage they will make those areas a priority. There also needs to be a backup power supply. A gas powered generator should be available.
• Communication
  If weather or other problems knock out telephone communication a CB radio can be a good alternative. Most local and state police monitor CB radio traffic. Most CB radios are adaptable for 12-volt power.
• Food
  If you have special dietary restrictions or other specialty food needs you would be wise to keep a 2 - 3 day supply on hand. If the weather is bad or distributors have computer glitches there could be shortages.

Resources

• First Aid Kit
  Here is list of supplies needed for a well-stocked basic first aid kit.
• Information on Portable Generators
  Information you can use on the type of generator you will need for your power requirements and tips for using safely.
• CB Radios
  CB Radios can run on batteries if the power is out. Radio Shack is a well known company with CB's in all price ranges.

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