Check your stocks as you reset your clocks, Nov. 1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 29, 2015
LAS VEGAS –The switch back to Standard Time this Sunday, Nov. 1 is the perfect opportunity for Southern Nevadans to check their family emergency stockpiles, change batteries in radios, replace expired food items, rotate items in the kit, update family information, determine if there are any items that are missing or start to put a family kit together. The Southern Nevada Health District has information about emergency preparedness as well as a calendar to help develop a family kit on its Emergency Preparedness pages.
A family emergency preparedness kit can be assembled over several months simply by adding one or two items to a grocery list. Supplies can be contained in a new, large container, a backpack or a suitcase. A kit should include food, water, a first aid kit, tools, copies of important documents, clothing and bedding, medications, and pet supplies. A household preparedness kit should include enough supplies to sustain everyone in the household for as many as three weeks. There should also be supplemental go-kits that families can grab in the event of an evacuation.
The health district’s recommendations for a family emergency preparedness kit include:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Toiletries, including soap
- First-aid kit
- Baby formula and diapers
- Extra eyeglasses
- Pet food/medications/leases/collars/ID tags
- Extra batteries for flashlight(s) and radio(s)
- Garbage bags
- Cash
- A flash drive with important documents and/or photos
- Non-perishable food, ready-to-eat canned meats, soups, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, protein bars, utensils, can openers, sterno heating
- One gallon of water per person per day and fluids with electrolytes
Don’t forget to prepare for pets. Many shelters might not be able to accommodate pets. Before an emergency occurs, check hotels, motels or shelters to see which will be able to accept pets. Prepare a kit for pets as well and remember to include any medical information or supplies, leashes, food, and toys. Check with your vet about the pet carrier that is appropriate for your animal and microchip pets so you can find them if you are separated.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.