Checklists for Life

1

Personal
Safety

Most of staying out of harm’s way comes down to using common sense: Lock your house and car, know who to call when you need help, and be prepared for emergencies. Easier said than done! We often postpone doing what we know we should, or let common-sense safety precautions slide entirely, in the haste and distractions of daily life. These lists will tell you what you need to do and what you should have on hand to prevent—or deal with—emergencies, so you can be calm and efficient when it really matters.

How to Avoid Being a Victim

Next to common sense, your best personal safety tool just might be your “uncommon sense,” your intuition. Take yourself seriously if you sense danger or have a bad feeling about a person or situation. Do not be embarrassed or afraid to offend: Get away immediately. The National Crime Prevention Council suggests these ways to keep yourself safe wherever you are.

 AT HOME

1.	Don’t hide house keys in planters, mailboxes, under doormats, or in other common (and obvious) places.
2.	Don’t put your name or address on your keys. Losing them irretrievably is much better than giving a criminal the key to your house and car.
3.	Don’t open the front door without finding out who it is. Verify the identification of service personnel, even if you are expecting them.
4.	Don’t rely on door chains. They can easily be kicked in or otherwise broken.
5.	Never give personal information to unknown or “wrong number” callers. This includes your phone number, social security number, credit card number, and address.
6.	Don’t reply to harassing phone calls. Hang up immediately.

 IN PUBLIC

1.	Stay alert to your surroundings. Take note of who is behind and ahead of you. Use your peripheral vision to keep track of anyone gaining on you.
2.	Get away. Don’t second-guess your instincts just to avoid embarrassment or give someone the benefit of the doubt. If you think you’re being followed, cross the street if possible and go to a well-lit place where there are other people.
3.	Carry a shrill whistle and don’t be embarrassed to use it if you suspect you may be in danger.
4.	Always walk as if you know exactly where you are going. Stand up straight and make brief, self-confident eye contact with people around you. Police believe that rapists and muggers target victims who appear vulnerable, weak, easily intimidated, or who seem to be daydreaming. Conduct yourself accordingly!
5.	Hold on to your valuables. Women should carry their purses close to the body. Men should carry wallets in inside coat pockets, not pants pockets.
6.	Don’t look like an easy target. Avoid carrying large amounts of money and wearing obviously expensive jewelry. Handle your money and credit cards carefully; try not to display them while making transactions.
7.	Plan the safest route when walking—day or night. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, deserted streets, and construction sites.
8.	Lighten your load. Avoid walking with a large load of packages or grocery bags. They slow you down and make it difficult to react quickly.
9.	On public transportation:
	• Avoid sitting near doors and exits. You are more vulnerable to being robbed or attacked by a criminal on foot.
	• Be aware of who gets off a bus or train with you. If you think you’re being followed, walk directly to an area with other people and good lighting.
10.	In an elevator:
	• Take a quick look before getting in an elevator. If someone suspicious is on board, or gets on with you, back out and wait for another car.
	• Stand near the elevator controls.
	• If you are attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.

 IN THE CAR

1.	Lock your door and keep the windows rolled up. Always lock the doors when you park your car, no matter where you are or how brief a time you’ll be away.
2.	Look around. Check the front and back seats and floors of your car before getting in.
3.	Keep your car well maintained and the gas tank at least half full. This will lessen the chance of your being vulnerable on the highway.
4.	If your car does break down, put up the hood and lock your doors and windows. Set out flares if you have them and use your cell phone to call for assistance. If a stranger stops to help and you don’t have a phone with you, roll the window down an inch or so and ask him to call police or a tow truck. (See chapter 18, “What to Carry in Your Car”).
5.	Don’t drive home if you’re being followed. Go to a police station or a well-lit service station where you can use the phone. Never get out of your car unless you’re positive you can get inside safely.
6.	Don’t pull over if someone tries to force you off the road. Get a description of the vehicle and write down the license number. Drive immediately to a police station or any open business and report the incident to the police.
7.	Don’t stop if a passing motorist indicates something is wrong with your vehicle. Drive to a well-lit area with people around before stopping to check your car.
8.	Don’t stop in an isolated area to help someone who appears to have a disabled vehicle. Drive to a phone and call for help instead.
9.	Don’t stop for flashing headlights or another signal from another car unless you see the blue or red lights of a police vehicle.
10.	Put your purse on the floor of the car while you’re driving. Leaving it conspicuously on the passenger seat could tempt a thief to break in and grab it.
11.	Never pick up hitchhikers. Need it be said?

 IF YOU ARE ATTACKED

1.	Staying calm is your best defense because you’ll be better able to judge the situation and consider your options.
2.	If the attacker is unarmed—and if you sense you could get away—fight back. But not getting injured is your first priority. If the attacker has a weapon, don’t take the risk of resisting.
3.	If your life is threatened, do anything you can to hurt your attacker and get away. Concentrate your attack at the eyes and groin. If you’re holding your keys, jam them right into the eyes if you can. Don’t wait to check the effect, run away as fast as you can.
4.	You may be able to avert an attack by behaving bizarrely. Experts suggest acting crazy, picking your nose, throwing up—whatever comes into your head.

 If Your Wallet Is Stolen . . .

When your wallet is stolen, you have two major issues to deal with. They are (to paraphrase the old Jack Benny joke) your money and your life. A thief with your driver’s license and credit cards can use the contents of your wallet to obtain a new set of identification documents in your name—making your funds and your credit line completely accessible. Following the steps in this checklist will help ensure that your identity as well as your money and credit are protected.

1.	Report the crime to the police right away and get a copy of the police report. You may be asked for it later by your credit card companies, your insurance company, your bank, or other agencies to verify the crime.
2.	Call each credit card company to report the theft right away. If you’re away from home, ask a family member, neighbor, or house sitter to pull your master list of credit card numbers and other relevant information from your files to make sure you cancel every card. (See chapter 2, “Records and Documents You Need at Home.”)
3.	Report the theft to the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian (formerly TRW), 800-682-7654; Trans Union, 800-916-8800; Equifax, 800-685-1111. This alerts them to halt any credit checks that could be the result of a thief shopping in your name.
4.	If your checkbook or ATM card was taken, call your bank immediately and stop payment on outstanding checks that don’t sound familiar. Request new bank accounts, a new ATM card, and a new PIN.
5.	If you have a safe deposit box at the bank, call that department to report the theft.
6.	Notify the passport office to watch for anyone using your identification to obtain a fraudulent passport.
7.	Inform your local and long distance telephone carriers and your utility companies that someone might try to open service in your name.
8.	If your keys have also been stolen, change all the locks on your home and car.
9.	After the theft:
	• Monitor your credit card and bank statements carefully for charges that occurred after the theft and that might have slipped past officials at these agencies.
	• Order your credit report from all three agencies (Experian, Trans Union, Equifax) at least quarterly, to catch possible fraudulent use of your credit.

Important Numbers to Keep by Your Phone

Look up the numbers below before you need them (most emergency numbers are on the first page of your local phone book) and keep them near your home telephone. To make sure emergency numbers are easy to find when you need them, laminate a list and attach it to the refrigerator, or tape it inside a cabinet door near the phone. Include important information that anyone calling from your home would need to report in an emergency, such as your street address and phone number.

 EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

1.	911. This number should only be used when you need immediate assistance from the police, the fire department, or an ambulance. If you’re tempted to use it for less serious reasons, imagine getting a 911 busy signal if you or a family member needed immediate help. Teach your children how to dial 911 and make sure they know how to give their home address.
2.	Police emergency. Most cities have a number to call other than 911 for situations that are urgent, but non-life-threatening, such as traffic accidents.
3.	Police nonemergency. This number is for occasions when you want to report stolen or vandalized property or any matter that requires a police report, but doesn’t require immediate response.
4.	Work telephone and cell phone. Even if your children have these numbers memorized, it’s a good idea to have them posted in case they forget, or if anyone else needs to reach you in an emergency.
5.	Fire department. In case of fire, call 911. When neither life nor property is immediately threatened—if you smell something burning, but can’t confirm a fire—use the nonemergency number.
6.	Poison control center.
7.	Doctor and pediatrician.
8.	Dentist.
9.	Veterinarian.
10.	Emergency vet information. The University of Illinois at Champagne-Urbana offers twenty-four-hour poison control help for animals for a $30 fee at 800-548-2423. Ask your own veterinarian what other emergency numbers you should have on hand, including the nearest twenty-four-hour emergency clinic for off-hour emergencies. (Make sure you know where the clinic is, and how to get there.)

 FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS

1.	Electrician.
2.	Plumber.
3.	Neighbor. List at least one who would be available to come over if needed. You may know your neighbor’s number by heart, but post it next to the phone for anyone else who might need assistance while in your home.
4.	Newspaper circulation department, to report missed papers or to suspend delivery during vacations.
5.	Pharmacy. Your pharmacist is a good person to call for questions about side effects and interactions of over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
6.	Children’s schools, for reporting absence, tardiness, and so forth. Also keep numbers for coaches, tutors, and music instructors where you can find them.
7.	Hair salon and barber.
8.	Auto mechanic.
9.	Auto insurance agent. Put your policy number right next to the phone number.
10.	Housekeeper.
11.	Home maintenance. Keep numbers for any services you regularly receive, such as gardeners or pool cleaners.
12.	Restaurants, including take-out places for delivery, and favorite eat-in restaurants for making quick reservations.
13.	Movie theaters.
14.	Baby-sitters.
15.	Pet sitters and dog walkers.
16.	Florist.
17.	Train information.
18.	Bus information.
19.	Taxi services.
20.	Airlines. List your frequent flyer numbers next to the airline’s phone number.
21.	Bank. Keep your account numbers next to the phone numbers.

 Everyday Burglar-Proofing for Your Home

There’s no foolproof way to foil a clever or determined burglar. But there are several things you can do to protect your home from a crook who’s looking for an easy mark. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, half of all burglaries occur because residents have neglected to lock doors and windows—proof that minimal security can make a big difference. Take these easy steps to secure your home.

1.	Lock doors and windows before leaving the house. Make it a habit to check them at night.
2.	Get pick-proof locks for all your windows.
3.	Install dead bolts on your front and back doors. Anything else can be more easily broken.
4.	Put a dowel or broom handle in the track of sliding-glass doors so they can’t be opened even if the lock is tampered with.
5.	If there’s a pane of glass within easy reach of an inside door lock, consider getting a lock that only opens from inside with a key.
6.	Plant prickly or very thick shrubs and plants under your windows to create a physical barrier.
7.	Install motion detector lights outside, especially in back or side yards where burglars like to hide.
8.	If you’ve been thinking of installing window bars or a home alarm system, don’t put it off. If you don’t have a security alarm system it can’t hurt to place stickers in your windows indicating that you do. As always, the idea is to deter a burglar looking for an easy mark.
9.	Keep expensive equipment and other valuables away from windows where they can easily be spotted from outside.
10.	Join or start a neighborhood watch group. Neighbor-to-neighbor networks are one of the most effective ways to discourage crime.

 Securing Your Home While You’re Away

In addition to the burglar-proofing tips above, take the following precautions whenever you’re going to be away for an extended time. You can discourage intruders by creating the impression that someone is in the house or will return shortly.

1.	Keep drapes and shades as you normally have them. Don’t make the mistake of giving your house that “closed for the season” look with every window shuttered.
2.	Hire a house sitter or have a neighbor come in to turn on lights and open and close drapes.
3.	Stop your newspaper delivery and have your mail held at the post office. Piles of papers are a sure sign that no one is home.
4.	Set a few timers and set them to turn lights on and off at different times in different parts of the house, echoing your typical patterns.
5.	Leave a car parked out front or in the driveway. Or invite a neighbor to park there every day or so. If you live in a snowy area, arrange for someone to shovel your walk and driveway, or even just to drive in and out of your driveway when it snows to create the impression that someone is home.
6.	Adjust your answering machine message if necessary. You may want to tell callers that you’ll “be back shortly” so scammers don’t hear an invitation to an empty house.
7.	Put away large trash cans, outdoor furniture, or anything else that could provide climbing assistance to intruders.
8.	Consider buying a safe. If you don’t have a safe, you may want to hide small items like jewelry or cash in unlikely places (see below for suggestions).
9.	Leave the radio or TV on. It can’t hurt.

Best and Worst Places to Hide Valuables

Since you can’t guarantee an intruder won’t get into your home, it’s important to think strategically about hiding valuable items inside. Indoors, your best defense is a good offense: make the burglar’s job as difficult as possible.

 THE WORST PLACES TO HIDE VALUABLES

1.	Jewelry boxes. If you use a traditional jewelry box, hide it. Consider storing jewels in less obvious containers (see below).
2.	Dresser tops and accessible drawers. Don’t keep cash or jewelry on dressers, in sock or underwear drawers, or in any drawer that’s in easy reach and can be rummaged through quickly.
3.	Under the mattress or beside the bed. Many burglars look in these places first, especially when they’re checking for weapons.

 THE BEST PLACES TO HIDE VALUABLES

1.	Your closet may be a good spot to tuck your jewelry box.
2.	A sewing kit or tackle box can harbor cash or items of jewelry without offering temptation to a burglar.
3.	Clever decoys are among the best places to hide and disguise your valuables. False wall outlets don’t provide electricity, but they do provide a good hiding place (you can plug cords into these or put furniture in front to make them more realistic and less obvious). Fake food or cleaning product cans and hollow books are also widely available.
4.	The bathroom is bypassed by most burglars, unless they’re looking for prescription drugs. Avoid the medicine cabinet, but stash items in other bathroom cupboards, especially among cleaning supplies.
5.	Kitchens offer hiding places where burglars may not look. Consider wrapping jewelry or cash in foil and storing it in the freezer.
6.	Basements are good places for valuables because burglars don’t want to take the time and trouble required to rummage through them.

Many cities have stores known as “Cop Shops” which sell burglar-foiling devices. Call your local police department for information on your nearest store.

 Common Home Accidents and How to Avoid Them

No matter what kind of work you do, or how good it feels to come home after a rough day at the office, safety statistics suggest you’d be better off staying at work. More people in this country die from accidents at home than at work—five times as many! More people are disabled in home accidents than in work injuries and car crashes combined. National Safety Council president Jerry Scannell stresses that all home accidents are preventable. Here are the most common home accidents and the NSC’s recommendations for preventing them.

1.	Falls.
	• Fasten carpet edges securely and put nonslip mats under area rugs.
	• Keep telephone and electrical cords where they can’t be tripped over.
	• Put away toys, clean up clutter, and move obstacles out of walkways.
	• Wipe up all spills immediately.
	• Use nonskid tub and shower mats and install grab bars in toilet and bath areas.
	• Equip all indoor and outdoor staircases with securely fastened handrails along both sides. When it snows, use salt or cat litter on sidewalks and driveways to prevent slipping.
2.	Poisoning. More than one million children under age five are accidentally poisoned every year.
	• Lock drugs, household cleaners, and other potentially hazardous substances where children can’t get to them.
	• Don’t leave children unattended in a garage, bathroom, kitchen, or any place where potential poisons are kept.
	• Never store household cleaners in unmarked containers where they might be mistaken for something safe to drink.
3.	Fire. Smoke detectors reduce the chance of fire fatalities by 40 to 50 percent, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
	• Install a smoke detector in each bedroom and at least one on every floor of your home.
	• Make sure your family is well drilled in an escape plan, including two ways to exit every room. Practice regularly so everyone learns to respond automatically and without panic.
4.	Electrical shocks. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are electrical outlets with quick-tripping circuit breakers that instantly shut off power if an appliance plugged into them overheats or comes in contact with water. They are now required in all new construction and remodeling jobs in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries—wherever shock hazards are greatest. If your home doesn’t have these life-saving electrical outlets, consider having them installed by an electrician.

BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES

If an accident does occur, or if a family member becomes ill suddenly, knowing what to do immediately can make the difference between life and death. Have each member of the family take age-appropriate first aid and CPR classes. Post a list of emergency numbers next to the telephone (see chapter 1). Put together a survival kit in case of disasters (see chapter 1). Remember that seconds count in a fire.

 Top Twenty Safety Items for Your Home

Here are the top twenty home-safety items recommended by the National Safety Council. Every item you have on hand decreases the risk that someone in your home will die or be injured in a preventable accident.

1.	Smoke detectors. Change the batteries twice a year when you change your clocks. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that you replace your smoke detectors after ten years and test them once a month to be sure they work.
2.	Carbon monoxide detectors. The NFPA recommends these alarms for households with attached garages and those with fuel-burning appliances or fireplaces.
3.	Ground-fault circuit interrupters. These electrical outlets with quick-tripping circuit breakers help prevent death or injury from electrocution and can be installed by an electrician. (See chapter 1 for more detail on how they work.)
4.	Fire extinguishers. A multipurpose dry chemical class ABC type is the best fire extinguisher for home use. Keep one in the kitchen, one in the bedroom, one near the fireplace, and one in your car. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to use them. Check the extinguishers periodically and replace them when they expire.
5.	Emergency evacuation plan. Come up with a plan for escaping in a fire and for natural disasters. Make sure everyone in the house participates in the practices.
6.	Flashlights. Keep a flashlight under or near each person’s bed and one in the basement. If you live in an area with frequent power failures, buy a few of the kind with a large base so they don’t have to be hand held if the power is off for several hours. Check batteries every few months and store a supply of extra batteries where you can find them easily.
7.	First aid kit. See chapter 1.
8.	List of emergency phone numbers. See chapter 1.
9.	Shutoff valve tags. Label the turnoff valves for gas, oil, and water and clearly mark the main electricity shutoff. Know how to use each in case of emergency.
10.	Grab bars. Since falls are among the leading causes of home accidents, and bathtubs are among the slipperiest surfaces, anchor grab bars into the wall studs in tubs and showers.
11.	Slip-resistant finishes. Use nonslip mats or strips or decals in bathtubs and showers to help prevent slipping.
12.	Safety glazing. Every glass pane in your house should be shatterproof. Look for a mark in the lower corner showing the manufacturer’s name and type and thickness of safety glass. Don’t forget shower and patio doors.
13.	Handrails. Indoors or outdoors, every staircase in your home should have secure handrails on both sides.
14.	Step stool/utility ladder. Keeping a lightweight, sturdy step stool in an convenient spot will decrease the likelihood of anyone taking chances standing on a chair or other dangerous perch.
15.	Sufficient lighting. Help prevent falls with nightlights near bedrooms and bathrooms. Keep interior and exterior stairways and walkways adequately lit.
16.	Tested appliances. Every electric and gas appliance in your home should carry the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or American Gas Association (AGA) designation.
17.	Safety goggles. These are an absolute necessity when using certain tools; they’re also recommended by the NSC for indoor cleaning and garage and yard work.
18.	Survival kit. See chapter 1 for details on what to include.
19.	Childproofing. See chapter 10 for information on how to childproof your home.
20.	Pool safety. Homes with swimming pools should have the following:
	• A four-foot fence with self-closing and latching gate
	• Life preservers
	• Rescue equipment
	• Lockable cabinet for storing pool chemicals
	• Poolside telephone

 What to Keep in Your Medicine Cabinet

When you’re stocking your medicine cabinet, think about common illnesses and discomforts. First shop for those and then add any other over-the-counter medications required by members of your family. If you stock up on the items on this checklist, you’ll be prepared to cope with a wide range of minor maladies. It’s also a good idea to check with your doctor and your pharmacist for other medicine cabinet suggestions.

1.	A fever reducer and pain reliever such as Tylenol or other aspirin substitutes containing acetaminophen. Many medical experts recommend taking nonaspirin remedies for fever and pain because they’re less likely to irritate or upset the stomach.
2.	Ibuprofen. An anti-inflammatory used to reduce pain and swelling. It should be given only to adults because its use has not been proved safe in young children. Advil and Motrin are common brands.
3.	Aspirin. It is wise to keep aspirin on hand in case someone in the house has a heart attack. Aspirin is a blood thinner and chewing one while dialing 911 could save a life. Aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers because its use by young people has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal condition.
4.	Antibiotic ointment for cuts, scrapes, or burns.
5.	Hydrocortisone cream for rashes and other skin irritations.
6.	Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds and disinfecting minor cuts.
7.	Antihistamine (for colds, allergies, itching). Benadryl is the most commonly known name in antihistamines.
8.	Decongestants and cough remedies (suppressants and expectorants) for cold symptoms.
9.	Soothing lozenges for sore throats.
10.	Antacids.
11.	Antidiarrhea medication.
12.	Band-Aids.
13.	Tweezers. (Keep matches nearby to disinfect before using on splinters, ticks, etc.)
14.	Thermometer.
15.	Cotton balls and swabs for applying medication.

 What to Keep in a First Aid Kit

Every family should have at least two well-stocked first aid kits. Keep one in your car and one at home, in a spot where you can get to it easily but small children cannot. (And don’t forget to take the first aid kit when your family goes away on vacation.) Check your kits every few months and replace any missing items or expired medications. Buying a preassembled first aid kit can be a convenient starting point, if you add any items that are on this checklist but not in the kit. Items that overlap with the contents of your medicine cabinet need only be kept in your car kit.

1.	First-aid manual.
2.	Sterile gauze pads (4×4 and 2×2 size) and rolls of gauze for wrapping.
3.	Adhesive tape.
4.	Adhesive bandages in various sizes.
5.	Scissors.
6.	Elastic bandage (Ace, for example).
7.	Safety pins for making slings (you can use a towel, diaper, or other cloth for an emergency sling).
8.	Latex or thin plastic medical gloves.
9.	Peroxide for cleansing wounds and dissolving blood stains.
10.	Antiseptic liquid or ointment (Betadine, polysporin, etc.) and antiseptic wipes (these might be best for an automobile kit).
11.	Small plastic bags to make ice packs (keep ice on hand in the freezer; or a bag of frozen vegetables will work as an ice pack in a pinch.)
12.	Benzocaine spray for minor burns and abrasions.
13.	Hydrocortisone cream for minor inflammatory skin conditions (get a doctor’s diagnosis if condition lasts more than twenty-four to forty-eight hours).
14.	Benadryl or other antihistamine tablet to relieve itching.
15.	Ibuprofen. Many doctors now prefer it to aspirin or Tylenol for fever and recommend ibuprofen for children under twelve, who should avoid aspirin.
16.	Saline eye drops. Keep a large bottle to flush chemicals or foreign matter from eyes.
17.	Tweezers. (Keep rubbing alcohol or matches nearby to disinfect them before use.)
18.	Thermometer.
19.	Mouthpiece for administering CPR. These can be purchased from your local Red Cross chapter. They range in price (and sophistication of design) from $2 to $12. They are sometimes given free to those who take rescue breathing (CPR) classes.
20.	Cotton swabs for applying ointment or cleaning small areas.

If you plan to keep syrup of ipecac on hand to induce vomiting in cases of accidental poisoning, talk to your doctor, who can advise you when not to use it. In certain situations, such as loss of consciousness or ingestion of caustic substances, it can be dangerous. Never administer ipecac until you’ve called your poison control center and discussed the situation with an expert.

 What to Keep in a Disaster Kit

The secret to coping as calmly as possible with an emergency is to be ready before it happens. Earthquakes, hurricanes, blizzards, and other natural disasters are unnerving enough. When they cut off access to power, water, groceries, and other necessities, they can be both frightening and disorienting. But if you’ve stockpiled essentials ahead of time and coached your family on disaster preparedness, you will have as much protection as you can.

A 30-gallon trash can, a large plastic storage bin, or any other durable, reasonably light container with a tight-fitting lid will make a fine disaster kit. Store the kit in a garage, basement, or any out-of-the-way place that is large enough to accommodate it and reasonably easy to get to. (You won’t want to climb into the attic in some types of emergencies.)

1.	Tools. Pipe and crescent wrenches, screwdriver, crowbar, and any tools required to turn off utilities if necessary. Ask your utility companies how to turn off gas, water, and electricity in an emergency. Don’t turn off the gas unless you’re certain there is a leak. You may have to wait days to have it restarted by the gas company.
2.	Heavy protective gloves.
3.	Candles and matches. Keep them in a watertight container within the kit.
4.	Battery-operated radio.
5.	Flashlight.
6.	Extra batteries for radio and flashlight.
7.	Fire extinguisher.
8.	“Swiss Army” knife.
9.	Can opener.
10.	Eating utensils.
11.	Disposable plates (paper, Styrofoam, or plastic).
12.	Aluminum foil.
13.	Plastic trash bags.
14.	Extra blankets. You can buy emergency foil blankets (which store very compactly) at camping or sporting goods stores.
15.	First-aid kit (see chapter 1).
16.	Personal items. Pack toothbrushes, toothpaste, razor, combs, soap, and other items your family will want for personal hygiene.
17.	Warm clothes and sturdy shoes. The shoes can be especially important if floors are covered with broken glass. A heavy sweater for each family member will come in handy if your home is without heat. If you live in an earthquake zone, keep your sturdy shoes under the bed in case a quake hits at night. If you need to be prepared for a severe weather disaster or an evacuation, store the shoes and warm clothes near the top of the kit where they’ll be easy to get to.
18.	Money. Hide enough cash to get your family by for at least three days. See chapter 1 for “Best and Worst Places to Hide Valuables.”
19.	Nonperishable food. Store enough prepared food that doesn’t need heating to feed your family for at least three days. It’s a good idea to choose foods your family enjoys (and to include candy bars and other treats) to keep morale and energy up. To keep your emergency stash fresh, rotate the food (including canned goods) into your pantry at least every year and substitute with newly purchased items.
20.	Bottled drinking water. One gallon per person, per day for at least three days is the rule of thumb. Store water in airtight containers and keep the jugs away from gasoline or other products with poisonous fumes. Replace the stored water twice a year (changing the water when you turn your clocks for daylight savings will help you remember to do it) and use the old water to drench the garden.
21.	Bleach or disinfectant tablets. If water has been contaminated with bacteria, you can purify it by adding a teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water or disinfectant tablets according to the manufacturer’s directions.

BE PREPARED

•	To prepare for a possible evacuation, put important family documents together in a small plastic container and know the location of the mementos and heirlooms you would grab if authorities ordered you to leave immediately.
•	Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full at all times and fill it up at the first mention of possible severe weather.
•	To prepare for any disaster, designate an out-of-state relative or friend to be called in case the household gets separated. That way, each person will know the others are accounted for, even if they can’t get in touch with them right away.