Build Your Own Disaster Kit at Eisenhower Saturday

Written by Carisa Giardino

Nassau County residents can assemble free disaster preparedness kits on Saturday during a special event at Eisenhower Park beginning at 7 p.m.

While supplies last, the kits will include a hand-crank radio/flashlight, water bottle, dust mask, garbage bags and hand sanitizing wipes, among other items.

Research from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found that 85 percent of Americans are not prepared for potential disasters, which inspired The Allstate Foundation and Points of Light to bring "Good & Ready," an online and on-the-ground emergency preparedness program, to East Meadow.

The event is intended to help the community prepare for disasters, including hurricanes, extended power outages, house fires and floods. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Atlantic hurricane season peaks between mid-August and mid-October.

“The peak of the hurricane season is almost upon us and it’s important to remain prepared for hurricanes through November," Joe Nimmich, FEMA associate administrator for response and recovery said in a press release on the NOAA's website. "Make sure to review your family emergency plan, check that your emergency kit is stocked and consider insurance options."

The Allstate Foundation and Points of Light are working in partnership with Ready.gov, the American Red Cross and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes to support the Good & Ready program.

“This Good & Ready event is about helping people be more prepared for life’s uncertainties,” Allstate agency owner Christina Shaw said. “Everyone in the area can take simple steps to get prepared for a disaster, including spending a few minutes to build a kit that could be invaluable in the case of an emergency.”

Two steps to help your family prepare for a disaster:

Step 1: Build a disaster preparedness kit

If disaster strikes, you’ll want to have supplies to help you and your family (including your pets) survive for at least three days. Your disaster preparedness kit should contain these basic supplies: 

• Water (one gallon per person, per day)
• Ready-to-eat, nonperishable food (for family members and pets)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Moist towelettes and plastic garbage bags with ties (for sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers
• Local maps (to locate emergency services and shelters)
• Extra batteries

For a complete list, click here.

• Emergency contact names and numbers — mobile and landline (As an extra precaution, everyone in your family should program “In Case of Emergency” or ICE contacts in their mobile phones so emergency personnel can contact them if needed)
• Family meeting place in your neighborhood and an alternative meeting place in the region
• Personal details for each family member (date of birth, important medical information, recent photos)
• Addresses and phone numbers of the places family members frequent on a regular basis (work, school)
• Contact information for medical providers (doctors, pharmacist, veterinarian)
• Important medical and insurance information, including photocopies of your medical insurance card(s)

For a fill-in-the-blank household emergency plan and cards to download, print and keep close at hand, click here.

For more information, visit www.GoodandReady.org.