How to Prepare for an Emergency

One sure thing about New Jersey winters? Lots and lots of snow. Get ahead of the game and gather everything you need for your family in case the weather takes a turn for the worse

One sure thing about New Jersey winters? Lots and lots of snow. Get ahead of the game and gather everything you need for your family in case the weather takes a turn for the worse and there are power outages.

  • Water—at least a three-day supply, or a gallon per person per day
  • Food—at least a three-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-make food 
  • Flashlight  
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio  
  • Extra batteries—especially hard-to-find-in-a-storm sizes, like Ds  
  • First aid kit  
  • Medications (a seven-day supply) and any medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, syringes, glasses or contact lenses)  
  • Personal hygiene items: face wipes, toilet paper, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc.  
  • Cellphone and charger 
  • Copies of personal documents (birth certificates, insurance policies, passports, deed/lease for home, proof of address, medication list and important medical information)   
  • Family and emergency contact info  
  • Extra cash  
  • Baby and pet supplies (make sure to have plenty of diapers and wipes!)  
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home  
  • Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery  
  • Warm clothes—coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots, extra blankets  
  • Alternative heat sources, like portable heaters or wood for the fireplace in case your primary heat source is compromised    
  • Gas for your generator, if you need it

—Source: American Red Cross

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