At ITS Environmental Services, the safety of our customers is our number one priority. Information is crucial when it comes to protecting your family, loved ones and your employees. We have included several resource pages on our website to provide information concerning various natural and environmental disasters.
It’s essential to take steps to prepare for a natural or environmental disaster before one happens. We may not always have sufficient time in advance to make preparations, and some disasters happen unexpectedly. We listen to weather reports to know when a storm or hurricane is coming. But, there are other events that may occur without any warning, or with little time to prepare. For that reason, it’s important to take steps now.
Natural catastrophes, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes occur throughout the year with devastating consequences. Accidental man-made disasters, such as chemical spills, can also occur and without any warning.
The current Coronavirus pandemic has increased the importance & necessity to be prepared for any type of disaster that could strike. Early action is the best way to protect your family, loved ones and employees.
There are certain essentials that should always be available such as a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, medicine, information on evacuation routes and shelters, flashlights and extra batteries, backup chargers, gasoline for your car and generator, a prepared emergency bag if you need to leave your home urgently.
An emergency bag can be packed and stored for use when a natural, environmental or accidental disaster happens. You should regularly check your supplies and refresh items to avoid expiration. Make certain that you have the essential items that you and your family will need if you are unable to return to your home for a few days or possibly longer. Below we have provided a list with some of the items you may want to include in your emergency bag.
When a disaster happens, it’s critical that you’re ready to take action immediately, and can be a matter of life and death. You do not want to be trying to pack a bag in an emergency and unsafe situation. Preparing an emergency bag will save critical time in getting to a safe place.
Items that you might want to consider including in your emergency bag include:
1. Personal needs
Toiletries, first aid kit, baby wipes, multipurpose knife, can opener, and other personal needs that you require on a daily basis and that can fit in an emergency bag that can be easily carried and stored.
2. Coronavirus safety supplies
Face masks, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, soap, paper towels… During the current pandemic, these are additional essential items that you will need to help keep you and your family safe.
3. Clothing
Pack clothing to last for a few days. Include layers you can add or remove, plus lightweight rain gear and waterproof boots.
4. Medicine
Pack prescription medication to last for a few days and until you can get to a pharmacy. If you need larger items, such as an oxygen tank, make sure you have a portable version.
5. Paperwork
Fill a zip-top waterproof bag with photocopies of your birth certificate; driver’s license; Social Security and Medicare cards; power of attorney and will; any marriage, adoption or naturalization certificates; proof of address; insurance, medical and immunization records; and information about your credit and ATM cards.
6. Food and drink
Bottled water is essential. Granola or energy bars are small and can provide sustenance until you’re able to have a larger meal.
7. Cash
In addition to enough money for a few days, include small bills and a roll of quarters for certain machines that you may need to access such as vending machines and some air pumps.
After the event has passed, make certain that your home is safe before returning and entering.
If it’s safe to stay home, it’s also imperative to have essential supplies available and ready quickly. Flashlights, batteries, backup chargers, non-perishable food, bottled water, a battery operated radio, gasoline for your car and generator, cash, medicine, toiletries…
Sit down with your family and make a list of the essential items you will need, as well as an emergency plan. Set up a schedule to go over your emergency action plan and items of need. Do not become complacent. Having an emergency plan, essential supplies and an emergency bag if you need to leave your home, are imperative to helping keep you and your family safe.
Please review our other resource pages for additional information, and consider researching – how to prepare for an emergency event.
The safety of our customers is our top priority. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us anytime. We are here to help.