Washoe County residents should assemble an emergency kit

County Emergency Manager reminds residents how to prepare for an emergency.

Reno, Nevada. Sept. 6, 2016. September is National Preparedness Month and Washoe County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is reminding residents what to do to prepare for disasters and emergencies. Each week in September, Washoe County Emergency Management is distributing personal preparedness tips to help people prepare by making emergency plans, getting involved, assembling emergency kits and staying informed.

Preparedness Tip #1: Make an Emergency Kit: An emergency kit is simply a collection of basic items you may need in the event of an emergency. The items in this kit will be necessary if you will need to shelter-in-place or evacuate. Assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency, and update annually. Store supplies in easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags.  Include items such as:

• At least a 72-hour supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
• At least a 72-hour supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food. Learn more about putting together an emergency stockpile with healthy food at:  http://www.getreadyforflu.org/new_pg_advice_healthystockpile.htm
• Non-electric can opener
• Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for every person in your household
• Blankets and/or sleeping bags
• First aid kit and prescription medications
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries
• Credit cards and cash
• Extra set of car keys
• List of important family information
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
• Style and serial number of medical devices
• Don’t forget Fido and Fluffy! Include dry pet food, kitty litter, medications and water

For more information about building your emergency kit, please visit: https://www.washoecounty.us/em/preparedness/AssembleKit.php.