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6 | LIFE IN SOLERA | JANUARY 2023 | Solera CERT Cadre As we start a New Year, some of us are formulating resolutions. By the way, what is a New Year's resolution? To most of us, it is making a goal to start taking daily walks, going for bike rides, or even running. Just something to get you up and move a little more often. We at Solera CERT recommend that you become more prepared. Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or be confined to your home. What would you do if your basic services — water, gas, electricity, or communications — were cut off? Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. Even if you have physical limitations, you can still protect and prepare yourself. Local officials and relief workers may not be able to reach everyone right away. You can deal with disaster better by preparing in advance and by working with those in your support network: your family, neighbors, and friends as a team. Let's Build a "Disaster Supplies Kit" Disasters can happen at any moment. By planning ahead, you can avoid waiting in long lines for critical supplies, such as food, water and medicine and you will also have essential items if you need to evacuate. • For your safety and comfort, have a disaster supplies kit packed and ready in one place before a disaster hits. • Assemble enough supplies to last for at least three days. • Store your supplies in one or more easy-to-carry containers, such as a backpack or duffel bag. • You may want to consider storing supplies in a container that has wheels. • Be sure your bag has an ID tag. • Label any equipment, such as wheelchairs, canes or walkers, that you will need with your name, address and phone numbers. • Keeping your kit up to date is also important. Review the contents at least every six months or as your needs change. Check expiration dates and shift your stored supplies into everyday use before they expire. Replace food, water and batteries, and refresh medications and other perishable items with "first in, first out" practices. Basic Needs and Supplies (check off ) Water — one gallon per person, per day (three-day supply for evacuation and two-week supply for home) Food — it is a good idea to include foods that do not need cooking (canned, dried, etc.) (three-day supply for evacuation and two-week supply for home) • Flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs (do not use candles) • Battery-operated or hand-crank radio • First-aid kit and manual • Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items • Multipurpose tool (several tools that fold up into a pocket-sized unit) • Sanitation and personal hygiene items (toilet paper, plastic garbage bags) • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies) • Cell phone with an extra battery and charger(s) • Family and friends' emergency contact information • Cash and coins (ATMs may not be accessible) • Emergency blanket • Paper map(s) of the local area • Whistle (to attract the attention of emergency personnel) • One change of clothing • Manual can opener • Pet supplies (including food and vaccination records) • Extra set of keys (car, house, etc.) • Pack of cards to provide entertainment This article was brought to you by Ray C. Gayton-Jacob, coordinator for the City of Beaumont CERT program at Solera. https://www. solera-cert.info. ~ Ray C. Gayton-Jacob, ray.n6kzm@gmail.com DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: For Seniors By Seniors Take responsibility to protect your life! Prepare NOW for a sudden emergency

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