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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2024 | 11 roughout 2023 the EPAP articles focused on being prepared, all with the objective of having each Sun Lakes Country Club resident ready in the event of a major emergency. Starting in 2024, we are now going to concentrate on how to be prepared. Being prepared will reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. Preparing for disasters will also save lives, speed up recovery and can save money. We are going to look at what you will need to have, how to gather, and how or where to store the items you have gathered. First on the list is the Go Bag. We have mentioned the Go Bag many times in the prior articles. But what is it exactly? Your personal emergency Go Bag is not the same as an Emergency Residential Kit. e Go Bag is a small, personal container packed and ready to grab when you must leave your residence. When we look at a Go Bag we normally see a backpack. But one thing to keep in mind is if you cannot move your car out of the garage or off the street, you may need to walk, which means you will have to carry your Go Bag. As mature adults we may want to consider a small suitcase, backpack, or grocery cart with wheels. is will make it easier to move and walk with, and will take the strain off our bodies. What should you pack and keep in your Go Bag? First of all, choose the best Go Bag for you. Remember, you will need to li it into your car or in the worst-case scenario, walk out with it. Your Go Bag should have the following items: • Most importantly, water. We suggest enough for three to seven days. • Food – nonperishable and ready to eat. You may need a can opener too. • Clothing – at least one set of seasonal items and consider layers. Don't forget at least three pairs of underwear and socks, face coverings or masks, shoes … the one you are wearing and an extra pair and a poncho or windbreaker. ey are light but provide protection. • Personal Items - Toiletries, toothbrush and paste, moist towelettes, an extra pair of glasses or contacts, garbage bags, and a light sleeping bag/blanket or an emergency blanket. • Personal medication (we will touch more on this in a later issue) and a small first-aid kit. • Phone charger and power bank or inverter. • Flashlight and radio. Battery-operated or hand-crank plus extra batteries. • Identification, important documents, emergency plan and contact information. • A whistle, small notepad and pen, and cash (small bills). Items in the Go Bag should be rotated seasonally. is way all the supplies are up to date. ~ Janis Rice, EPAP PIO EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE PREPARED

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