The District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) has launched a redesigned web site today in the hopes that it will help D.C. residents better prepare for emergencies. The site, called 72hours.dc.gov, lists emergency resource information by topic, much like the previous Emergency Information Center web site, and offers four relatively simple steps the city hopes each of us will take now, before an actual emergency happens. The steps are 1) Get informed (through the new web site), 2) Make a Plan, 3) Make an Emergency “Go” Kit and 4) Be aware (!).
The following list are items the District thinks you should have on hand in your Emergency “Go” Kit. How many do you have?
* At least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store in sealed, unbreakable containers.
* A three-to five-day supply of non-perishable canned food, and a non-electric can opener
* Flashlight
* Battery-powered or hand crank radio
* Extra batteries
* Wrench and/or pliers to turn off utilities
* Whistle to signal for help
* First Aid kit
* Prescription medications for at least one week
* List of family physicians, important medical information, and the style and serial number of medical devices, such as pacemakers
* Cell phone charger
* Extra set of eyeglasses, or contact lenses and solution
* Rain gear, sturdy shoes, and a change of clothing
* Blankets, bedding, and/or sleeping bags
* Identification, credit cards, cash
* Photocopies of important family documents including bank and home insurance information
* Extra set of car and house keys
* Local maps
* N95 dust masks to help filter contaminated air
* Plastic sheeting, duct tape, and scissors to shelter in place
* Tools: screwdrivers, waterproof matches, a fire extinguisher, flares, plastic storage containers, needle and thread, pen and paper, a compass, garbage bags, moist towelettes, and regular household bleach
* Special items for seniors, family members with disabilities, infants, and young children
* Change batteries in all your equipment at least once a year. An easy way to remember is to do it when you turn your clocks back in the fall.
A quick survey of DCist HQ reveals that we are ill-prepared for the coming apocalypse. Here we’d always thought we’d definitely be among the few survivors, but a lack of moist towelettes, plastic sheeting and an N95 dust mask has us rethinking our chances.
Also on the site is a tool that allows you to enter your address to find your best evacuation route out of the city. The city has also published new ward-specific evacuation guides – though we could only find a guide for Ward 8 to download directly from the web site. If you’d like a guide for a different ward, you can contact HSEMA at (202) 727-6161 or email ema@dc.gov.
