September is Emergency Preparedness Month, and Chief John F. Sullivan and the Brookline Office of Emergency Management (OEM) would like to remind residents of the importance of having both a home emergency kit and a “Go-Bag” ready.
Brookline’s Emergency Management Team encourages community members to set aside time this month to create a Go Bag for themselves, their family members and their pets with essential items like medications.
All throughout September, Brookline OEM is reminding residents of the importance of being ready, being safe and being informed in order to stay safe when emergencies arise.
An evacuation order can sometimes come unexpectedly, and so Brookline OEM encourages residents to be ready by having a go bag packed at all times.
Have a Go Bag Ready Having a go bag standing by can save valuable time if the need to evacuate arises. The Brookline Office of Emergency Management suggests the following considerations when assembling go bags:
Remember the essentials
- a first-aid kit;
- flashlights;
- extra batteries;
- a battery-operated transistor radio;
- medications;
- some form of entertainment, like a book;
- ny item you cannot go without for days at a time.
Consider family and pet needs
A go bag should include items for everyone, including children, those with medical conditions and pets. Remember to pack items like:
- baby food;
- food for those with dietary restrictions;
- special toys or books for children;
- extra eyeglasses and hearing aids;
- battery chargers;
- medicine;
- oxygen;
- insulin;
- other medical supplies;
- copies of important documents, including prescriptions, doctor’s orders and insurance information;
- pet food;
- pet medications and supplies;
- a list of hotels in the area that accept pets.
Elder residents should be sure to use a rolling bag or other bag that they can carry themselves in the event of an evacuation.
Build an Emergency Kit
Not every emergency necessitates an evacuation, but they can still cause interruptions to essential utilities. As a result, having an emergency kit ensures you have the items you need at a moment’s notice during a significant incident or severe weather. An emergency kit should contain:
- Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days, plus water purification tablets.
- Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that do not need cooking (ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, or juices, protein or granola bars, cereal, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, baby food, comfort foods).
- Tools and Supplies: Manual can opener, Radio (battery-powered or hand crank), flashlight or lantern, extra batteries, cell phone with charger, wrench, pliers, and other basic tools.
- Personal Items: Prescription medications (two-week supply), personal hygiene items, eyeglasses, contact lenses, dentures, extra batteries or supplies for medical equipment, change of clothes, sturdy shoes.
- Pets: Collar, leash, harness, crate, food, bowls, current photo, license and medical information.
- Documents: Insurance policies, bank account records, identification cards (IDs), medical information, and other copies of important documents.
- Money: Extra cash and traveler’s checks (ATMs may not work during a power outage).
- Other Items: First-aid kit, emergency whistle, waterproof matches / lighter, local area maps, diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food and supplies (if needed).
You should also consider including items like a watch or clock, household chlorine bleach, a camp stove or grill, disposable plates, cups and utensils, duct tape, seasonal items to protect against the elements, books, games, puzzles and other comfort items, as well as sleeping bags or blankets.
Visit here for a full emergency kit checklist.
Learn More at Brookline Day
Members of the Emergency Management Team will be available at Brookline Day, Sunday, September 10, 2023, to answer questions and provide guidance about go bags and emergency preparedness.
They will also be providing materials to help residents develop a File of Life, which first responders are trained to look for when responding to a medical emergency at a home. A File of Life contains important information and documents, including emergency contacts, medications and medical conditions.
For more information about preparing for emergencies, please visit here.
