CDPH Encourages Residents to "Pledge to Prepare" by Making a Kit during National Preparedness Month

Residents encouraged to take action by making an emergency kit-and then sharing their kit with others

Efrat Stein efrat.stein@cityofchicago.org

For Immediate Release

September marks the 9th annual National Preparedness Month and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is raising awareness about the importance of being prepared in an emergency by asking residents to “pledge to prepare.” Residents can take the pledge by making their own emergency kit that includes essential supplies.

National Preparedness Month, led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeks to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to work together and take action to prepare for emergencies.

“There are simple steps that every Chicagoan can perform to make themselves, their family and their community more prepared, like making an emergency kit,” said Dr. Bechara Choucair, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. “Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is critical to keeping you and your family healthy and safe.“

After an emergency large or small, there is a good chance that the services you are accustomed to having will be unavailable, such as phone, electricity, gas or water. No utilities may mean no heat, no clean water, no street lamps and no access to cash at ATMs. CDPH wants residents to be prepared to keep themselves and their families healthy and safe for up to three days without basic services. CDPH is encouraging residents to be ready by having emergency supplies all in one place by building a disaster supplies kit.

During the month of September, CDPH is asking Chicagoans to share “what’s in your kit” by snapping a picture of it and emailing it to healthychicago@cityofchicago.org. Participants also can tweet a photo to @ChiPublicHealth or tag us in an Instagram photo @ChiPublicHealth.

CDPH will post the photos to its facebook page to share with its followers at www.facebook.com/ChicagoPublicHealth.

Here are some tips on making a kit:

Create an emergency kit with supplies for each household member for at least three days. Items that should be included in a kit are water, non-perishable food, medications, a first aid kit, and important documents.
Make sure to include the basics such as food and water, sanitation supplies and clothing. A good start would begin with:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation—don’t forget about your pets!
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charge

Other advice includes, making a sheet of health information. Include a list detailing prescription information for yourself and your family members. Include your doctor’s name, dosage and usage instructions. List the names of your doctors and their contact information as well as where you can access health services, such as a hospital or clinic. Remember to include your health insurance information, too.

More information on making a kit is available on CDPH’s website http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/public_health_preparedness/individual_and_familypreparedness.html

There are also ways people can get involved in their community by registering now to be a volunteer. Both medical and non-medical volunteers are always needed.

Volunteering in your community:

Chicagoans can volunteer to help their neighbors by becoming a Medical Reserve Corps or Community Emergency Response Team volunteer. Both groups are seeking medical and non-medical volunteers, who desire to donate their time and expertise. Volunteers assist in community and faith-based events, public health emergencies and local disasters. Find out more at medicalreservecorps.gov or http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/oem/provdrs/edu/svcs/become_a_cert_volunteer.html