VERMONT HOMELAND SECURITY UNIT

Increase your awareness - Be aware of your surroundings. Take precautions when traveling, don't accept packages from strangers or leave your luggage unattended. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Learn where emergency exits are located. Also, think ahead about how to evacuate a building, subway or congested public area in a hurry.

Report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.
Better educate yourself on all hazards that pose a risk to you.

Plan for an event - Know what your options are following an event. Will you stay at home, where will you go if evacuated, where will your family meet if not together and how will they communicate? Identify a rally point if your family gets separated. Identify an out-of-state contact for each member of your family to notify of their situation and status after an emergency.

Be prepared for any hazard - Following any disaster, natural or man made, services will be disrupted and everyday conveniences will be affected. Be prepared with food, water, shelter, clothing, first aid and medication… anything your family will need to survive comfortably for at least 72 hours.

Staying calm in an emergency can save your life. It is very easy to say but hard to do. If you have planned ahead for emergencies, trying to stay calm may be easier thank you think. Follow your emergency plan. First, check for and treat injuries. Then, check for damage, fires, gas leaks and other h.azards using a flashlight. Don't light matches or candles. Don't turn on electrical switches - sparks could cause an explosion.

Stay informed by listening to a battery operated radio, and follow instructions issued by authorities. Do Not call 911 unless you have a life and death emergency.
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72 Hour Family Emergency Kit

The 72 Hour Emergency Kit should be individually tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family for 3 days to a week. Most families prefer to store their emergency supplies in one location that is safe yet easily accessible. Items may be stored in a 32 gallon trash can, suitcase, duffle bag, backpack or individual packs.

Recommended items include:
- battery powered radio
- first aid kit and manual
- sleeping bags and blankets (wool and thermal)
- waterproof/windproof matches
- non-perishable foods (ready to eat goods in un breakable containers such as canned meats, juices, fruits and vegetables, powdered milk, infant care foods, crackers, peanut butter, freeze dried and dehydrated foods)
- flashlight
- water storage (1 gallon per person per day)
- water purification tablets
- utility knife
- emergency candles
- extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
- essential medications
- extra clothing
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  Sanitation Kit
  - plastic bucket with tightly fitted lid
  - plastic bags and ties
  - disinfectant
  - improvised toilet seat
  - paper cups and plates, plastic utensils
  - personal toiletries, personal hygienic needs
  - baby supplies
  - aluminum foil
  - paper towels
  - soap
    
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    Other Emergency Needs
    - pen and paper
    - money
    - address and phone numbers
    - work gloves
    - basic tools
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      Standard First Aid Kit
      
      first aid manual
      
      aspirin or pain relievers
      
      laxatives
      
      rubbing alcohol
      
      diarrhea medicine
      
      petroleum jelly
      
      soap
      
      salt
      
      gauze
      
      band-aids
      
      triangular bandage
      
      elastic bandage
      
      cotton balls
      
      safety pins
      
      scissors
      
      thermometer
      
      sanitary napkins (used for pressure dressing)
      
      disposable diapers (used for dressing/splint/padding)
      
      micropore adhesive and paper tape
      
      matches
      
      needles
      
      tweezers
      
      small splints (popsicle sticks)
      
      heavy string
      
      syrup of Ipecac
      
      individual medical needs
      
      baking soda (1/2 tsp soda + 1 tsp salt + 1 qt water for shock)
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      Car Survival Kit
      
      always maintain at least ½ tank gas
      
      first aid kit and manual
      
      class ABC fire extinguisher
      
      radio and batteries
      
      non-perishable food stored in a coffee can
      
      bottled water
      
      bag of sand, shovel and tools
      
      blanket or sleeping bag
      
      sundry kit containing paper and pencil, map, tissues, premoistened towels
      
      flashlights and batteries
      
      reflectors and flares
      
      waterproof matches and candles
      
      jumper cables
      
      When assembling emergency supplies for the household, include items for pets. Help your neighbors with special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans for childcare in case parents can't get home.
      
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