The possibility of a public health emergency such as a natural disaster, act of terrorism or disease outbreak, is a concern for some Kentuckians. You can take steps now to help you prepare for an emergency and cope if an emergency happens. To help you prepare, we’ve provided step-by-step actions you can take beforehand to protect yourself and your loved ones. Having an emergency supply kit and a family communication plan are vital in all types of emergency situations.
Get a Kit, Make a Family Communication Plan and Be Informed
If a disaster strikes in your community, you might not have access to food, water or electricity for several days. You may think you will have time to run to the grocery store; but, stores quickly sell out of important supplies following emergency warnings. Unfortunately, about half of adults in the United States do not have the resources and plans in place for a possible emergency. Preparing emergency kits for your family is an important step in keeping them safe and healthy during a disaster.
Pack an emergency supply kit. Here's what you'll need:
At Least a 3-day Supply of Food and Water
- Water - one gallon per person, per day
- Food - foods that are easy to make and won't spoil, like canned soup, dry pasta, and powdered milk
- Manual can opener
- Basic utensils to prepare and serve meals
Health Supplies
- 3-day supply of all medicines, at a minimum
- Medical supplies like syringes, a walking cane, or hearing aids with extra batteries
Personal Care Items
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Baby wipes
- Contact lenses or glasses
Safety Supplies
- First aid kit
- Emergency blanket
- Multipurpose tool (that can act as a knife, file, pliers, and screwdriver)
- Whistle
Electronics
- Flashlight
- Radio (battery-powered, solar, or hand-crank) for updates on the situation
- Cell phone with chargers
- Extra batteries
Documents
- Copies of important documents such as insurance cards and immunization records
- Paperwork about any serious or on-going medical condition
- Your completed family emergency plan, complete with family and emergency contact information. (Another great idea is to keep spare keys, maps and some cash in your kit)
Poison Control Hotline (800) 222-1222
In an emergency, citizens may call at any time seven days a week, 24 hours a day. This hotline will be available during the first six days of a public health emergency or biological/chemical terrorist attack.
Other Important Phone Numbers
- District Health Departments
- Disease Reporting Hotline 888-9REPORT
- Emergency and DUI Hotline (800) 222-5555
- State Police Public Affairs Office (502) 695-6300
- Kentucky State Police Missing Persons Hotline (800) 543-7723
- Kentucky Traffic and Travel Information (In-state toll-free) 511
- (Out of state toll-free) (866) 737-3767
- Road/Weather Information (800) 459-7623
- Division of Emergency Management (800) 255-2587 or (502) 564-7815