Preparedness Calendar
This calendar is intended as a tool to help you prepare for disasters before they happen. After you purchase an item or complete an activity, check the box next to it.
| Month 1 | Purchase: Water -3 gallons per person and pet Hand-operated can opener and bottle opener Instant drinks [coffee, tea, powdered soft drinks] 2 flashlights with batteries |
Activities: |
| Month 2 |
Purchase: |
Activities: Change battery and test smoke detector [purchase and install a detector if you don't have one] Videotape your home, including contents, for insurancepurposes. Store the tape with friends or family who live out of town. |
| Month 3 | Purchase: Canned fruit 3 cans per person Any foods for special dietary needs [enough for 3 days] 2 rolls of toilet paper per person Crescent wrench[es] [or utility shutoff tools] |
Activities: Conduct a home fire drill Check with your child's day care or school to find out abouttheir disaster plans Locate gas meter and water shutoff points and attach/store wrench or shutoff tool near them Establish an out-of-state contact to call in case of emergency |
Your supplies may be stored together in one large container, such as a garbage can on wheels, or several small ones Food items could be kept on a specific shelf in the pantry.
| Month 4 | Purchase: Canned vegetables -4 per person Extra baby bottles, formula, and diapers, if needed Extra pet supplies, food, collar, leash Large storage containers[s] for preparedness supplies |
Activities: Place a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight under your bed so that they will be handy during an emergency Place a supply of prescription medicine[s] and date if not already indicated on its label Start putting supplies in storage container[s] and include blankets or sleeping bags for each family member |
| Month 5 | Purchase: Canned, ready-to-eat soup - 2 per person Liquid dish soap Plain liquid bleach Portable am/fm radio [including batteries] Antibacterial liquid hand soap Disposable hand wipes |
Activities: Make photo copies of important papers and put in the storage container Talk with neighbors to find out who may have skills or training that would be beneficial after a disaster [i.e., first aid, child care, amateur radio, tree removal, small engine repair, heavy equipment operations, wilderness survival, light rescue, carpentry] |
| Month 6 | Purchase: Quick-energy snacks [granola bars, raisins, peanut butter] 6 rolls of paper towels 3 boxes of facial tissue Sunscreen Anti-diarrhea medicine Latex gloves, 6 pairs, [to be out with the first aid kit] |
Activities: Check to see if your stored water has expired and needs to be replace [Replace every 6 months if you filled your own containers Store bought water will have an expiration date on the container] Put an extra pair of eyeglasses in the supply container Store a roll of quarters with the emergency supplies and locate the pay phone nearest to your home Find out about your workplace disaster plans |
Examples of Food Items:
Select based on your family's preferences
Pick low-salt, water-packed varieties when possible
Canned meats: tuna, chicken raviolis, chili, stew, Spam, corned beef, etc.
Vegetables: green beans, corn, peas, beets, baked beans, carrots, etc.
Fruits: pears, applesauce, mandarin oranges, pineapple, etc.
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Month 7
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Month 8
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Month 9
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Month 10
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Month 11
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Month 12
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