The First 72 Hours

September 2, 2010

Disaster Planning According to FEMA: A few years ago FEMA released a statement about disaster planning...

You can find it here.


If you don't want to read the entire statement, I will summarize what they recommend you have on hand the first 72 hours.

FEMA states that the first 72 hours after a disaster are the most critical as electricity, gas, water and phones may not be working or working properly. FEMA recommends people be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days following a disaster.

What does self-sufficient mean?

Able to live without running water, electricity/gas and telephones.


FEMA recommends keeping the following on hand:

  • Food: plenty of NON-PERISHABLE food for each person for at least 72 hours
    • Non-Perishable does not mean go out and buy milk and eggs.
    • Non-perishable: crackers, peanut butter & fluff, possibly bread (this is perishable, but will usually hold for 1 week), ramen noodles, mac & cheese, rice, pasta & spaghetti sauce, granola bars, dried fruits & nuts, dry cereal, canned goods, chocolate, gatorade mix or bottled gatorade
  • Water: each person should have AT LEAST a gallon a day for 72 hours, but if possible, a week. Buy iodine tablets or chlorine bleach to purify water if necessary (unless you purchased bottled water).
  • First aid kit: well stocked w/bandages and disinfectants, baby wipes are good to have with this if you don't have running water
  • Fire extinguisher: make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it
  • Flashlight with extra batteries: keep one near your bed and a few other areas in your house. DO NOT use matches or candles unless you are POSITIVE there are no gas leaks.
  • Weather Radios with battery backup. TVs & phones may not be working; the radio may be the only way to know what's going on
  • Miscellaneous: blankets, clothes, shoes, CASH.
  • Alternative cooking sources: grill or camping stove - will help cook food such as mac & cheese, ramen, etc
    • Use crackers, marshmallows and chocolate to cook smores over a grill or camping stove - this will lighten everyone's mood! :)

What do you do if you own a business?Well, planning & preparation BEFORE the storm is key.Please see the below link about disaster recovery services offered by Agility Recovery Services.Link: Agility Recovery Services
Murray & MacDonald Insurance Services has planned & prepared - we have contracted with ARS in the event of a disaster. The below link demonstrates how Agility Recovery Services was there for businesses and their clients during the disaster that was Hurricane Katrina five years ago.
We want our clients to know, we will be there if there is a disaster. People buy INSURANCE to protect their physical assets in the event of a catastrophe or disaster.
We will not close our doors, we will have internet and phone service, we will be here to service our clients.