Emergency Kits

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Local Emergency Information

Are You Ready?

If we experienced a natural disaster or other emergency, how long could your family sustain itself? Typical Maine emergencies include floods, ice storms, blizzards, and severe summer storms, and all have the potential to limit access to utilities, services and transportation.

Sagadahoc County is ahead of the curve when it comes to regional preparedness planning, for both natural and human-related disasters, and pandemic flu. The county’s Emergency Management Agency is working on various communications plans for transferring information without using travel, electricity, and/or towers. They are advising basic needs providers like utility companies, supermarkets and hospitals, and helping them create emergency plans to maintain public services. The Bath Police Department has trained their officers and given them the information and authority to continue civic services in a declared emergency. City and county public health officials are also increasing public awareness and education to help residents prepare for themselves.

Being prepared for an emergency means that you and your family can continue to meet your basic needs if you cannot travel and experience loss of public services such as electricity (including loss of refrigeration), water, fuel service or heat, information access, and other necessities. The more supplies you store, the longer you can remain comfortable without help.

A basic disaster kit should supply your family for a minimum of three days, while pandemic flu planning suggests supplies for a minimum of two or three weeks, in case of quarantine. This kit should be kept in a single, easy-to-reach place so you can access it quickly if you need to leave your home. Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy to carry containers, such as a duffel bag, backpack, or storage container. Re-check your kit every 6 months to replace expired foods and water, and account for growing children and other family changes. Also consider having small, portable kits in your car, workplace, or other places you spend time.

Preparing an emergency kit may seem time-consuming, and it may be an additional cost to your family, but it is worth it. In the event of an emergency you will have what you need to survive and keep your family safe. We have seen on the news what a disaster looks like - we know the difference between being prepared and being caught off guard. That difference changes lives.

Local government is doing their part to plan for the region. We hope you will continue to be aware of upcoming information and urge you to prepare for your own family’s basic needs.

Samples of homemade emergency kits:

A home emergency supplies kit would include the following:

3-day supply of non perishable food kept in a cool dry place. Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect it and extend its life. Choose foods that do not require refrigeration, cooking, or special preparation; avoid foods that will make you thirsty and opt for canned foods with a high liquid content. Consider ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans and soups; protein or fruit bars; crackers, dry cereal or granola; peanut butter or nuts; dried fruit; canned juices.
3-day supply of water. The most reliable drinking water for storage is unopened bottled water. If bottling your own water, be sure to sanitize bottles completely, date them, and replace them every six months. Have one gallon of water per person, per day.
Extra clothing for each person, including a jacket, long pants, long sleeve shirt, sturdy shoes, hat, mittens and scarf, and a sleeping bag or warm blanket. We live in a cold climate, so it is important to think about warmth.
a can opener, eating utensils, and a safe way to heat food or water with no electricity.
Portable radio with extra batteries. NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert for weather-related emergencies.
Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb.
Matches in a waterproof container.
First aid kit and manual. For a pandemic flu kit, include additional cleansing agents, a thermometer, pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, cough and cold remedies, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
Sanitation and hygiene items: soap, hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, toilet paper and feminine supplies.
Telephone that works when electricity is off, a whistle to signal for help.
Garbage bags for trash to keep area sanitary.
Cash and coins, photocopies of personal information, important documents and credit cards in a waterproof container.
Special items: prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, hearing aid batteries.
Items for infants such as formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers.
Supplies for pets, including food and additional water.
Other tools and supplies: extra fuel and/or supplemental heating devices, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, local maps, games, cards or other activities for children.

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