Case Study Response

Disaster Supplies Kit

When out on a tour, hurricanes and other disasters can come on fast and create critical and unforeseen situations. In our case, a minimal hurricane is expected, but cannot warrant the cancellation of the tour. Nevertheless, unlike major hurricanes, known for causing catastrophic damage along the coastline and hundreds of miles inland (FEMA, 2014), the hurricane is only estimated to force the crew into uncharted desert isles before help arrives. By tagging along the right disaster supplies kit with us, it will help us survive the tough periods that accompany hazards as recommended by FEMA (n.d).

Safe Drinking Water

Drinking water is safe for keeping the body hydrated. FEMA (n.d) recommends that the disaster supplies kit should contain water that can last every individual for at least three days. It is also not safe to tag along caffeinated beverages, as they tend to dehydrate the body faster than plain drinking water.

Food

Stock at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable items such as canned foods, high-energy foods with a mixture of cereals (FEMA, n.d). Such foods are better because they do not require preparation and are high in nutritional value. The foods should also not need refrigeration to stay fresh to prevent them from going stale for the time we will be trapped in isolation. Such foods include ready-to-eat canned meat, canned fruits, juice, and milk, high-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, candy bars, and sweetened cereals among others.

First Aid Kit

When disasters strike, it is possible for people to get hurt. Keeping a well stocked first aid kit will come in handy in case someone suffers an injury. The kit will be assembled at home and include all the essential items that may be required.

Sanitation

Sanitation ensures that good hygiene is maintained to avoid serious illness or to extend the injury. For proper hygiene, it is import to bring along items such as toilet paper, soap, hand wipes, and personal hygiene items.

Whistle to Signal for help

Although it may be hard for people to hear a whistle especially if the location is far offshore, it is important to have the item as it may help signal to someone and get us help.

Manual can opener

A manual can opener, in this case, will help in opening the canned food.

Flashlight and Extra Batteries

When disasters strike, it is hard to predict when they will calm down and get help. A flashlight will help light up during the night, and the extra batteries assist in providing more source of energy in case the current batteries are depleted. As it is, a flashlight is as good as a number of batteries to keep it powered on, and a generous supply will come in handy. 

Cell Phone with Power Bank

A mobile phone will help in alerting the emergency departments and our family and friends about our location. However, without enough power, it might just turn out to be as useless as not having one. Power banks will provide the much-needed power supply in case the battery is drained.

Emergency Hand Crank Radio

In the face of disasters, the weather forecasters may estimate the expected damage but may fail to give the exact details of the damage. An emergency hand radio will keep us informed in case the disaster exceeds the estimated limits and in case we should expect more.

Local Maps

A local map is a vital resource that would help us navigate to safety in case the emergency rescue people fail to turn up on time. The map will include all the major features of the area we are touring and the safety locations to camp in the face of a disaster.

References

FEMA. (2014). Are you Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness. Retrieved from: https://www.fema.gov/pdf/areyouready/areyouready_full.pdf

FEMA. (n.d). Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit. Retrieved from: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1390846764394-dc08e309debe561d866b05ac84daf1ee/checklist_2014.pdf