Ilonggos are Urged to Prepare a 72-hour Emergency Kit

Residents of the city are urged to put together a survival kit (K-KIT) with enough equipment and supplies to cover their needs for 72 hours in case of an emergency or disaster. This is one good practice to promote preparedness and risk reduction concepts to the city local residents.

Disasters like earthquakes can occur at any time without prior notice, according to Donna Magno, director of the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CRDDMO), who made the statement on Saturday, December 31.

“It might occur at any time. We always stress to the public that there is a sense of urgency because we never know when it will occur, she added in an interview.

What is a 72-Hour Emergency Kit?

In a general definition, “This comprehensive kit includes supplies for shelter, first aid, hygiene, lights, and water. Two adults can survive on the chosen items for 72 hours. If you need to spend some time outside in the rain, there is a water-proof emergency shelter included that you can sit within.”

Composition of an Emergency Kit (Taken from NDRRMC website):

1. Portable battery radio and flashlight with spare batteries
 
2. Candles and matches
 
3. Potable water and water purification tablets 
 
4. First aid kit
 
5. Non-perishable food like cereals, dried or canned foods
 
6. Can opener. 
 
7. Necessary things for an Infant/child; warm clothes, milk, baby bottle, thermos flaskā€¦
 
8. Sleeping bags or blankets, warm clothes.
 
9. Personal hygiene items
 
10. Masking tapes for windows
 
11. Basic tools such as ropes, screwdrivers, etc
 
12. Games for children 
 
13. List of emergency phone numbers
 
14. Identification and important papers 
 
15. Certain amount of money.  

The kit has to be checked and replenished every three months and stored in an area that can be easily accessed in case of emergency.