Emergency Preparedness for Students

Growing up, many students had parents who took care of their emergency preparedness and food storage.  Now that you are away at college, you are on your own.  Many students don’t worry about having an emergency plan because of cost, space or time but it is vital that each student take responsibility for themselves in case of an emergency.

While it may not be feasible to have a whole three month to one year food storage supply, student can have a 72-hour kit.  72 hour kits can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be.  For a student, a good amount would be what you can fit in a large backpack.  This can then be stored under your bed or in a closet without taking up too much space. 

A few things to consider having in your kit include:

• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food.  A good rule of thumb is to go through your food every six months and rotate it out.  General Conference is a good time to do this.
• Good choices include food in a can with a pop tab for easy access Other good choices include foods that don’t need to be cooked such as tuna, ravioli, and canned fruit.  Protein bars, and a few treats such as a bag of cookies or your favorite fruit snacks may come in handy as well
• As much water as you can!  Large amounts of water can be stored outside of the backpack but try to squeeze a few bottles in the bag or in its outside pockets.
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A first aid kit
• A whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes and garbage bags for personal sanitation
• A small toothbrush and toothpaste
• A complete change of clothing (don’t forget your socks!)
• A few basic tools such as a pair of pliers or hammer
• A laminated card with your basic information as well as contact information for family or friends outside of the region
• Spare cash

There are many other items that can go in a 72 hour kit.  If you take a medication regularly, check into having a spare dose.  Other health supplies needed could include an extra pair of glasses and feminine hygiene products. You may also want copies of important documents such as a birth certificate. 

BYU-Idaho has a plan ready in case disaster should strike.  Each semester or so, the university sends out emails to all students as part of the emergency plan.  Follow the instructions given so that you will know if an emergency happens.  The school also has a text messaging system set up in the event of an emergency.  Recently, this system had to be utilized to notify students of a winter power outage on campus and in the community.  Because of the cold temperatures, the system notified students of a building that was open and heated in case they needed refuge from their apartment.  It also let students know that classes were cancelled and at what time they were to resume.

The church has numerous resources to give you tips on how to build your emergency preparedness.  Check out the following website for ideas as well as talks and articles on the subject:

http://www.lds.org/search?lang=eng&query=emergency+preparedness

This week, take some time to create your own emergency plan.  If you are on a tight budget, try purchasing one item for your kit per week and by the end of the semester you will have a full-fledged 72-hour kit.  

Sources:

Carlile, B. (2013, April 15). Emergency preparedness on a small scale. Retrieved from http://universe.byu.edu/2013/04/15/emergency-preparedness-on-a-small-scale1/

Jan. [Web log message]. (2012, July 9). Retrieved from http://www.thetipgarden.com/2012/07/emergency-preparedness-72-hour-kit-for.html

rjones34. (2010, September 16). Being prepared, even as a student. Retrieved from http://bepreparedutah.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/being-prepared-even-as-a-student/

www.lds.org

Pictures:

http://idisaster.wordpress.com/category/social-media-and-disaster-preparedness/

http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product3_715839595_10557_21004_-1__195503