Go Bag Pro is a supplier of approved emergency kits and is member of the Ypsilon Group, West Hollywood, CA 90069.
We sell handy 72-hour emergency kits, with the international logo and seal of approval, in Europe and USA. Our blog and newsletters also provide information and news updates on national and regional 'disasters, such as flooding, prolonged electricity outages, and gas and water supply interruptions.
While it's impossible to know when you'll need an emergency kit, the word "preparedness" is the most important. When disaster strikes, you may find yourself unable to get outside help and relying on the rations and supplies you have on hand.
In that case, foods with a shelf life of several years and supplies in a first aid kit, such as light sources, fire-making tools and other supplies, are literally lifesavers. But buying an emergency kit is only the first step in preparing yourself and your household for a proper response to a crisis.
What are emergencies?
Wherever people live and work, something can suddenly happen that disrupts the daily routine. It can be a minor incident, for example indoors or near you. But it can also be a major incident in which casualties can occur, such as a prolonged failure of electricity, gas or water, a serious traffic accident, a major fire, extreme weather or the release of hazardous substances.
What can happen in your area?
Anything can happen anywhere in the world. Also near you. Some emergencies are not location-bound and can take place anywhere, others, on the other hand, are highly dependent on a certain location. To gain a better insight into the location-related risks, we mapped out which risks occur at which locations (such as a gas station, LPG/GPL/Propane gas filling station or a fireworks/ammunition storage facility).
Make sure you are well prepared
Whether you live alone or have a family, it is always smart to be well prepared for an emergency. For example, by putting together an emergency kit and informing you about risks in your environment.
With an emergency kit you are better prepared for disasters, calamities or emergencies. Buying or putting together an emergency kit is simple and inexpensive. You probably already have most of the stuff at home.
A power failure, broken gas pipe, fire or dike breach. A chemical factory that explodes or even a terrorist attack. We can also be confronted with emergency situations any time. You can read how to prepare for this on our website.
Good preparation can be vital. Especially when you are less able to manage yourself in daily life. Can you move less quickly, or is it more difficult to absorb information? Then make sure you are extra vigilant and prepared, so that you know exactly what to do in an emergency.
A major fire or traffic disaster. A wave of illness, flood, power outage or even a terrorist attack. You don't always have to notice this. But what if such a disaster does strike you? Good preparation can be vital. Especially when you are less able to manage yourself in daily life.
Are you less able to move around, or do you take in information with more difficulty? Then make sure you are extra vigilant and prepared, so that you know exactly what to do in a crisis. Are you advised to stay indoors? Then make sure you can save yourself at home for a few days.
In the event of an emergency, it may be that the power fails for a while, the heating stops working or no water comes out of the tap. It is useful to prepare for this, because you will not always receive immediate help from the emergency services. So you may have to fend for yourself for a few days. Always have an emergency kit with you. You can put together an emergency kit yourself or buy it ready-made on our websites.
* Radio, tuned to the disaster station.
* Flashlight with extra batteries.
* First aid kit with first aid manual.
* Matches in waterproof packaging.
* Tea lights, candles
* Warming blankets.
* Warning whistle.
* Stock of the medicines you are taking on a doctor's prescription.
* Cash and copies of ID and insurance papers.
* Spare keys to house and car.
* Map of the area, a car map and a list with the telephone numbers and addresses of possible hiding places.
* Three liters of water per day per person, for at least three days.
* Stock of non-perishable food for at least three days (plus a can opener if the food is canned).
* Stock of personal care items: toilet paper, wet wipes, soap, detergent, sanitary towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes.
* Light rain poncho per family member.
* Something to carry drinking water with (bottle or jerry can).
* Special tools and consumables (e.g. hearing aid batteries).
* Do you have an electric wheelchair? Then make sure you always have batteries and a manually operated spare wheelchair at home.
If there is an emergency, you will usually be alerted by the siren. Then go inside, close doors and windows, and listen to the disaster transmitter. Sometimes the government warns you in a different way, for example via sound trucks. Then do exactly what is asked of you. Can't hear the warning? Then agree in advance whether your neighbors will inform you and keep you informed of what is going on. Ask bystanders on the street for more information and if necessary if they want to help you.
If necessary, the central government can demand broadcasting time from the public broadcasters in the event of a national disaster. In the event of an emergency, the government can also choose to provide more information via the disaster channel. If there is an emergency in your area, this is the regional broadcaster. Ask your municipality to which frequency you should tune your radio, or look at the disaster transmitter overview . Also keep an eye on teletext, e-mail, mobile phone or news ticker.
Your municipality may have other ways to warn you or keep you informed in the event of an emergency. For example, via a text message on your mobile phone.
* Ask your municipality if you can register, so that it is known that you need extra help in an emergency.
* Make sure you have an emergency kit at home.
* Always carry emergency medicines and important (medical) information with you.
* Always wear an SOS tag with information about your disability for emergency services.
* Do you have kidney dialysis equipment or oxygen administration? Then know what to do in case of an emergency and where to go for these facilities.
* Keep in mind that a guide or care dog may become confused or disoriented during an emergency.
* When entering a building, first check where the emergency exits are.
* Think about who to turn to if you have to leave your home.
* Ask if you can really turn to this person.
* Inform family, friends and acquaintances of the reason you are less self-reliant.
* Register with the municipality as a volunteer for disaster drills.
* Close doors and windows.
* Listen to the regional radio station.
* Keep an eye on television (teletext), SMS, e-mail, pushmail, internet or news tickers.
* Turn off your mechanical ventilation system or – if there is no other option – set it to the lowest setting.
* Inform family, friends and acquaintances about your situation.
A network of neighbours, family, friends, personal carers and colleagues is very important in an emergency situation. You can discuss your disability with them and ask them in advance if they want to help you. Tell them what help you expect from them. Make clear agreements about this and discuss your measures with them. Also in case you need to evacuate. Make sure a trusted person in the area has a key to your house, knows where you keep your emergency kit and what your medication is. Ask your network if they want to notify you and keep you informed if there is an emergency.
You may have to leave your home unexpectedly in an emergency. You can indicate in advance how. Discuss this with those who want to help you if something happens. Give short and clear instructions about the help you need and take measures in advance. You can also put your evacuation plan on paper. For example, do you want to go down the stairs in a wheelchair or do you prefer to have your medicines with you? In your plan you write down all your personal wishes. Discuss these wishes and practice your evacuation plan once a year with those in your network who will assist you.
* Listen to the advice of local aid workers and authorities.
* Inform them about your disability.
* Please contact the person with whom you can stay.
* Only take essentials with you (cash, your medicines, health insurance card, IDs and copies of insurance papers).
* Shut off gas, water and light.
* When you leave, close doors, windows and ventilation systems in your home properly.
* Wear sturdy shoes and closed clothing.
* Bring toiletries, blankets and extra clothes.
* Do you have a guide dog? Bring enough food and water for your dog.
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